Slacker has released the G2 portable Internet radio player that works wirelessly with the Slacker.com Internet radio service.

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With the Slacker G2, Slacker introduces some key navigational, design, and usability improvements to its second-generation portable radio player. That said, it's still a flawed device--though far less flawed than its predecessor. It's also a ...

All-free music via Slacker online service Great for music discovery, band info, fresh tunes

Controls are a bit testy Poor audio quality at low levels

If you already use Slacker's online service to build your stations and discover new acts, you'll find that the G2 is a vast improvement over the last piece of Slacker hardware. I would recommend this device to certain people I know, but not to ...

Microsoft's newest Zune has an innovative twist on music discovery, and it's a worthy alternative to the 120GB iPod Classic. Staff Writer Ginny Mies takes a look.

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Diminutive flash-based MP3 players may have a physical advantage, but they don't address the needs of users who prefer to carry their entire music and media library on one device. Microsoft's latest hard-drive-based Zune player, the Zune 120GB, ...

Intuitive interface and controls Wireless browsing, FM tuner

Most new features require subscription Plastic front prone to scratches

For anyone looking to exit Apple's ecosystem, the Zune 120GB stands as an attractive option. For the same price as you'd pay for the iPod, you get the same amount of storage plus the bonus of FM radio and a larger screen. And if you don't mind paying ...

The Zune 120GB is a worthy alternative to the iPod Classic, but many of its cool new features come at a cost.

Wireless browsing, FM tuner ; Intuitive interface and controls

Plastic front prone to scratches ; Most new features require subscription

For anyone looking to exit Apple's ecosystem, the Zune 120GB stands as an attractive option. For the same price as you'd pay for the iPod, you get the same amount of storage plus the bonus of FM radio and a larger screen. And if you don't mind paying ...

When PC World reviewed Microsoft's previous Zune flash player last fall, we questioned whether support for wireless and for video was overkill on a device that holds only 8GB of content. This fall, Microsoft addressed the storage limitations by adding ...

Wireless browsing, FM tuner Intuitive interface and controls

Bulky compared to other flash players New firmware not preinstalled

Other updates include Audible.com audiobook support, a couple of free games (Texas Hold 'Em and a puzzle game), and a home-screen clock

With its checkered, multihued design, Creative Zen's Mozaic looks pretty slick. Regrettably, this flash-based media player (which is available in black, gray, or pink) is stronger on style than on substance. I found its buttons unintuitive and its ...

Includes external speakers Offers a nice array of features

Buttons are small Video playback can be awkward

Overall, the Mozaic is a solid offering at a good price, but you may have to do some fiddling to get its features to operate smoothly

The latest iPod Nano combines the larger screen of the third-generation Nano with the slender design and vibrant colors of the second-generation models. Taken as a whole, the fourth-generation iPod Nano marks the further evolution of an already-strong ...

Very slim and lightweight Voice recording support

No FM tuner Must rotate unit on side to watch video

Once again, Apple put together a great media player with the new iPod Nano. New/old shape aside, however, it is a fairly minor update with only a couple of interesting new features. But like iTunes 8, the new iPod Nano doesn't venture far into ...

The second-generation iPod Touch adds speaker and volume controls--and delivers one of the most polished media players available at a lower price.

Includes a Web browser and Wi-Fi ; Beautiful design, easy to operate

Expensive

The Touch remains a tremendous and innovative device, with enticing features, unparalleled ease of use, and plenty of expandability through the App Store. As attractive as it is, though, I still believe it has room to improve. New features coupled ...

With its latest iteration of the iPod Touch, Apple has added two highly coveted features--external volume controls and a speaker--and lowered prices, too. However, the Touch's physical changes are incremental, and they don't bring the device up to the ...

Includes a Web browser and Wi-Fi ; Beautiful design, easy to operate

Expensive

The Touch remains a tremendous and innovative device, with enticing features, unparalleled ease of use, and plenty of expandability through the App Store. As attractive as it is, though, I still believe it has room to improve. New features coupled ...