workout-friendly model with Flash-based memory that holds
around 100 songs? Or would you rather spend more and get
a larger player with a hard drive that can store your whole
CD collection? To get you started, we've rounded up the top
five MP3 players of each type. We'll start with the smallest
and lightest players and move on to the hard-drive
powerhouses.
Built-in and Flash-based Memory
Apple iPod nano
Still number one in the MP3 player arena, the venerable iPod
family got a new addition in 2005. The pencil-thin iPod nano
is a hybrid of sorts, combining the storage capacity of
a hard-drive player with the skip protection and compact size
of a Flash-based player. It comes in 2 GB (500-song) and 4 GB
(1,000-song) models, both of which boast an impressive
full-color display and Apple's famous click-wheel navigation
system.
iriver T10
Stylish and sleek, with a vivid color display, the iriver
T10 not only supports subscription music services but also
has an FM tuner for when you just want to hear the radio. It
features a voice recorder for your notes-to-self, and its
built-in sport clip makes it a handy workout companion. Like
most Flash-based players, it comes with 512 MB of storage,
or you can get the 1 GB model for about $50 more.
Creative Labs Zen Nano Plus
The Zen Nano Plus from Creative Labs features Line-In
encoding for direct connection to any audio source, so you
can bypass your computer and record music directly from your
CD player. Available in 512 MB and 1 GB models, it also
includes an FM tuner and voice recorder. And while the world
of the iPod nano may be black and white, the Zen Nano Plus
comes in your choice of 10 different colors.
Cowon iAudio U2
The iAudio U2 from Cowon gives you great sound quality in an
elegant little package. It's the first MP3 player to use BBE
Sound System for clear sound and dynamic bass. The super-slim
body comes in blue, red or black, and the four-line bluescale
LCD display will even show you the lyrics to your favorite
songs while you listen. The iAudio has a built-in lithium
polymer battery, which can be recharged through a USB port or
an AC adapter.
Apple iPod shuffle
Incredibly thin and weighing less than an ounce, the iPod
shuffle is a solid choice for exercise enthusiasts or music
lovers on a budget. It has no screen, and its simple
thumb-controlled interface is easy to use. Like being
surprised? The iPod shuffle can connect directly to your
computer's USB port and automatically download a random
sample of songs from your iTunes library. You never know what
you're gonna get!
Maybe you don't think less is more when it comes to music. In
that case, how does storing thousands of songs sound? If
you'd like to carry your entire music library in your pocket,
check out the hard-drive-based MP3 players.
Hard-drive MP3 Players
Today's hard-drive MP3 players offer more than massive music
storage capacity. Most have brightly colored screens so they
can double as photo and video viewers.
Apple iPod
The latest-generation iPod is available in either white or
black, has a high-resolution color screen and plays videos.
With a memory of 30 GB or 60 GB, video iPods have the same
storage capacity as older models but are thinner and lighter.
Enjoy a huge number of songs, audiobooks and podcasts; store
your digital photos and display them on the high-resolution
color screen; or catch up on episodes of your favorite TV
shows, downloaded directly from iTunes.
Epson P-2000
If you want your MP3 player to replace not just your CDs but
your photo albums as well, then check out the Epson P-2000.
This multimedia storage device not only plays videos and
music files, but its humongous 3.8-inch high-res display is
specially designed for photo viewing. Its 40 GB hard drive
can download photos from your digital camera via its memory
card, and it also connects directly to compatible photo
printers.
Toshiba Gigabeat
Speedy downloads are the name of the game with the Gigabeat
series from Toshiba. Transfers are lightning-fast from your
computer's USB port, and a unique feature called CD RipRec
lets you copy a whole CD in minutes, with just the touch of
a button. Its bright color screen can display album covers
while you listen. The Gigabeat is compatible with
subscription music services, and it gives you more memory
options than some of the other players, coming in 10, 20, 40
or 60 GB models.
Sony Network Walkman
Let's say you don't care about viewing photos or videos on
your MP3 player; you just want great-sounding music and long
battery life. Consider the 20 GB Sony Network Walkman, which
can provide up to 40 hours of continuous music playback with
its removable lithium-ion battery. The sound quality is
excellent, and Sony's SonicStage software and Connect Music
Store just might give iTunes a run for its money.
iriver H10
Want a durable MP3 player that will go the extra mile? With
a color screen and 5, 6 or 20 GB of memory, the iriver H10
uses a minimalist touch-scroll interface with few parts that
can jam or break off. It also ships with its own protective
carrying case. Its rechargeable battery can be swapped out
when it gives up the ghost, so the player won't need to be
replaced for years.
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