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Best MP3 players for podcasts

Obviously, an MP3 player's foremost purpose is music playback, but these days people are using their devices for much more than just that. You can view photos, watch videos, even play games in some cases. But perhaps one of the most popular side dishes people like to enjoy is podcasts--heck, it's the main dish for some. Podcasts are great for many reasons, not the least of which is that they're free. Plus, you can count on finding someone talking about just about any topic known to man, so there's something for everyone.

Of course, not every … Read more

Walkman versus the rest--Ask the Editors

Q: I am finally ready to cross that bridge and get me a touch-screen player. I wanted to know your expert opinion on the Samsung P3 and the Sony Walkman X-Series. I purchase all my music from Napster, Amazon and some from Rhapsody. I use Window Media Player 11, so I need a player that is compatible with that. Please let me know what you think. -- bensworld411, via e-mail

A: Although I've only used a preproduction sample of the X-Series Walkman, I can tell you that I favor it over the Samsung P3. Granted, the X-Series is quite a bit pricier, but I personally prefer the onscreen interface and touch-screen implementation (though the P3's is certainly flashy). I also straight-up love the fact that the Walkman has tactile buttons on the top for controlling playback (say, while you have the player in your pocket). Both devices will work equally well with the system you use for music, and both offer excellent sound quality.

Really, I would narrow it down to two things: price and whether you prefer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If you want a cheaper device that includes the ability to sync up Bluetooth headphones, go with the P3. If you want something with a slicker interface that has Wi-Fi and built-in Slacker capability (free music!), go with the Walkman. Better yet, if you can hold off a few more days, I'm expecting a retail unit of the X-Series to be delivered to my desk tomorrow, which means we'll have a full review up for you very soon.… Read more

Crave giveaway of the week: SanDisk Sansa Clip

On deck for this week's Crave blog giveaway is the fantastically fitness-friendly SanDisk Sansa Clip. Sure, it may not be as luxurious as last week's prize, but this little MP3 player can hold its own against media players three times its size (and price). It features a plethora of handy extras, such as a built-in, removable belt-clip; an FM radio; support for multiple audio formats, including FLAC, Audible, and subscription WMA; and great sound quality. What's not to love?

So, how do you try to win yourself a free Sansa Clip? Let me reiterate the basic rules. … Read more

The MP3 Insiders' gift picks for dads and grads

Jasmine: "June has always been an action-packed month for me. I can't remember the last time I didn't know someone who was graduating from somewhere, and I have always spent the third Sunday of the month hanging out with my dad. As such, I have plenty of experience picking out apt gifts for the occasions, no matter what my budget at the time. In that spirit, I've rounded up a handful of gadgets that range from uberaffordable to ultralux."

Check out Jasmine's picks for dads and grads.

Donald: "College is a time when … Read more

SlotRadio could thrive with more eclectic music

I'll readily admit that I'm not in the target audience for the new SlotRadio MP3 player from SanDisk, which became available last week.

The $99 device comes with a microSD card containing 1,000 songs, selected by Billboard editors from top-charting radio hits of the last 40 years or so, arranged in seven playlists--rock, country, hip-hop, and four others.

You can't edit or rearrange the playlists, you can't move the songs to your computer or any other device, and the only way to get new songs is by buying new 1,000-song cards for $39.99 … Read more

Prizefight: iPod Shuffle vs. Sansa Clip

The third-gen Apple iPod Shuffle and the SanDisk Sansa Clip are two of the smallest, least expensive, and most-talked-about MP3 players on CNET. Both devices share a clip-on design, but otherwise, Apple and SanDisk take very different approaches to their MP3 players, demonstrating a tug of war between form and function.

You may already know which MP3 player you'd choose, but when push comes to shove, which of these minuscule MP3 players is preferred by our CNET editors? Find out in our iPod Shuffle vs. Sansa Clip CNET Prizefight.

SanDisk's SlotRadio music player now available

The Sansa SlotRadio, SanDisk's experiment in preloaded portable audio players, is now officially available through its dedicated online storefront. As we reported during the product's announcement in January, the portable, clip-on music player sells for $99, and includes an FM radio, a 1.5-inch screen, and a basic digital audio player that pulls content from removable microSD memory cards. The included memory card is loaded with 1,000 songs that have been cherry-picked from top Billboard recording artists and grouped into selectable genres such as R&B/hip-hop, rock, contemporary, country, alternative, workout, and chillout.

Unlike previous … Read more