MP3 players with dedicated volume controls

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Jasmine France, Senior Associate Editor November 6, 2008

Add dedicated volume controls to the list of dwindling MP3 player features. Most MP3 players on the market today integrate volume adjustment capability into their main navigation controls, meaning you have to be on a playback screen to tweak listening levels. With traditional iPods and devices such as the Sansa Fuze, a spin of the wheel accomplishes the task, while most others combine volume with the up and down menu navigation buttons on a four-way control pad. There's nothing inherently wrong with this practice, but I'm a staunch supporter of the dedicated volume toggle for two reasons: simple convenience and eardrum protection. (If you're someone who's audio files are not all the same volume, you know what I mean.) It's in that spirit that I've compiled this list of great MP3 players with dedicated volume controls. And I'll tell you what: it's probably no coincidence that half of these products won our coveted Editors' Choice award.

Honorable mention: Creative Zen Stone

More Resources: Check out more MP3 player reviews,; Choose from our Editors' top headphones,; Listen to the MP3 Insider podcast,; More music technology

Features
Product name	Apple iPod Touch (second generation, 16GB)	Sony NWZ-S738F Walkman (8GB, black)	Cowon iAudio 7 (8GB, red)	Cowon D2 (4GB, red)	Sony NWZ-E436F Walkman (4GB, red)	SanDisk Sansa Clip (4GB, silver)
Price	$229.99 to $299.99	Check Prices	$102.00 to $102.99	Check Prices	$59.99 to $69.00	$44.95 to $64.95
CNET editors' rating	4.5 stars Overall score: 9.0 (4.5 stars)	4.0 stars Overall score: 8.7 (4.0 stars)	4.0 stars Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)	3.5 stars Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)	3.5 stars Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)	3.5 stars Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)
Average user rating	4.0 stars	4.0 stars	3.0 stars	4.5 stars		3.5 stars
Review date	September 11, 2008	September 17, 2008	July 19, 2007	February 27, 2007	October 01, 2008	October 08, 2007
The Bottom Line	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.	Thanks to excellent sound quality, integrated noise-canceling functionality, and several smart music sorting options, the Sony S-Series Walkman is a superb choice for music aficionados.	The Cowon iAudio 7 beats the industry heavyweight iPod Nano in price, features, battery life, and sound quality. The user interface could use some refinement, but all-in-all this is a very impressive MP3 player.	If you can get on board with the Cowon D2's PDA-like touch screen interface, the reward is great-sounding audio, a smorgasbord of features, and a fantastic battery life.	The Sony E-Series Walkman is a great value. It's an excellent option for anyone looking for an easy-to-use MP3 player with a pocketable design, a long battery life, handy features, and solid sound quality.	The SanDisk Sansa Clip is an incredible value that's set to edge out the competition with a user-friendly interface, gym-worthy design, and great sound quality.
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Dimensions (WxDxH)	2.4 in x 0.3 in x 4.3 in	1.7 in x 0.3 in x 3.5 in	1.4 in x 0.7 in x 3 in	3.1 in x 0.7 in x 2.2 in	1.7 in x 0.4 in x 3.3 in	Info unavailable
Resolution	480 x 320	240 x 320	160 x 128	360 x 240	240 x 320	Info unavailable
PC interface(s) supported	Wi-Fi Hi-Speed USB	USB	Hi-Speed USB	Hi-Speed USB	Info unavailable	Hi-Speed USB
Flash memory form factor	Integrated	Integrated	Info unavailable	Integrated	Integrated	Integrated
Flash memory installed	16 GB	8 GB	8 GB	4 GB	4 GB	4 GB
Battery technology	Lithium ion	Lithium ion	Lithium polymer	Lithium polymer	Lithium ion	Info unavailable
Weight	4.1 oz	1.6 oz	2.1 oz	3.2 oz	1.8 oz	Info unavailable
Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications	Full specifications
Buying choices	Amazon.com $229.99 In stock: Yes Amazon.com Marketplace $299.99 In stock: Yes Prices from 2 CNET Certified stores	E-mail me when this product is available	Amazon.com $102.00 In stock: Yes Amazon.com Marketplace $102.99 In stock: Yes Prices from 2 CNET Certified stores	E-mail me when this product is available	TigerDirect.com $59.99 In stock: Yes Price from 1 authorized store	Amazon.com Marketplace $44.95 In stock: Yes Price from 1 CNET Certified store