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Best MP3 players that use AAA batteries

Donald Bell Donald Bell, Senior Editor April 5, 2009

MP3 players powered by replaceable AAA batteries may seem archaic compared with the rechargeable models most of us use, but many people seek them out. For instance, if you're traveling to some remote corner of the globe (or a weekend camping trip), it's often much easier to come by a AAA battery than a USB charging station--especially if you stock up ahead of time.

Despite what you'd think, there's also an ecological argument to make for MP3 players powered by AAA batteries. The rechargeable batteries included in most MP3 players are not designed to be user-replaceable and they will eventually wear out. An MP3 player with a replaceable battery can theoretically last a lifetime, and there's nothing preventing you from using an off-the-shelf rechargeable AAA battery to further lessen your impact on the environment.

The following are our favorite AAA-powered MP3 players that strike a balance between battery life, usability, features, format support, and sound quality. The Creative Zen Nano Plus, in particular, is one of the best players on this list and the closest you can get to an inexpensive, battery-powered audio Swiss Army Knife. Unfortunately, the product is being phased out by the manufacturer, so grab one while you can.

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Price Check Prices $31.99 $14.95 Check Prices $35.00
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating
Review date June 05, 2006 October 31, 2005 April 18, 2007 October 15, 2008 June 28, 2007
The Bottom Line If you're looking for a feature-packed flash player but you don't want to spend a ton to get one, Creative's Zen Nano Plus is the device for you. With its many features as well as its compatibility with audiobooks and subscription-based music, the SanDisk Sansa m200 series is an overall great value. If you want to get your children started on digital music at a young age, the Sansa Shaker provides a great way to do so: it's inexpensive, simple, and acts like a toy. The SanDisk Sansa slotMusic Player is a reasonable option for those who still haven't made the switch from CD to MP3, and there's no computer required, so even technophobes can use it. If you're looking for a better-sounding alternative to the Sansa Express, the RCA Pearl does the trick--but be prepared to deal with a funky user interface and disposable batteries.
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Features
Software typeDrivers & Utilities
Creative MediaSource
Info unavailableDrivers & Utilities
Drivers & Utilities
Drivers & Utilities
Mfr estimated battery life18 hour(s)
19 hour(s)
Info unavailable15 hour(s)
15 hour(s)
PC interface(s) supportedHi-Speed USB
Hi-Speed USB
USB
Info unavailableHi-Speed USB
Flash memory form factorIntegrated
Integrated
SD Memory Card
Info unavailableIntegrated
Flash memory installed1 GB
2 GB
512 MB
Info unavailable2 GB
Battery technologyAlkaline
Alkaline
AA alkaline
AAA alkaline
AAA alkaline
Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
Buying choices