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Best non-iPod MP3 players for Mac

Donald Bell Donald Bell, Senior Editor April 6, 2009

Connecting a non-iPod MP3 player to a Mac computer may sound like heresy to some Apple lovers, but for those Mac users who dare to "Think Different" there's a whole world of alternative MP3 players out there for the taking.

Not all MP3 players play nice with Mac, however. Several popular MP3 players marketed to PC users (such as the Microsoft Zune or Creative Zen) use a connection standard called MTP that only responds to Windows-based computers. For an MP3 player to be Mac-compatible, it needs to show up on your Mac's desktop as a generic USB hard drive (also called UMS or MSC compatibility). It's not too hard to come across an MP3 player capable of connecting as a generic USB hard drive, but finding one worthy of replacing an iPod is tougher than you'd think.

Each of the following six players offer something special that no iPod has yet to match. Whether it's the audio quality of the Sony NWZ-S718F, the unbeatable price of the Sansa Clip, or the dazzling file format support of both Cowon and Archos, Mac users looking to dip their toes in non-Apple waters have plenty of incentive.

More Resources
CNET Music Center,
MP3 Insider podcast,
MP3 players and PVPs,
iPod Family album
Product name
Price $79.99 to $99.99 $143.83 to $167.95 $179.77 to $199.95 $129.99 to $143.78 $38.49 to $64.99 $104.99 to $105.95
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating
Review date March 12, 2008 August 30, 2007 April 11, 2008 February 27, 2007 October 08, 2007 July 19, 2007
The Bottom Line The SanDisk Sansa Fuze is a great value--a slim design, simple interface, plentiful features, memory expansion capability, and solid sound quality all come with an easy-to-swallow price tag. The Archos 605 WiFi portable video player is one of the best mobile distractions money can buy. The sum of the NWZ-S710F's audio enhancement and noise-canceling features adds up to one of the most pleasant and private music experiences you can have for less than $200. 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 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. 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.
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Features
Dimensions (WxDxH)1.9 in x 0.3 in x 3.1 in
1.9 in x 0.3 in x 3.1 in
Info unavailable3.1 in x 0.7 in x 2.2 in
2.17 in x .65 in x 2.17 in
1.4 in x 0.7 in x 3 in
Resolution220 x 176
220 x 176
240 x 320
360 x 240
Info unavailable160 x 128
Software typeDrivers & Utilities
Microsoft Windows Media Player 10
Microsoft Windows Media Player 11
Drivers & Utilities
Microsoft Windows Media Player 10
Microsoft Windows Media Player 11
Drivers & Utilities
Cowon jetShell
Cowon jetAudio VX
Drivers & Utilities
Cowon jetAudio
Cowon jetShell
Drivers & Utilities
Mfr estimated battery life24 hour(s)
24 hour(s)
36 hour(s)
52 hour(s)
15 hour(s)
60 hour(s)
PC interface(s) supportedHi-Speed USB
Hi-Speed USB
Hi-Speed USB
Hi-Speed USB
Hi-Speed USB
Hi-Speed USB
Flash memory form factorIntegrated
Integrated
Integrated
Integrated
Integrated
Info unavailable
Flash memory installed4 GB
4 GB
8 GB
8 GB
2 GB
8 GB
Weight2.1 oz
2.1 oz
Info unavailable3.2 oz
0.92 oz
2.1 oz
Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
Buying choices