Jasmine France,
Senior Associate Editor
June 1, 2009
We've come a long way since the 5GB iPod. Today, you can find pocket-size video players, MP3 players with tiny flash drives offering up to 32GB capacities, even digital audio players built into sunglasses. But one of the most advanced features you can find in today's MP3 players is wireless capability. This is generally split into two categories: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi is the subject here, and the devices that incorporate it represent the cutting edge in MP3 players.
Although every device listed here incorporates 802.11b/g connectivity, not all of them use this functionality in the same way. First up is the Microsoft Zune, which allows users within range of one another to share music. You can also sync content from your PC over a home wireless network as well as download music from the Zune Marketplace when connected to any hot spot. Slightly similar to this is the Haier America Ibiza Rhapsody, which allows Rhapsody subscribers to stream and download tracks wirelessly and lets any user access content from AOL Video and do some basic Web browsing. But for an unmatched Web browsing experience, we have the Apple iPod Touch--its touch-sensitive screen is perfect for the task. You can also download apps, stream Internet radio, and purchase songs from the iTunes music store. The Archos 5 offers a similar experience, but adds compatibility with video download sites such as Cinema Now for true on-the-go visual entertainment. Then there's the Sony X-Series Walkman, which includes integrated Slacker support for catching new music on-the-go as well as a direct YouTube connection for video content. Taking a different tack is the Creative Zen X-Fi, which lets you hop on any Wi-Fi signal in order to access a centralized content library (it also throws in chat capability for good measure).
- More Resources
- Editors' top MP3 players,
- Editors' top headphones,
- MP3 Insider,
- MP3 players with Bluetooth
| Product name | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $244.97 to $369.95 | $139.99 to $216.72 | $274.00 to $314.99 | $268.88 to $349.99 | Check Prices | $169.98 to $203.60 |
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| Review date | September 17, 2008 | June 17, 2008 | September 11, 2008 | September 25, 2008 | July 07, 2009 | August 08, 2008 |
| The Bottom Line | The Zune 120, with a unique focus on music discovery, is a fierce competitor to the iPod Classic. The Zune's substantial storage capacity combined with its Zune Pass music subscription makes it an ideal solution for restless music fans with large appetites. | Haier America's flash-based Ibiza Rhapsody is pricier and larger than the competition, but its straightforward interface, excellent wireless integration, speedy processor, and plethora of features should appeal to those looking for a player that does it all. | The second-generation iPod Touch includes features that are light-years ahead of the competition, its design has improved, and its price has finally come down to earth. | The Archos 5 boasts an improved screen size, image resolution, and sound quality over its predecessor, but its Web browser and Flash media playback are disappointing for a product marketed on the strength of its Internet media capabilities. | The X-Series is a superb choice for audiophiles who want a luxury device with an excellent touch-screen interface and plenty of other bells and whistles. | The Creative Zen X-Fi's plastic design leaves a little to be desired, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the player is an incredible value overall: for an extremely competitive price you get a boatload of features and great sound quality. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 2.4 in x 0.5 in x 4.3 in | 2.4 in x 0.4 in x 4.1 in | 2.4 in x 0.4 in x 4.1 in | 2.4 in x 0.4 in x 4.1 in | 2.1 in x 0.4 in x 3.9 in | 3.3 in x 0.5 in x 2.2 in |
| Resolution | 320 x 240 | 320 x 240 | 320 x 240 | 320 x 240 | Info unavailable | 320 x 240 |
| Flash memory installed | Info unavailable | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB |
| Battery technology | Lithium ion | Lithium polymer | Lithium polymer | Lithium polymer | Lithium ion | Lithium ion |
| Weight | 4.5 oz | 3.2 oz | 3.2 oz | 3.2 oz | 0.2 lbs | 2.4 oz |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
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