Best audio players

  • 8.7 8.8

    Apple iPod Touch (3rd generation, 32GB)

    24 Sep 2009 5:53 PM

    Though the updates are subtle, the third-generation iPod Touch still leaves its competitors in the dust.

    Specs: Flash , 32GB, 480 x 320 pixels, Yes , No , No

  • 8.6 6.7

    Apple iPod Nano (5th generation)

    15 Sep 2009 2:49 PM

    Not sure which new iPod to choose? The Nano's fifth incarnation wins hands down, with FM tuner and video camera being more than just cheap gimmicks.

    Specs: Flash , 8GB, 376 x 240 pixels, Yes , Yes

  • 8.5

    Philips GoGear Mix (4GB)

    19 Oct 2009 4:27 PM

    The GoGear Mix is exactly what people are looking for in an MP3 player. It's easy to load with music, simple to operate and a pleasure to listen to.

    Specs: No , Yes , Voice

  • 8.0 8

    Apple iPod Classic 160GB

    17 Sep 2009 1:47 PM

    The iPod Classic refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life and intuitive user interface.

    Specs: Hard disk , 100GB, 320 x 240 pixels, Yes , No

  • 7.8 8

    iRiver T6

    06 Apr 2009 12:28 PM

    The iRiver T6 is a slender, sleek and well-made MP3 player, though it does lack an extensive feature set. For the casual listener or as a backup player, it's perfectly capable, but audiophiles may want to look elsewhere.

    Specs: 4GB, 128 x 160 pixels, Yes , Voice

  • 7.5

    Samsung U4

    16 Dec 2008 11:08 AM

    The U4 is an attractive compact player with a bit of flair, but test out the touch buttons before shelling out your dosh.

    Specs: Flash , 4GB, 128 x 64 pixels, No , Yes , Voice

  • 7.3

    Cowon D2+

    17 Jun 2009 11:18 AM

    The Cowon D2+ is a sturdy little touchscreen MP3 player with flexible sound enhancement settings and useful features, but it hasn't changed much from the 2007 version.

  • 7.2 9

    Sony Walkman X-series (16GB) NWZ-X1050

    02 Jun 2009 10:00 AM

    Great sound, brilliant OLED touchscreen, noise cancellation and as much YouTube as your Wi-Fi can handle. Shame about the extortionate price.

    Specs: Flash , 16GB, 432 x 240 pixels, Yes , Yes

  • 7.0 9.5

    Sony Walkman W-series (2GB) NWZ-W202

    03 Jul 2009 5:37 PM

    The Sony W-series Walkman is a great option for active users who want an all-in-one music device to use while working out.

    Specs: Flash , 2GB, No , Yes , No

  • 6.5 8.3

    Creative Zen X-Fi2 32GB

    27 Oct 2009 5:29 PM

    The Creative Zen X-Fi2 is the company's first touchscreen MP3 player which includes expandable storage and native support for FLAC.

    Specs: 32GB, 400 x 240 pixels, Yes , Yes

The Explain Series

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Articles

  • Set up an Apple iPod Touch

    Learn how to configure an iPod Touch using Apple's iTunes software, and get tips on using the Touch's email, Wi-Fi and parental controls.

  • Fake iPod versus the real thing

    CNET Australia's Shanghai correspondent heads down to the market and buys a fake iPod. To see how they compare, we not only give them a run, but also measure and take them apart.

  • Sony Vaio, Walkman, Reader get OLED treatment

    In lieu of OLED TVs, Sony shows off OLED-based Vaio, Reader and Walkman prototypes at the CEATEC show in Japan.