Version: 2008
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Best non-iPod MP3 players for Mac

Donald Bell Donald Bell, Senior Editor July 24, 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 the 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 offers something special that no iPod has yet to match. Whether it's the audio quality of the Sony Walkman, 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
Video guide to using a non-iPod MP3 player on a Mac,
MP3 Insider podcast,
MP3 players and PVPs,
iPod Family album
Product name
Price $199.99 to $202.99 $199.99 to $338.37 $254.86 to $383.99 $198.99 to $199.99 $29.99 to $34.57
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating
Review date January 20, 2009 September 25, 2008 July 07, 2009 April 07, 2009 October 08, 2007
The Bottom Line 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. The Archos 5 boasts an improved screen size, image resolution, and sound quality over its predecessor, but its Web browser and Flash media playback are disappointing for a product marketed on the strength of its Internet media capabilities. 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 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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Features
Weight2.7 oz
8.8 oz
3.5 oz
3.4 oz
0.92 oz
Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
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