Apple iPod Best large-capacity MP3 player. (30GB, est. $300)
The iPod leads the market among hard-drive players, and it’s still a strong favorite in reviews. The latest iPod plays both photos and video on its color screen, but according to reviews the 2.5-inch screen is too small for extended viewing. If you don’t need space for 7,500 songs, the iPod nano and Zen Micro Photo are smaller and lighter than the 4.8-ounce iPod. The Creative Zen Micro Photo doesn’t have the iPod’s easy interface, but the Zen Micro does have an FM tuner and voice recorder, and it’s compatible with the latest music-subscription services. The iPod has none of these features. A 60GB iPod sells for $400. The iPod is both Mac and Windows compatible.
Apple iPod nano Best MP3 player overall. (2GB, est. $200)
The iPod nano is only about -inch thick and weighs 1.5 ounces. According to reviews, the iPod nano tops all other MP3 players in reference to style, sound quality and ease-of-use. By using flash memory instead of a hard drive, it has no moving parts, making it a better choice for the gym than the full-size iPod; it also includes a lap counter. The...