Donald Bell, Senior Editor November 23, 2009
For better or for worse, MP3 player manufacturers are tripping over themselves to add touch-screen navigation to their portable MP3 and video players in an effort to compete with Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch. There are plenty of benefits to using a touch-screen interface instead of traditional button navigation, including increased screen real estate, a cleaner look, and the potential for new ways of manipulating data using dragging, pinching, and swiping gestures.
But the iPod isn't for everyone. Whether you're shopping for a better price, extended format compatibility, or you just want to try something different, there's plenty to love about these iPod Touch competitors. Most notably, the Zune HD, Sony X-Series, and Cowon S9 all take advantage of OLED screen technology, offering a tangible improvement over the iPod's less vibrant LCD.
If it's apps you're looking for, the Archos 5 Internet tablet offers a promising platform for Android applications.
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| Product name | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 to $399.95 | $385.66 |
As shown: $229.99
| $154.99 to $205.39 | Pricing not available | |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||||
| Average user rating | ||||||
| Review date | September 18, 2009 | July 07, 2009 | April 07, 2009 | January 20, 2009 | September 30, 2008 | |
| The Bottom Line | 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. | The Samsung P3 is an excellent multimedia device that packs a grand amount of features into an impressively compact package with one of the best screens available. Plus, it sounds superb, making this a top contender for audio enthusiasts. | The Cowon S9 is a sexy-looking gadget with exceptional audio and video quality, but its construction quality and user interface pale in comparison to the competition. | Until Iriver lowers the price on the Spinn, it will remain a luxury portable media player best suited to an early adopter with a penchant for unique gadgets and a library of lossless music. | |
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| Features | ||||||
| PC interface(s) supported | Wi-Fi Hi-Speed USB | USB Wi-Fi | Bluetooth Hi-Speed USB | Info unavailable | Hi-Speed USB | |
| Flash memory installed | 32 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | Info unavailable | 8 GB | |
| Flash memory form factor | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated | Info unavailable | Integrated | |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 2.1 in x 0.4 in x 4 in | 2.1 in x 0.4 in x 3.9 in | 4 in x 0.4 in x 2.1 in | Info unavailable | 3.9 in x 0.4 in x 2 in | |
| Weight | 2.6 oz | 3.5 oz | 3.4 oz | 2.7 oz | 0.2 lbs | |
| Resolution | 480 x 272 | 432 x 240 | 480 x 272 | Info unavailable | 480 x 272 | |
| Battery technology | Lithium ion | Lithium ion | Lithium polymer | Info unavailable | Lithium polymer | |
| Mfr estimated battery life | 33 hour(s) | 33 hour(s) 9 hour(s) | 30 hour(s) | Info unavailable | 25 hour(s) | |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | |
| Buying choices | | | Pricing not available | | Pricing not available | |
