(Nov 27, 2008)
Donald Bell
Senior Editor
Today's hot, new players boast sweet, streamlined designs, tons of extra features, and price tags to match. Don't despair, all you penny-pinchers out there! There are oodles of deals to be had in all MP3 player categories. From flash players with expansion slots that cost less than $40, to 30GB monsters priced less than most 20GB hard-drive players, there are many solid models for the budget-conscious buyer.
SanDisk Sansa Fuze (2GB, black)
The SanDisk Sansa Fuze is a great value--a slim design, simple interface, plentiful features, memory expansion capability, and solid sound quality all come with an easy-to-swallow price tag.
Price: $65.99 - $87.95 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 12, 2008
Excellent
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SanDisk Sansa Clip (1GB, sleek black)
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: $35.65 - $42.59 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 8, 2007
Very good
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Creative Zen Mozaic (2GB, pink)
The Creative Zen Mozaic offers great bang for your buck as far as MP3 players go: get super sound quality, a boatload of features, and a cool interface--all wrapped in a funky design at an ultralow price.
Price: $56.32 - $69.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 6, 2008
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
Very good
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Sony NWZ-B133F Walkman (1GB, black)
The entry-level Sony B-Series Walkman is a solid choice for the gym thanks to its ultracompact design, quick charge function, and integrated FM tuner--but beware the eye strain.
Price: $44.95 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 25, 2008
Good
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 1GB, silver)
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: $47.00 - $49.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 12, 2007
Good
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