Runners need an MP3 player that will tuck into a teeny pocket and provide decent-sounding musical inspiration to push through the pain.

I'm not sure how many of you actually listen to music when you are jogging. I hate running, period. The only reason I would do that is when the annual physical fitness test looms, or when I'm trying to impress a chick (it's all about keeping up appearances). I realised only recently why so many people like to zone out with some tunes while they are jogging. The music takes the fatigue off their minds. It's like an out-of-body experience, if you get what I'm trying to say. So for those of you who actually prefer sweating it out rather than over a pint of Hoegaarden, here are five tiny music players to accompany you on your next mindnumbing run.

Apple iPod Nano (3rd generation)

Editors’ rating: 8.2

Apple iPod Nano (3rd generation)

Honey, I shrunk the iPod! The new nano has all the features of its big brother, the Classic, but in a smaller package with fewer gigabytes.

Creative Zen Stone Plus

Editors’ rating: 7.0

Creative Zen Stone Plus

For those who want a super-small and cute MP3 player that offers more than just simple music playback, the Creative Zen Stone Plus fits the bill nicely.

Samsung YP-U3

Editors’ rating: 8.6

Samsung YP-U3  Editors' choice

With its sound quality and industrial chic look the YP-U3 stakes its claim to being the king of USB key MP3 players.

Apple iPod Shuffle (2nd generation, 1GB)

Editors’ rating: 6.8

Apple iPod Shuffle (2nd generation, 1GB)

Still screenless, the second generation iPod Shuffle is, according to Steve Jobs, the smallest MP3 player in the world.

Sony NW-E003 Walkman

Editors’ rating: 7.3

Sony NW-E003 Walkman

The Sony NW-E003 is a compact, stylish flash MP3 player that those who can tolerate SonicStage should consider, but beware the unintuitive interface.

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Find the right mp3 player

Brand

    • Multiple options can be selected

    • Samsung S3 (4GB)

      Samsung S3 (4GB)

      A competent player with decent audio quality and some cool customisation options, but the screen is too small and navigation can be slow-going.

    • Sony Walkman NWZ-S730F

      Sony Walkman NWZ-S730F

      Available in 8GB and 16GB versions, these wafer-thin players have built-in noise-cancelling technology and a 2-inch, 320x240-pixel LCD.

    • Apple iPod Nano (4th generation)

      Apple iPod Nano (4th generation)

      Apple has set the Nano back on track with the thinnest, lightest design yet, and has features that are hard to ignore.

    • Apple iPod Touch (2nd generation)

      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.

    • Samsung S2 Pebble

      Samsung S2 Pebble

      Have you tried squeezing blood out of a stone? How about music out of a pebble? The Samsung S2 Pebble is a screenless MP3 player with an LED just under the surface that blinks different colours as you listen to music.

    More reviews »

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