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Best small MP3 players

(Nov 27, 2008)

In the growing world of MP3 players, small is definitely sexy. Flash-based MP3 players continue to trim the millimeters and the grams (just look at the new Apple iPod Nano) without sacrificing extra features. Check out these top-rated, ultracompact MP3 player beauties.

Apple iPod Nano (fourth generation, 16GB, silver)

The fourth-generation iPod Nano is easy on the eyes and the wallet, and you can't beat its hardware and user interface design. Just be sure to give iTunes 8 a spin before committing.

Price: $173.99 - $199.99 (check prices)

Review date: Sep 10, 2008

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.5 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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SanDisk Sansa Clip (2GB, candy apple red)

The SanDisk Sansa Clip is an incredible value that's set to edge out the competition with a user-friendly interface, gym-worthy design, and great sound quality.

Price: $29.99 - $64.99 (check prices)

Review date: Oct 8, 2007

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.8 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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Creative Zen V Plus (2GB, black)

The Creative Zen V Plus is a superb choice for anyone looking for a compact and feature-filled flash MP3 player with great sound quality. If you're looking for a more sophisticated design (or have large thumbs), look elsewhere.

Price: $53.99 - $95.21 (check prices)

Review date: Jun 20, 2006

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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Cowon iAudio 7 (4GB, silver)

The Cowon iAudio 7 beats the industry heavyweight iPod Nano in price, features, battery life, and sound quality. The user interface could use some refinement, but all-in-all this is a very impressive MP3 player.

Price: $86.95 - $89.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jul 19, 2007

  • 4 stars

      Overall score: 8.3 (4.0 stars)

Excellent

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iRiver S10 (2GB)

The undeniably cute iRiver S10 sounds great and is packed with features, but its lofty price tag and paltry battery life might be a deterrent for some users.

Price: $109.95 - $129.99 (check prices)

Review date: Apr 16, 2007

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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Samsung S2 Pebble (1GB, purple)

The Samsung S2 Pebble is a simple, cute MP3 player that offers a super affordable price tag, good sound quality, and some compelling extras. It's a great option for those who like to wear their devices pendant style.

Price: $29.97 - $41.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jun 19, 2008

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.3 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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Creative Zen Stone (1GB, black)

The Creative Zen Stone is a fantastic choice as a secondary MP3 player or for first timers on a budget who want a simple, great-sounding device with limited features and a bargain basement price tag.

Price: Sorry, pricing not available

Review date: May 9, 2007

  • 3h stars

      Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)

Very good

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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 1GB, green)

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

Price: $39.99 - $49.99 (check prices)

Review date: Sep 12, 2007

  • 3 stars

      Overall score: 6.3 (3.0 stars)

Good

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