MP3 Player Roundup

If you thought the only mp3 players out there have little apples etched on them, we've got news for you. these six compact devices won't take up much room in your pocket and range in capacity from 100 songs to 4,000. that doesn't even get into their other features. we've also got the rundown on how to connect them to your ride.

Connectivity OptionsWhen it comes to integrating non-iPod digital music players into your vehicle's sound system, the options slim down a lot. With iPod taking up the majority of the market, it just makes sense for manufacturers to focus on creating integration options for Apple's player. For now, the best alternative-player devotees can do is utilize an FM transmitter or run cable to their head unit.

ConclusionIf you're going to consider sound quality for MP3 players (which by definition are not made for great music reproduction) iRiver's would be your best bet. But if you weigh other features, Philips' offering or another player may win you over. Each has a unique look and feature set. Even earbuds, if you don't choose to upgrade to higher-quality, customizable ones, could be a factor. Philips' were small and malleable, while the others, though differing in color and design, were bulkier (perhaps too big for smaller earlobes). As always, we can't tell you which player matches your tastes best, but one of these should fit just right.

Creative Zen Microphoto
Sleek and stylish, this MP3 player/voice recorder/FM radio/picture viewer holds 8GB on its hard drive. That translates to around 4,000 digital songs and thousands of photos. Starting up is relatively easy with a super quick USB 2.0 connection. Plug it into your computer to get this little baby charging. The included software makes loading music and photos a snap. It also provides multiple ways to organize the variety of media the MicroPhoto can handle. After a few moments of loading your favorite albums, you're ready to listen. The MicroPhoto fits easily in the palm of your hand and the touch-sensitive controls are so logical to use, you'll probably never have to consult the manual. Our only complaint with the vertical touch pad is that even at the lowest setting it's still very sensitive. Walking around with it in your pocket (unless you keep it in its velvety pouch) will inevitably make it pause and repeat with almost every denim-shifting step. Sound quality is on par with the majority of the players on these pages, but its attractive design and compact case give it a major bonus.

Motorola Rokr
The ROKR brings multiple capabilities down into a mainstream price range. The phone features a camera, instant messaging, Bluetooth capability, photo viewing, games and, of course, the reason it's included in this roundup-MP3 capability. Since the ROKR has to do so much and still be useful as a mobile phone, the storage capacity isn't anything to boast about. Dependent on the type of mobile phone software it comes with, the ROKR can store approximately 100 songs based on four minutes per song at 128Kbps AAC recording. The phone looks sleek and is easy to navigate. We didn't find loading it with songs as simple. After a few tries on different computers, we got the ROKR to work happily with the version of iTunes included on the supplied disk. Our digital music then loaded without a hitch, though the USB connection didn't make a quick time of it. Finally, it came to listening. Whether through the built-in speakers, the ear buds or the phone-to-mini adapter, sound quality left much to be desired. However, if you only want to carry one gizmo for all your music-listening, instant-messaging, picture-taking needs, the ROKR is a good bet.