iPod means tuning out of the world around you

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  Best iPod-compatible iTunes alternatives

  CNET's Donald Bell rounds up his favourite iPod-compatible software alternatives to Apple's iTunes jukebox.

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  Oi!: Poll: Does product placement work?

  After watching the latest Bond film, we're beginning to wonder whether Bond's so angry just because of all the products he's meant to spruik. We wonder whether he's reading this story right now on his Intel-inside PC...

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  Sources: Apple, music labels talk DRM-free songs

  Apple is in discussions with three top recording companies about acquiring DRM-free songs, according to two music industry sources.

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  Bose mobile on-ear headset

  The sound quality and build of the Bose mobile on-ear headset is great but the premium you'll pay for the microphone attachment is daylight robbery.

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  Best portable video players

  From flash to hard-disk, slimline to behemoth, here are our product picks for watching video on the go.

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  Cowon O2 (32GB)

  The O2 is a solid player, offering impressive video and sound quality and support for a massive list of filetypes.

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  Top in-ear headphones for MP3 players

  MP3 players will come and go, but if you buy a good pair of headphones they should last you a lifetime — well, a good portion of it anyway. We name the headphones that rock our world.

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  Top iPod speakers

  Speaker docks allow you to charge your iPod while blasting your tunes to a crowded room. Here are some of the best for all budgets.

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  Best tiny MP3 players

  Flash memory chips are tiny, meaning the players that use them can be small to the point of ridiculousness. Here are some of our favourite teeny little super guys.

More articles »

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  Memory cards: All your questions answered

  With all the different types and variations available, it's easy to get confused about memory cards. But as they now fit into everything from digital cameras to printers, phones and televisions, it's important to know your way around the memory card maze.

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  Poll: Does product placement work?

  After watching the latest Bond film, we're beginning to wonder whether Bond's so angry just because of all the products he's meant to spruik. We wonder whether he's reading this story right now on his Intel-inside PC...

• 

  Best iPod-compatible iTunes alternatives

  CNET's Donald Bell rounds up his favourite iPod-compatible software alternatives to Apple's iTunes jukebox.

• 

  Top iPod speakers

  Speaker docks allow you to charge your iPod while blasting your tunes to a crowded room. Here are some of the best for all budgets.

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  How to find album art for your iPod

  Sick of seeing grey squares parading across your iPod? We show you how to find album art -- the easy way.

• 

  Best tiny MP3 players

  Flash memory chips are tiny, meaning the players that use them can be small to the point of ridiculousness. Here are some of our favourite teeny little super guys.

• 

  Top in-ear headphones for MP3 players

  MP3 players will come and go, but if you buy a good pair of headphones they should last you a lifetime — well, a good portion of it anyway. We name the headphones that rock our world.

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  Four touch-screen MP3 players

  The iPod Touch may get all the glory, but a few other touch-screen MP3 players have recently crept into the mix. Here are a few available now.

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  The sound of silence: Noise-cancelling headphones

  Top active noise-cancelling headphones

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  Bose mobile on-ear headset

  The sound quality and build of the Bose mobile on-ear headset is great but the premium you'll pay for the microphone attachment is daylight robbery.

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  Cowon O2 (32GB)

  The O2 is a solid player, offering impressive video and sound quality and support for a massive list of filetypes.

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  Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus

  Logitech's relatively inexpensive Pure-Fi Express Plus is a compact — and portable — iPod/iPhone speaker system with a built-in alarm clock that's fine for casual listening at home or on the road.

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  JBL On Stage Micro iPod Speakers

  The JBL On Stage Micro is a good option for iPod owners who want a cute, and compact, portable speaker that matches the player.

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  Sony NWZ-S738 Walkman

  An excellent player equipped with noise-cancelling and a wealth of customisation options, the S738 is poised to take on the iPod Nano.

More reviews »

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  Sony NWZ-S738 Walkman

  An excellent player equipped with noise-cancelling and a wealth of customisation options, the S738 is poised to take on the iPod Nano.

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  Bose mobile on-ear headset

  The sound quality and build of the Bose mobile on-ear headset is great but the premium you'll pay for the microphone attachment is daylight robbery.

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  Hacking the iPod Touch

  When Apple gave birth to the iPod Touch, it should have been the killer fusion of MP3 player and PDA. It wasn't. Fear not though, the guys and gals of the Internet have unlocked the Touch's full potential -- we show you how.

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  Sony NWZ-S738

  An excellent player equipped with noise-cancelling and a wealth of customisation options, the S738 is poised to take on the iPod Nano.

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  Apple iPod Touch (second generation)

  If you've been holding back, now is the time: the second-gen Touch is an excellent media player, and the addition of third-party apps extends the fun for everyone, no matter where your interests lie.

More popular reviews »

• 

  Sony NWZ-S738 Walkman

  An excellent player equipped with noise-cancelling and a wealth of customisation options, the S738 is poised to take on the iPod Nano.

• 

  Apple iPod Touch (2nd generation)

  If you've been holding back, now is the time: the second-gen Touch is an excellent media player, and the addition of third-party apps extends the fun for everyone, no matter where your interests lie.

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  Belkin TuneStudio

  The Belkin TuneStudio is an excellent four-track recorder which is best when used with a Mac or PC. It includes pro-level features such as a compressor and phantom power.

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  iRiver Clix (2nd generation)

  The 2nd gen iRiver Clix offers the perfect blend of hot design, desirable features, and stellar sound quality. If you're looking for an alternative to the iPod Nano, this device should top the list.

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  Archos 605

  The Archos 605 Wi-Fi portable video player is one of the best mobile distractions money can buy.

More editors' choice »