Philips GoGear SA2825 (2GB)

The GoGear SA2825 is one of Philips' most attractive and compact MP3 players. Available in only one color (silver) and one capacity (2GB), the GoGear SA2825 ($49) offers a healthy amount of features at an affordable price.

Design
Measuring 1.5 inches square and a slender 0.5 inch thick, the GoGear SA2825 is not just pocket-friendly--it's designed to be worn. Unlike the iPod Shuffle or Sansa Clip, the GoGear SA2825's design does not have a built-in clip; however, an included neck strap can be threaded through a loophole on the corner of the player.

The GoGear SA2825's semitransparent rounded chrome face conceals its 1-inch monochrome display and also doubles as the device's navigation control. Taking a page from iRiver's Clix series of MP3 players, Philips designed the GoGear SA2825 with squeezable edges, allowing four directions of control. Squeezing the top or bottom edges of the GoGear SA2825 allows you to scroll through lists of music or FM radio frequencies, while squeezing left or right allows you to skip through songs or rotate through each of the five main menu icons (Music, Radio, Recording, Folder, and Options).

The GoGear SA2825's understated modern look and squeezable navigation control make it ideal for people who want a practical, wearable MP3 player that doesn't draw much attention.

On the top edge of the GoGear SA2825 you'll find a button for backing out of menus, and a play/pause button that doubles as a power switch. A volume rocker switch takes up most of the right side of the GoGear SA2825, leaving a mini USB port and a dedicated Record button on the left side. If you're concerned about the GoGear SA2825's squeezable navigation misfiring in your pocket, the bottom edge of the GoGear SA2825 includes a sliding hold switch that deactivates the player's controls.

Overall, the GoGear SA2825 takes the prize as Philips' most elegant and stylish MP3 player, and ironically, its least expensive. The GoGear SA2825's style comes at the price of practicality, however, because its reflective chrome screen is difficult to read in direct sunlight.