Why Is MP3 Such A Great Thing?

Since the audio files are in digital format, they can be highly compressed in size. Thus they take much less time to transmit over data lines such as network cable and telephone modems. They can also be stored in electronic format on memory cards and hard drives much easier than normal audio files, taking up much less space than straight audio (.wav files). This makes them ideal for "uploading" to a portable player and taking on the road! Since they are basically just computer data, they can be stored "in memory", rather than needing a CD with its larger, bulkier player. Most current portable MP3 players are about the size of a pack of cards!