Thanks to its exceptional value and user-friendly features, the SanDisk Sansa c200 is an acceptable choice for youngsters and first-timers–but more sophisticated users would be better off shelling out a bit more for a better player.

Thanks to its exceptional value and user-friendly features, the SanDisk Sansa c200 is an acceptable choice for youngsters and first-timers–but more sophisticated users would be better off shelling out a bit more for a better player.

The Microsoft Zune with its intuitive interface and solid playback performance will please most users. But lukewarm format support and the cool but limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. The Zune is a very good start, though.

The Microsoft Zune with its intuitive interface and solid playback performance will please most users. But lukewarm format support and the cool but limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. The Zune is a very good start, though.

MobiBlu’s wearable US2 is sleek and feature packed, but the user interface isn’t very sophisticated.

The Truly Pic ‘N Roll isn’t all bad, but there’s no compelling reason to choose it over full-featured MP3 players such as the Creative Zen V Plus or the iRiver Clix.

The Truly Pic ‘N Roll isn’t all bad, but there’s no compelling reason to choose it over full-featured MP3 players such as the Creative Zen V Plus or the iRiver Clix.

The intriguing Sirius Stiletto 100 is packed with useful radio and digital audio features, and it’s easy and fun to use. However, some consumers may find the Stiletto too bulky, and battery life isn’t stellar.

If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the second-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player.

The Microsoft Zune can hold its own as a portable media player, and the sharing feature is definitely cool. But the lack of format support will estrange some seasoned users.

The Microsoft Zune can hold its own as a portable media player, and the sharing feature is definitely cool. But the lack of format support will estrange some seasoned users.

The Microsoft Zune can hold its own as a portable media player, and the sharing feature is definitely cool. But the lack of format support will estrange some seasoned users.

Despite a few weaknesses, the Disney Mix Max will make most kids who like music, videos, and photos happy.

The superportable Cowon iAudio F2 is a feature-packed performer, but its mini cell phone design makes it a bear to use. Plus it maxes out at 2GB.

The NW-S200 Walkman proves once again that Sony knows what it’s doing in the hardware department; fitness-minded users should take a close look at this flash MP3 player. But make sure you’re comfortable with SonicStage before you commit.

The NW-S200 Walkman proves once again that Sony knows what it’s doing in the hardware department; fitness-minded users should take a close look at this flash MP3 player. But make sure you’re comfortable with SonicStage before you commit.

Thanks to an improved feature set and GUI, the Rhapsody version of the flagship Sansa player is better than the original.

Thanks to an improved feature set and GUI, the Rhapsody version of the flagship Sansa player is better than the original.

Thanks to an improved feature set and GUI, the Rhapsody version of the flagship Sansa player is better than the original.

The amazingly low priced updated Apple iPod gets many under-the-hood improvements, but it’s still not a true video player.

The amazingly low priced updated Apple iPod gets many under-the-hood improvements, but it’s still not a true video player.

The amazingly low priced updated Apple iPod gets many under-the-hood improvements, but it’s still not a true video player.

The amazingly low priced updated Apple iPod gets many under-the-hood improvements, but it’s still not a true video player.

The second-generation Apple iPod Nano is like the successful offspring of an iPod Mini and a first-generation iPod Nano. It’s small, stylish, user-friendly, and competitively priced–a great player all around and suitable for a variety of users.

The second-generation Apple iPod Nano is like the successful offspring of an iPod Mini and a first-generation iPod Nano. It’s small, stylish, user-friendly, and competitively priced–a great player all around and suitable for a variety of users.