Top Ten Portable MP3 Players

First there were the large cassette players resting on shoulders with the volume turned up. With the invention of the compact disc came the Sony Walkman and a more peaceful listening experience as users were able to use earphones. Then there came the MP3 players offering portability and storage capacity. Many of today's MP3 players offer users much more than the ability to play music. With so many to choose from, it is a matter of selecting the one that has the features you desire in an MP3 player.

Apple iPod Touch

At the top of every reviewer's list is the Apple iPod touch. Available in three storage capacities, 8, 32 and 64 gigabytes, the iPod touch provides plenty of storage for your music as well as the ability to watch movies, play games, call friends or browse the Internet. While you are listening to up to 40 hours of music, you can view album covers front and back with the touch of your finger. The iPod also has the ability to record, edit and share high definition video. Its high 960-by-640 resolution screen displays your favorite music videos in crystal clarity.

Creative Zen X-Fi2

Available in 8, 16, 32 and 64 gigabyte models, the Creative Zen X-Fi2 is another popular MP3 player. Like the iPod touch it has a touchscreen for navigation. If you need more storage for you music, you can insert a microSD card into its built-in slot. With the Zen X-Fi2 you can also read RSS feeds offline or connect it to your TV to share your videos and photos. You can even listen to the radio with integrated FM.

SanDisk Sansa Fuze+

The Sansa Fuze+ will fit comfortably in your hand as you take your daily walk. Besides its portability, the Sansa Fuze+ is affordably priced for a touchscreen. To expand its memory, you can insert a SanDisk slotRadio or microSD card. This MP3 player is available in five colors and three sizes. Similar to other touchscreen players, you can watch videos or view photos. You can also listen to FM radio and Podcasts.

Microsoft Zune HD

Although there are several Zune MP3 players, Top Ten Reviews rates the Zune HD as their second favorite for 2011. According to them, what makes the Zune HD stand out is its music-related features. When you play a song, it also displays the artist or band and a list of their other music and related artists. When you listen to the FM or HD radio, you can tag a song you like so that you can download it later.

Sony W-Series Walkman

If you are looking for the ultimate in portability, the Sony W-Series Walkman may be the answer. The MP3 player is incorporated into a pair of earbuds so you won't have annoying wires to interfere with your workout. Sony includes three sizes of silicone ear tips so you can get a custom fit. It also is built of water-resistant material so it can withstand sweat.

Apple iPod Classic

The Apple iPod classic is Top 10 MP3 Players' second rated player. Now in its seventh generation, the iPod Classic is still the favorite of many music lovers. It can store 40,000 songs, 200 hours of video and 25,000 photos in its rugged design.

Apple iPod nano

Another MP3 player from Apple, the iPod nano is very compact and available in seven bright colors. It has a touchscreen for simple navigation and a built-in clip for easy portability. It also has a built-in 30-pin connector so you can connect it to your car's stereo.

Apple iPod shuffle

Even smaller than the iPod nano, the shuffle still holds hundreds of songs in 2 gigabytes of storage. It is available in silver, blue, green, orange or pink and also includes a built-in clip. Rather than touchscreen navigation, the shuffle uses a clickable control pad.

Philips GoGear Spark

The Philips GoGear Spark features FullSound so you can experience music without distortion and with a fuller bass. The earbuds are made of rubber rather than silicone to adjust to your specific shape. The GoGear Spark includes a build-in clip and digital voice recording.

Creative Zen Mozaic

The Mozaic's keypad is different from other MP3 players. Its mosaic keypad, lightweight design, full-color display and affordable price make the Mozaic an MP3 to consider in your search for the perfect one for you.

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About the Author

Lisa M. McMahon began writing in 1992, creating in-house courseware for major office and Web-related software applications. She has conducted numerous workshops on using the Internet for advocacy. McMahon has a Bachelor of Arts in cross-cultural studies from Northland International University.

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