Today's MP3 players come with everything but the kitchen sink.
Newer MP3 players come with loads of software applications, video capabilities and other extras. Despite Apple's iPod success, don't overlook the other high-quality MP3 players.
Apple iPod Touch
Setting the standard for high-quality MP3 players, Apple's iPod Touch continues to dominate the market. The latest version (2010) comes with enhanced graphics, a faster processing speed and voice control. The iPod Touch (32 GB) offers more than 140,000 software applications, 30-hour music battery life and Wi-Fi.
Apple iPod Nano
Apple's iPod Nano comes with quality and a low price starting around $130 (2010). This Nano, Apple's fifth version, is less than 1/2-inch thick and only 1-1/2 inches tall. The newest Nano offers a video camera, FM radio tuner, slightly larger screen, pedometer, video, podcast playback, movie rentals and the ability to pause radio.
Microsoft Zune HD
Microsoft's Zune HD (either 32 GB Platinum or 16 GB) gives the the iPod Touch some worthy competition. The Zune offers plenty of memory, high-quality touchscreen, a long battery life, OLED display, movie rentals and HD radio tuner. The Zune HD 16 GB has memory for 4,000 songs and a 24-hour video battery life.
Sandisk Sanza Fuze
Priced around $75, Sandisk's silver Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 Player offers a lot for a low price (2010 pricing). This audio player comes smaller than a credit card, but has room for more than 2,000 songs. In addition, the Sanza Fuze provides a long battery life, built-in voice recorder, memory slot, FM radio with 40 preset stations, video playback and USB connection.
Sony X Series Walkman
Excellent sound makes the Sony X Series Walkman worth considering. "Wired" magazine gave this MP3 a 7 out of 10 review due to the impressive audio, sleek design and quality touchscreen. The Walkman also has a 45-hour battery life, color LCD screen (2 inches), 8 or 32GB built-in memory, built-in FM tuner and multiple video formats.
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