Jasmine France, Senior Associate Editor November 20, 2006
The holiday season is upon us. It's time to stop living in denial, break out the credit cards, and shop 'til we drop. But what of budgeting the holiday spending? For those of us not living on unlimited income, I've rounded up several worthwhile music gadgets to suit a variety of users--and all of them cost less than $100 apiece.
First, we have the ubiquitous iPod, and the only one of those that you're going to find (new) for less than a C-note is the Shuffle. Just about anyone should be able to figure out this simple player, but note that it has only the most basic playback capabilities, and those who are prone to misplacing things may easily lose such a tiny device. Next is the cute and toylike Zen V Plus, which includes video support and an FM radio. (For a cheaper option, try the 1GB videoless Zen V for around $85; for more memory, there's the 2GB version for around $100.) Another feature-packed player is the MobiBlu Cube2, though this little guy has a rather complex interface. Finally, there's the SanDisk Sansa c250 with plenty of features (voice recording, FM radio, photo viewer) and an ample 2GB of memory--just be wary of its sound quality.
If your loved ones already have MP3 players, consider picking up an accessory or three. The Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3 earbuds are an excellent choice for any user, thanks to their superior audio quality, secure fit, and noise-isolating capability. For the frequent traveler, consider the ultracompact Logitech mm32 portable speakers, which can connect to any audio device. Heck, if you're traveling during the holidays, why not pick up a set for yourself? Maybe you can avoid being subjected to a radio alarm clock this season.
More than 5 items were selected for comparison, but only 5 can be displayed at a time. Only the first 5 items you selected are displayed.
| Product name | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 | Pricing not available | Pricing not available | $74.95 | $75.00 | |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||||
| Average user rating |  | |||||
| Review date | January 29, 2007 | June 20, 2006 | October 12, 2006 | November 15, 2006 | February 22, 2006 | |
| The Bottom Line | If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the second-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player. | The Creative Zen V Plus is a superb choice for anyone looking for a compact and feature-filled flash MP3 player with great sound quality. If you're looking for a more sophisticated design (or have large thumbs), look elsewhere. | No doubt the cult of the Cube will continue with this new model, the world's smallest multimedia player. While it doesn't offer an ideal user experience, it makes up for it in style. | Thanks to its exceptional value and user-friendly features, the SanDisk Sansa c200 is an acceptable choice for youngsters and first-timers--but more sophisticated users would be better off shelling out a bit more for a better player. | Ultimate Ears' no-frills Super.fi 3 Studio in-ear headphones deliver a clear, balanced audio response. This set should be your top choice in the $100 price range. | |
| Similar Products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | |
| Features | ||||||
| PC interface(s) supported | USB | Hi-Speed USB | Hi-Speed USB | Hi-Speed USB | Info unavailable | |
| Flash memory installed | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 2 GB | Info unavailable | |
| Flash memory form factor | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Info unavailable | |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | x1.6 in x 0.4 in x 1.1 in | x1.7 in x 0.6 in x 2.7 in | x1 in x 1 in x 1 in | x1.3 in x 0.6 in x 3.1 in | Info unavailable | |
| Weight | 0.6 oz | 1.6 oz | 0.6 oz | 0.1 lbs | Info unavailable | |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | |
| Buying choices | | Pricing not available | Pricing not available | | | |
