Apple's third-generation iPod Shuffle ($80) will please minimalist-design enthusiasts: Smaller than a USB thumb drive, it is completely devoid of buttons, knobs, and a screen. While it is attractive, the Shuffle's earbud controls and VoiceOver feature ...

Sophisticated, minimalist design VoiceOver is innovative alternative

Earbud controls can be difficult to use Too expensive for the features you get

The diminutive Shuffle packs a generous 4GB of storage. While added storage is always appreciated, I would have liked to see some 2GB Shuffles available at a lower price. For one thing, 4GB might be too much for people expecting to use their Shuffles ...

The iRiver Spinn MP3 is an innovative music player with an eye-catching design and a unique navigation system.

Get our latest content via convenient RSS feeds

Carrying the torch of the Walkman brand name 30 years after the first cassette Walkman was introduced, the Sony Walkman NWZ-S738F is a high-quality MP3 player. The marquee feature is noise-cancellation, which showcases the player's excellent sound and ...

Great sound with noise cancellation Stylish, sturdy build

Can't use headphones with other players Screen too small for video and photos

This is a great player for audiophiles: if you like your music tweakable, clean, delivered via some creative on-board features, and in a slick, durable chassis, the well-priced Walkman NWZ-S738F is a great option. You may want to look elsewhere, ...

The NWZ-S738F's impressive sound quality is enhanced with a noise-cancellation feature and five-band equalizer.

Great sound with noise cancellation ; Stylish, sturdy build

Can't use headphones with other players ; Screen too small for video and photos

This is a great player for audiophiles: if you like your music tweakable, clean, delivered via some creative on-board features, and in a slick, durable chassis, the well-priced Walkman NWZ-S738F is a great option. You may want to look elsewhere, ...

The O2 is an impressive portable video player, but it lacks a few crucial features.

Large, responsive touch screen ; Excellent sound and video quality

Won't play DRM-protected formats ; No ID3 tag sorting

Though it may not have Internet browsing capabilities or much in the way of advanced features, the O2 is a solid portable media player. Thanks to its support for a wide range of file types, you'll spend less time trying to convert videos from one ...

The minimalist Samsung YP-S2 (Pebble) audio player is a fun, inexpensive alternative to the iPod Shuffle. But be prepared to spend some time with its manual: The absence of a screen makes navigating this player's many features tricky.

Advanced features despite simple design Unique and wearable design

No screen makes navigation difficult Mediocre sound

Despite lacking a screen, the S2 Pebble manages to gather an impressive array of advanced features into a minimalist design. And if you'd rather wear your MP3 player as a necklace than as a clip, the S2 gives you a chic way to do it

The Archos 5 touch-screen media player ($350 as of 11/5/2008) offers spectacular video and music playback to go along with its elegant design. It also has a multitude of available accessories and features--which, unfortunately, you have to pay extra ...

Very good audio/video playback Stunning display

Web browser disappointing Some features require payment

The Archos 5 is a beautifully designed portable video player with a stunning screen and very good audio and video playback. Unfortunately, to get the most out of the player, you have to pay extra for accessories and plug-ins, which means the final ...

The 4GB Samsung S3 Slim fills the void that Apple and Microsoft created in discontinuing the iPod Nano and Zune of the same capacity. This slick player isn't as feature-packed as the Nano or the Zune, but it's very affordable and offers excellent ...

Excellent sound quality Interface is easy to navigate

Touch controls can be overly sensitive Hassle to transcode video

To watch video on the S3, you must first transcode your original clips using the Media Studio software, which is a time-consuming hassle. The screen is small at 1.8 inches diagonal; it's a bit smaller than the Nano's display, but the same size as the ...

If you can get past its bulky design and unintuitive controls, the Cowon A3 shines as a portable video player.

Supports many audio and video formats ; Big, 4-inch wide-aspect screen

Bulky design and unintuitive controls ; Limited online music support

If you're looking for a single portable device to carry both your audio and video files, the Cowon A3 probably isn't your best choice. But as a portable video player, the A3 has just about everything you could want--if you can tolerate the tiny ...

The beautiful, fashion-conscious iRiver Spinn is the upscale lounge down the street from the Slacker G2's likable-but-slightly-sketchy dive bar. What the Slacker offers in happy-hour specials (free drinks music!), the Spinn more than matches in ...

Huge, vibrant, and sharp AMOLED screen Beautiful design and solid construction

Navigation is unintuitive at times Mediocre bundled earbuds

The Spinn is an incredibly attractive device whose saucy looks, amazing display, and high-quality audio and video playback are sure to win many admirers. A few usability and navigation issues knock it down a notch, but some of those may disappear once ...