(Sep 03, 2008)
Donald Bell
Senior Editor
There's no one-size-fits-all MP3 player that's perfect for everybody. Some people need a small MP3 player for the gym, while others need tablet-size players with wide-screen video playback. Whatever your interests are, these five MP3 players broadly represent our current favorite portable music gadgets.
If you're looking for your first MP3 player and you want to start at square one, then take a look at CNET's MP3 player buying guide.
Apple iPod Touch (32GB)
Apple's iPod Touch is expensive, but there's no beating it when it comes to design and features. Wi-Fi applications such as email, web browsing, maps, weather forecasting, and wireless music downloads from Apple's iTunes store, put the iPod Touch on the bleeding edge of portable media players. With its 3.5-inch screen and support for iTunes movie rentals, TV shows, and video podcasts, the iPod Touch is the most video-friendly iPod yet.
Price: $453.00 - $499.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best flash memory MP3 players
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Microsoft Zune (second generation, 80GB, black)
The second-generation, 80GB Zune from Microsoft offers tremendous value for the money, as well as innovative features such as wireless sync, RBDS FM radio information, Wi-Fi music sharing, and subscription music support (Zune Pass). We know the Zune name was dragged through the mud last year, but the second-generation Zune 80 does not disappoint.
Price: $240.51 - $249.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best hard drive MP3 players
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Archos 605 WiFi (30GB)
If you're looking for an MP3 player that also makes for a fantastic portable video player, the Archos 605 WiFi is one of the best values around. With it's touch screen interface, gorgeous high-resolution screen, and integrated wireless video and music downloads, the Archos 605 WiFi is one of the best portable distractions money can buy. If you frequently find yourself on the road or in the air with nothing to do, consider the 605 a must-have.
Price: $249.95 - $338.63 (check prices)
Filed in: Best portable video players
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Creative Zen V Plus (4GB, black)
One of the first flash-memory players to break into the 16GB range, the Creative Zen V Plus packs a monster wallop into an ultracompact space, and the vivid OLED display is viewable from any angle. Features include an FM radio, voice and line-in recording, photo and video playback, and compatibility with subscription WMA tracks.
Price: $92.38 - $102.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best small MP3 players
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iRiver Clix (4GB, second generation)
The iRiver Clix is the perfect slim and sleek MP3 player for those who find the iPod Nano too stifling, but the Toshiba Gigabeat too bulky. This player comes packed with extras such as an FM radio; a voice recorder; an alarm clock; support for subscription content as well as OGG and Audible files; and photo, video, and text viewing. The Clix includes SRS Wow sound effects, it has good battery life, and it's priced competitively.
Price: $189.99 - $189.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best flash memory MP3 players
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