Version: 2008
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Tune in: Six MP3 players with great FM radios

Jasmine France Jasmine France, Senior Associate Editor September 16, 2009

Sure, you've loaded a fabulous collection of digital audio tracks onto your MP3 player, but what to do when your tunes begin to sound just a bit too familiar? That's where an FM tuner comes in. In many places, FM radio still offers plenty of worthwhile content for your listening pleasure, and it can provide a refreshing break from your regular rotation. Plus, it's a great extra to have at the gym, allowing you to tune into the TVs and take your mind off that vigorous workout.

So, if you're not among the uberdiligent who always remember to sync up their players for fresh content, be sure to pick one with an FM tuner onboard. Unfortunately, although many players come with this nifty feature, not all of them deliver quite as advertised. In fact, we've come across a few that cut in and out of even the strongest frequencies. But don't fret. There are several players available with decent FM tuners; in fact, I easily found six with great-sounding radios. Not only that, but each of the players here offers an autoscan function and at least 10 preset slots, so you won't have to fumble around finding your favorite stations. Moreover, several of them, such as the iPod Nano and Zune HD, offer RDS and song tagging.

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Product name
Price $198.99 to $199.99 Check Prices $151.88 to $152.99 $133.98 to $149.99 $99.99 to $103.65 $269.98 to $309.99
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating 0 stars 0 stars
Review date April 07, 2009 August 06, 2008 March 10, 2009 September 14, 2009 September 01, 2009 September 18, 2009
The Bottom Line The Samsung P3 is an excellent multimedia device that packs a grand amount of features into an impressively compact package with one of the best screens available. Plus, it sounds superb, making this a top contender for audio enthusiasts. The Creative Zen Mozaic offers great bang for your buck as far as MP3 players go: get super sound quality, a boatload of features, and a cool interface--all wrapped in a funky design at an ultralow price. The Cowon D2+ is a sturdy little touch-screen MP3 player with flexible sound enhancement settings and useful features, but it hasn't changed much from the original version we saw in 2007. No other MP3 player on the planet packs more features, from video to a pedometer, into a smaller package than the overachieving Apple iPod Nano. The Sony S-Series Walkman is a solid entry-level MP3 player thanks to its ultra-affordable price tag, easy-to-use design, excellent performance, and fair smattering of features--but those who are looking to upgrade from the previous generation will not be impressed. The Zune HD delivers one of the best portable music and video experiences money can buy. At a time when many people have shifted their focus to games and applications, providing a killer media experience may not be enough for potential Zune buyers.
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Features
Dimensions (WxDxH)4 in x 0.4 in x 2.1 in
1.6 in x 0.5 in x 3.1 in
Info unavailable1.5 in x 0.2 in x 3.6 in
2 in x 0.4 in x 4 in
2.1 in x 0.4 in x 4 in
Resolution480 x 272
128 x 160
Info unavailable240 x 376
240 x 320
480 x 272
Mfr estimated battery life30 hour(s)
32 hour(s)
Info unavailable24 hour(s)
42 hour(s)
33 hour(s)
PC interface(s) supportedBluetooth
Hi-Speed USB
Hi-Speed USB
Info unavailableHi-Speed USB
USB
Wi-Fi
Hi-Speed USB
Flash memory form factorIntegrated
Integrated
Info unavailableIntegrated
Integrated
Integrated
Flash memory installed16 GB
8 GB
Info unavailable8 GB
8 GB
32 GB
Battery technologyLithium polymer
Lithium ion
Info unavailableLithium ion
Lithium ion
Lithium ion
Weight3.4 oz
1.5 oz
Info unavailable1.3 oz
0.2 lbs
2.6 oz
Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
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