Editors' Top MP3 Players
updated June 5, 2006
updated June 5, 2006
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High-capacity hard drive digital audio players are the kings of MP3 land. From a modest 5GB a few years back to up to 120GB today, hard drive-based players still give you the most bang for your buck. You can now carry your entire music or media library in a device that has shrunk over time (see the supersleek Apple iPod, for example). Newer models, such as the Creative Zen Vision:M, boast color screens with photo and video support. When you're shopping for one of these, consider the following: extras such as an FM tuner or a line-in audio recorder (see the Cowon iAudio X5); battery life (see Cowon iAudio X5L); format compatibility; and price. If you want to run with your MP3 player, check out a flash-based player. -- James Kim, senior editor Editors' Top MP3 players:Budget MP3 players | Flash memory MP3 players |Hard drive MP3 players| Micro hard drive MP3 players | Ultracompact MP3 players | Portable video players (PVP)Shopping by brand? According to CNET editors, here are this category's major players. Apple | Archos | Cowon | Creative | iRiver | Samsung | SanDisk | Sony |
Hard drive MP3 players
| MP3 Players | Editors' rating | Price | Summary |
Toshiba Gigabeat MES30VW (30GB, white)
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8.3
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Many prospective MP3/PVP buyers have been waiting patiently for this compact, easy-to-use, one-stop shop for media files--looks like the Toshiba Gigabeat S was worth the wait.
Specs: Portable media center , 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 3.9 in , LCD 2.4 in - Color , MP3 , WAV , WMA , 5.3 oz
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Apple iPod (60GB, video, white)
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8.0
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Get the affordable, sleek, and sexy 5G Apple iPod for its audio virtues. Although video looks great, poor video battery life and a relatively small screen hamper its appeal to video heads.
Specs: Digital player , None , AAC , MP3 , WAV , AIFF , Audible , Apple Lossless , 60 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Creative Zen Vision:M (30GB, black)
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8.0
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The dazzling, DRM-friendly Creative Zen Vision:M gives the iPod a run for the money as the current high-capacity WMA champ.
Specs: Digital player / radio , MP3 , WAV , WMA , ADPCM , Protected WMA (DRM) , 30 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player battery
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Cowon iAudio X5L (30GB)
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7.7
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The great-sounding Cowon iAudio X5 looks like an iPod killer on paper, but this palm-size music and video player suffers from mediocre music browsing and some key design missteps.
Specs: Hard drive , MP3 , WMA , ASF , WAV , FLAC , 30 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryInternal
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Philips GoGear HDD6330 Jukebox (30GB)
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7.3
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The stylish and feature-packed Philips GoGear HDD6330 Jukebox is the closest that a WMA-compatible model has come to capturing the iPod's design appeal, but try the touch-sensitive interface before you buy.
Specs: Digital player / radio , MP3 , WAV , WMA , 30 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player battery
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iRiver H10 (20GB, Remix Blue)
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7.0
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The H10 includes nearly every coveted feature, but navigating the player controls can be frustrating.
Specs: 2.4 in x 0.85 in x 4.0 in , 5.8 oz
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$249-$303
