(Nov 19, 2009)
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 (third generation, 32GB)
Apple's iPod Touch offers so many features, it seems almost inappropriate to call it an MP3 player. From games, email, Web browsing, music, movies, and more, the third-generation iPod Touch runs rings around the competition, and the open-ended development of the App Store can bring nothing but improvements.
Price:$269.99 - $279.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best flash memory MP3 players
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Apple iPod Nano (fifth generation, 8GB, green)
The fifth-generation iPod Nano is easy on the eyes and the wallet, and you can't beat its hardware and user interface design. Cool new features such as tilt-control, Genius playlists, and a video camera, raise the standard for ultraportable MP3 players.
Price:$134.99 - $139.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best flash memory MP3 players
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Zune HD (32GB - platinum)
The Zune HD's brilliant OLED display, HD Radio tuner, long battery life, movie rentals, and subscription music integration finally give iPod expatriates something to shout about. One the best portable music and video experiences money can buy.
Price:$289.00 - $289.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best flash memory MP3 players
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Sony X-Series Walkman (16GB)
Thanks to excellent sound quality, integrated noise-canceling functionality, an S-Master digital amp, and several smart music sorting options, the Sony X-Series Walkman is a superb choice for music aficionados. The player also includes an FM tuner, podcast support, and Slacker Internet Radio.
Price:$264.59 - $399.95 (check prices)
Filed in: Best flash memory MP3 players
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SanDisk Sansa Clip+ (4GB, red)
The SanDisk Sansa Clip+ packs a lot of value into a solid, pocket-friendly design with dedicated volume controls and a built-in belt-clip. It's easy to use and offers a plethora of handy features, including a MicroSD card slot, Rhapsody DNA, a voice recorder, an FM tuner, and support for FLAC, Ogg, Audible, and podcasts.
Price:$43.99 - $49.99 (check prices)
Filed in: Best flash memory MP3 players
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