This MP3 player packs lots of advanced features into a minimalist design, but its sound quality is a bit disappointing.

Simple design, yet has advanced features Unique look

Lack of a screen makes navigation difficult Mediocre sound quality

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

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 $15...

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 menus n...

Offers a nice array of features Includes external speakers

Video playback can be awkward Buttons are small

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 med...

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 previously...

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 lev...

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 lo...

After a few delays and a lot of grassroots hype, the Slacker Portable Internet radio is finally available. Starting at $200 for the 2GB model, this ambitious music-only device features a 4-inch wide screen, built-in Wi-Fi, and an excellent Web service. Th...

Informative 4-inch screen Innovative concept

Limited storage Buggy navigation interface

Even with all the bugs, it's hard not to love the Slacker independent approach to things. It doesn't do video at all, but this is an ambitious player. Slacker's Web-based music service is great and accurately matches your musical tastes to tunes you'll li...

The Creative Zen X-Fi is a stellar all-around digital music player, boasting many features that stand up nicely to the latest versions of Apple's iPods. The X-Fi has great sound, superb headphones, an amazing feature set, expandable storage via an SD card...

Nice features, sound, earbuds, and price Networking and streaming capabilities

Plastic body feels cheap, but durable Small screen for video and photos

Minor issues like the chat malfunctions can't take the shine off of the Creative X-Fi. It's an outstanding digital music player that rises to the top with ease. The masses may continue to think iPod first when they need a new MP3 player--but the X-Fi is a...

On the outside, SanDisk's flash-based Sansa Fuze MP3 player looks like the iPod Nano; on the inside, however, it packs a lot more functionality.

Slim, compact design Expandable memory

Video playback isn't crisp

The Fuze is a worthy competitor to the Nano--and an even better choice if you're looking for a flash player with expandable memory, an FM tuner, and a lower price tag

Gadget lover's player may lack Wi-Fi, but it has lots of other features, supports a wide array of formats, and accepts SD Cards.

Feature-heavy, SD Card slot for instant memory upgrades

One-handed operation a little tricky, Skimps on bundled accessories

, but it's a great choice for gadgeteers and audiophiles alike. If the 16GB's $150 price tag is too rich for your blood, buy a lower-end Zen and make up the difference with SD Cards

Compact video-enabled player is a jack-of-all-trades but master of none.

Very inexpensive

Kludgy menu system, Only plays WMV video

The 105 does many things, but none of them really well. I'd recommend this player only for someone who doesn't want to spend a lot of money for a device to multitask with music, videos, and photos. The Archos 105 would be a good first player for a careles...