Best flash memory MP3 players
MP3 players have quickly gone from the early-adopter fringes to the mainstream, and the most common ones use flash memory to store music, data, and sometimes photo and video files. While most players offer about 4GB (or about 68 hours) of storage, they have distinct advantages over their hard-drive counterparts: they're smaller and more affordable, and they don't skip a beat. We're beginning to see more flash players hit 16GB and more, the most notable being the 32GB Apple iPod Touch and the 32GB Creative Zen.
Apple iPod Touch (second generation, 8GB)
9.0 Spectacular (reviewed 9/11/08)
The second-generation iPod Touch includes features that are light-years ahead of the competition, its design has improved, and its price has finally come down to earth.
Read review of the Apple iPod Touch (second generation, 8GB)
Apple iPod Nano (fourth generation, 16GB, silver)
8.5 Excellent (reviewed 9/10/08)
The fourth-generation iPod Nano is easy on the eyes and the wallet, and you can't beat its hardware and user interface design. Just be sure to give iTunes 8 a spin before committing.
Read review of the Apple iPod Nano (fourth generation, 16GB, silver)
Sony NWZ-S738F Walkman (8GB, black)
8.7 Excellent (reviewed 9/17/08)
Thanks to excellent sound quality, integrated noise-canceling functionality, and several smart music sorting options, the Sony S-Series Walkman is a superb choice for music aficionados.
Read review of the Sony NWZ-S738F Walkman (8GB, black)
Creative Zen (16GB)
8.3 Excellent (reviewed 9/14/07)
We're hard-pressed to find anything not to like about the Creative Zen. It's a great option for anyone looking for a great-sounding, pocketable MP3 player with an excellent, video-capable screen and plenty of extra features.
Read review of the Creative Zen (16GB)
Iriver Clix (4GB, second generation)
8.7 Excellent (reviewed 4/25/07)
The 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.
Read review of the Iriver Clix (4GB, second generation)
Cowon iAudio 7 (4GB, silver)
8.3 Excellent (reviewed 7/19/07)
The Cowon iAudio 7 beats the industry heavyweight iPod Nano in price, features, battery life, and sound quality. The user interface could use some refinement, but all-in-all this is a very impressive MP3 player.
Read review of the Cowon iAudio 7 (4GB, silver)
Creative Zen Mozaic (8GB, black)
7.7 Very good (reviewed 8/6/08)
The Creative Zen Mozaic offers great bang for your buck as far as MP3 players go: get super sound quality, a boatload of features, and a cool interface--all wrapped in a funky design at an ultralow price.
Read review of the Creative Zen Mozaic (8GB, black)