Apple iPod Shuffle (512MB)

Pros: No USB cable necessary

Cons: No screen, unresponsive controls

Summary: The Shuffle is Apple's latest attempt at milking money from the wannabe fashion-conscientious and the slow of mind.

If you think getting a $100 flash player will give you the same prestige as a $300 HDD player from the same brand, think again.

$100 may seem like a good price-point, but remember that this player doesn't have a screen so you can't see what you're playing. Furthermore, the controls got hard to press after a few weeks.

The Shuffle doesn't have a screen, so forget being able to tell someone what you're listening to if you don't have the world's greatest memory.

Last thing, the stock Apple earbuds leave something to be desired. They are uncomfortable in my ears, and don't sound anywhere as good as a pair of Shures. Well okay, that's a bit unfair. Stock earbuds are never that great.
Still, these white earbuds will have people mistaking you for an I-Pod owner, and downtown your chances of getting mugged are high.

The Sony NW-E105 is a better bargain for $100. It has a screen, too - which is always a good thing.