Alternatives to the iPod Nano

Sure, the Apple iPod Nano is ultraslim, easy to use, and nice to look at, but it lacks advanced features such as video playback and an FM radio, and the screen is pretty small.

Luckily, if you're not convinced you want to hop on the Nano bandwagon, there's a handful of worthy alternatives, and all the ones below beat out the Nano in screen real estate. The Creative Zen V Plus offers an ultracompact design and useful features such as an FM tuner and video playback -- and for a lower price point than the Nano. In the premium, Flash MP3 player category, you have the iRiver Clix, which offers an ample screen with gorgeous colour quality. Then there's the SanDisk Sansa e200 series with its expandable memory, which allows for up to 2GB more storage space. And make sure you don't gloss over the Samsung T9, a sleek and slender player with an innovative, animated interface and stellar sound quality. (Heads up: there's even a Bluetooth version coming soon.) Of course, it all boils down to selecting the best MP3 player for your needs.

Creative Zen V Plus

Small, smooth, colourful and charming; the Zen V Plus is the cutest MP3 player Creative has come up with so far.

iRiver Clix

Think of pop queen Pink's unique combo of sass, good looks and smarts. The iRiver Clix is the portable audio equivalent.

SanDisk Sansa e280

With a huge features list, simple design and a whole lot of expandable storage space, the Sansa e280 screams "Take me on, wimpy iPod Nano".

Samsung YP-T9

Despite a few minor issues, the stylish Samsung YP-T9 is a no-brainer: it's easy to use, packed with features, and sounds fantastic. What more could you ask for?