--MP3 PLAYERS

1- APPLE IPOD NANO

The Apple iPod nano is the top-rated MP3 player among critics. Most say it's easy to use, and they love the updated slim design. Audio quality is good, and video playback is impressive despite the small 2-inch screen. Apple has also added some new features like Genius playlists, shake-to-shuffle and a tilt-sensor screen. Be aware, however, that it's incompatible with some third-party accessories that worked with earlier-generation players.

2-  SANDISK SANSA FUZE

While most critics say the iPod nano is the best MP3 player overall, many are impressed with SanDisk Sansa Fuze's audio performance and features. The screen can't rival the nano's, but you get an FM tuner, support for subscription-based music services and a memory card slot. Although this isn't the best player for viewing videos and photos, reviewers agree that sound quality is good. Battery life is about 20 hours, and it'll work with a Mac. 

3- CREATIVE ZEN

reviewers say non-Mac users should seriously consider the Creative Zen. At 2.5 inches, the screen beats the iPod nano's. It also has an FM tuner and memory card slot. You'll have no trouble playing music-subscription tracks on it. Sound and video quality is great, although you need to convert videos before playing them on the Zen. Battery life isn't as long as advertised, and tracks on external memory cards aren't integrated into the player's libraries, like on the Sansa Fuze.

4- APPLE IPOD CLASSIC

The latest iPod classic MP3 player can hold up to 30,000 songs or 150 hours of video. You get the Genius playlist feature and voice recording, though you'll need to have a compatible headset with a microphone. Battery life is excellent, and sound quality is as good as ever. As with all iPods, the hardware and iTunes software and extensive music store integrate well to create a seamless user experience.

5- MICROSOFT ZUNE

Reviewers say Microsoft's 120 GB Zune is a worthy competitor to the iPod classic, especially for those not already wedded to iTunes. The Zune offers Wi-Fi for syncing wirelessly with your PC's music collection ordownloading tracks from Zune Marketplace. The 3.2-inch display is larger than the iPod classic's 2.5-inch screen, yet the player is roughly the same size. You also get an FM tuner. Unfortunately, the high-quality earphones that were packaged with the previous version of the player are missing, and battery life isn't great. Flash versions of the player are also available, but have not been well received.