MP3 players for file hoarders

Donald Bell
Donald Bell Senior Editor May 10, 2010
Does your digital music collection run into the hundreds of gigabytes? If you've amassed a king's share of music, or have a thing for ripping your CDs to large, lossless audio formats, then you need an MP3 player with some serious storage. These days, the capacity for a portable media player can run as high as 500GB, with products such as the Archos 5 leading the charge.

If you need a lot of space, but don't like the idea of carrying a bulky player, there are also some slender, high-capacity Flash memory MP3 players available that peak at a 64GB capacity formerly reserved for hard drive devices.

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Product Apple iPod Classic (third generation, 160GB, silver) Apple iPod Touch (third generation, 64GB) Editors' choice Zune HD 64GB Sony X-Series Walkman (32GB)
Price $239.00 to $386.01 $383.79 to $510.32 $599.00 Pricing is currently unavailable.
CNET editors' rating 4 stars 4.5 stars 4 stars 4 stars
Average user rating 3.5 stars 3 stars 4.5 stars 4.5 stars
Release date Info unavailable September 9, 2009 September 15, 2009 July 1, 2009
Bottom line
The iPod Classic refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. None can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and intuitive user interface.
Though the updates are subtle, the third-generation iPod Touch leaves its competitors in the dust.
The Zune HD delivers one of the best portable music and video experiences money can buy. At a time when many people have shifted their focus to games and applications, providing a killer media experience may not be enough for potential Zune buyers.
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.
PC interface(s) supported

Hi-Speed USB

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi

Hi-Speed USB

Wi-Fi

Hi-Speed USB

USB

Wi-Fi

Dimensions (WxDxH)

2.4 in x 0.4 in x 4.1 in

2.4 in x 0.3 in x 4.3 in

2.1 in x 0.4 in x 4 in

2.1 in x 0.4 in x 3.9 in

Weight

4.9 oz

4.1 oz

2.6 oz

3.5 oz

Resolution

320 x 240

480 x 320

480 x 272

432 x 240

Battery technology

Lithium ion

Lithium ion

Lithium ion

Lithium ion

Mfr estimated battery life

36 hour(s)

30 hour(s)

33 hour(s)

33 hour(s)

Flash memory installed Info unavailable

64 GB

64 GB

32 GB

Flash memory form factor Info unavailable

Integrated

Integrated

Integrated

Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
Buying choices Prices from 5 stores Prices from 2 stores Prices from 1 store

Pricing is currently unavailable.