For better or for worse, MP3 player manufacturers are tripping over themselves to add touch-screen navigation to their portable MP3 and video players in an effort to compete with Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch.
There are plenty of benefits to using a touch-screen interface instead of traditional button navigation, including increased screen real estate, a cleaner look, and the potential for new ways of manipulating data using dragging, pinching, and swiping gestures. In practice, however, no one does touch-screen media players as well as Apple. In fact, we're already starting to see some spectacular failures.
With the exception of the LXPI, the MP3 players shown here also include some type of wireless capability to complement their futuristic touch interfaces. Whether it's the integrated Bluetooth of the Samsung P2, or the full Opera Web browser of the Archos 605 WiFi, these iPod Touch competitors have more to offer than discounted prices and pretty looks.
Apple iPod Touch
If the Touch is the player that you want, that you really, really want, you've probably got one already. Fence-sitters should stay there until next year when third-party apps or version 2.0 comes out.
Samsung YP-P2
The Samsung YP-P2 is a well-designed player and distinctly affordable for what it does. The only problem is that what it does just isn't as impressive as it could be.
Archos 605 
The Archos 605 Wi-Fi portable video player is one of the best mobile distractions money can buy.
Life! LXPI (4GB)
The first player from Australian brand Life! has a laundry list of features, but video sync issues and teeny touchscreen controls hold it back.
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