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Unlike the iPod, many MP3 players include dynamite voice recorders right out of the box--no accessories required. For this list of recordable MP3 players, we considered the quality of the recordings, the simplicity of the recording controls, line-input recording options (there comes a time when you just need to use a serious microphone), memory expansion, battery life, and recording time.
With these considerations in mind, the Cowon S9 is the total package, offering tons of recording options and long-lasting battery life. The S9 records from an internal mic, FM radio, or stereo line input (with optional adapter). Recording-quality settings can be adjusted, topping out at a WMA-formatted 128Kbps.
The Samsung U5 is the best proof we've seen that you don't need to spend a lot of money on an MP3 player just to get a decent voice recorder. For $40, this little USB-stick audio player makes impressive, clean recordings, saved conveniently as 128kbps MP3 files.
Also note that if you own one of the current generations of iPods, you can outfit any iPod Nano (4G), iPod Classic (2G), or iPod Touch (2G) with a pretty decent voice recorder for the cost of a $30 pair of headphones. Check out our list of top iPod microphone accessories for more details.
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| Product | Cowon S9 (16GB) | Samsung U5 | SanDisk Sansa Fuze (2GB, black) | Samsung P3 (8GB, black) |
| Price | Pricing is currently unavailable. | $112.17 to $147.75 | $86.99 to $113.08 | $305.34 |
| CNET editors' rating | 3 stars | 3 stars | 4 stars | 4 stars |
| Average user rating | 4 stars | 3.5 stars | 3.5 stars | 3.5 stars |
| Release date | December 19, 2008 | May 11, 2009 | March 17, 2008 | Info unavailable |
| Bottom line | The Cowon S9 is a sexy-looking gadget with exceptional audio and video quality, but its construction quality and user interface pale in comparison to the competition. | If you're looking for a small, practical MP3 player to throw in your gym bag, the Samsung U5 is a great option that won't break the bank. | The SanDisk Sansa Fuze is a great value; a slim design, a simple interface, plentiful features, memory expansion capability, and solid sound quality all come with an easy-to-swallow price tag. | 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. |
| Weight | 2.7 oz | Info unavailable | 2.1 oz | 3.4 oz |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | Pricing is currently unavailable. |
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