====== Getting Started - tl;dr version ====== You're interested in MiniDisc. Here's what you need to know. [[guides:getting-started|Read the full guide.]] {{$equipment:sony:portable:mz-n505.equipment.image}} The [[equipment:sony:portable:mz-n505|Sony MZ-N505]], a good choice for a first device. * You should [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCK89V4NpJY|watch this video]] * It covers the format extensively * It can be expensive * The hardware is 15-30 years old * Many devices have since failed * You may need to buy several devices * You should start with a [[equipment:sorting:netmd-portable|NetMD portable]] * These can connect to a PC to copy music * There are [[guides:webminidisc|modern ways to copy music]] that are very convenient * They are later model devices that are small and have long battery life * You should shop around to find a deal * There is a lot of variety in MD prices * Different regions have different availability * Use eBay and [[guides:buyfromjapan|Japanese auction sites]] * You need discs as well * Discs should be cheap - no more than US$3-4 per disc * They are reliable and can be re-recorded thousands of times * Test your equipment once it arrives * Look for [[guides:repair:common-issues|battery corrosion (leaking)]] * Use [[accessories:modern|new batteries]], as old ones have failed * Join the community * Speak to us on [[about:contact|Discord, Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram]] * [[about:contributing|Add your experiences, reviews, and photos]] to the wiki * Expand your collection * Add [[equipment:sorting:all?flt[equipment.type*~]=deck|a deck]] or [[equipment:sorting:all?flt[equipment.release>]=2001&flt[equipment.mdlp*~]=yes&flt[equipment.recorder*~]=player|small portable player (no recording)]] * [[:discs:start|Build a collection of discs]] and [[resources:labels|label them]]