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CNET editors' top 100 tech products
MP3 players and digital music
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Best flash-based MP3 player
iRiver Clix  with video
Flash-based MP3 players may not have the storage capacity of hard drive players, but they're unbeatable if you want a lightweight, compact player to carry anywhere. The iRiver Clix beats some stiff competition by packing a plethora of useful features into its compact form factor. Its innovative design; large, brilliant color screen; and wonderfully simple user interface also help earn this player the top spot. We wish it came in larger capacities, but its 2GB of internal memory is more than enough for long jogs and commutes. The Clix also works flawlessly with subscription WMA services such as MTV Urge.
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Best overall MP3 player
Apple iPod (60GB, color) with video with video
It's not perfect, and Steve Jobs says it's not even the video iPod, but Apple's new iPod is our top overall MP3 player pick. It has the same intuitive interface as previous iPods, but with a bigger screen and a thinner form factor. The video content available via iTunes 6 isn't all that extensive (and battery life for video is subpar), so this iPod should primarily be thought of as a music player. We'd also like to see more accessories included. But the price is right: it's $299 for the 30GB version and $399 for the 60GB.
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Best ultraportable hard drive player
Creative Zen Micro Photo (8GB) with video
Creative has added a bright OLED screen to its microdrive line in the excellent-sounding Zen Micro Photo. In addition to packing 8GB into a body that's more streamlined than its predecessor, the Zen Micro Photo has just about all the features you'd want in a compact MP3 player: compatibility with WMA subscription services, an FM tuner, voice recording, photo viewing, a removable battery, and a choice of 10 body colors.
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Best digital audio receiver
Sonos Digital Audio System with video
A variety of digital audio receivers can stream your digitized tunes over a home network, but previous models were fraught with a number of compromises, from subpar audio quality to annoying usability quirks. The Sonos Digital Audio System raises the bar: Its decidedly iPod-like wireless remote lets you dial up your favorite tunes and playlists while kicking back in the easy chair, while the companion ZonePlayer base station connects straight to your stereo system--or powers high-quality speakers from its built-in amp. Yes, $1,200 is a steep price for a two-room audio system, but considering the Sonos can be expanded--wirelessly--to include up to 32 players, as well as manage a variety of whole-house audio tricks (synchronized playback in as many or as few rooms as you like, or different songs in every room), it'll be money well spent for serious digital music fans.
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Best MP3 player for a long trip
Cowon iAudio X5L (30GB) with video
Though the Sony NW-HD5 has excellent battery life on top of strong audio features, we'd prefer to take the Cowon iAudio X5L on our journeys because of its equally long lasting battery. Other pluses include its ability to play back movies and photos in addition to secure WMA content (including subscription-based tracks). Throw in an FM tuner, recording abilities, and a supersleek body, and you have a bona fide travel companion.
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Best plug-in MP3 player
Samsung YP-U2 with video
Some of today's smallest MP3 players plug directly into your USB port,
obviating the need for a connection cable (and in most cases, drivers
and file-transfer software as well). Samsung's supercompact YP-U2, which
sports a unique (though gimmicky) glowing blue USB cap, includes an FM
tuner and a built-in microphone for voice recording. Of course, it's
also equipped with a USB 2.0 interface. Thanks to an intuitive
interface, impressive sound settings, and a few extra features such as
compatibility with subscription services (see MTV
Urge), the affordable YP-U2 is our pick.
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Best portable video player
Archos AV500 Mobile DVR (30GB) with video
Archos continues to pave the way for the portable video player industry with its refined and powerful AV500 Mobile DVR. Much sleeker and elegant than the AV700 Mobile DVR, the 30GB AV500 (also available in a 100GB version) boasts a gorgeous 4-inch wide screen and compatibility with DRM-protected WMA and WMV files as well as MPEG-4, DivX, and photo files. The ability to record video and audio, an excellent interface, and awesome battery life make the AV500 our current top PVP choice. (Cowon's A2 is very close behind.)
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Best earbud-style headphones
Shure E500PTH Sound Isolating Earphones
The headphones that ship with MP3 players--yes, even with iPods--typically deliver lousy audio quality and probably aren't very comfortable. These high-end earbuds from Shure deliver big sound, and they're designed to fit like earplugs to block out ambient noise. The 'buds, which are much easier to transport than over-the-ear headphones, each have three distinct minispeakers to give you a full range of sound. At $550, the E00PTHs are an investment, but your ears will thank you.
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Best online music store
Apple iTunes Music Store
By offering flexible usage rights, high-quality tunes, and a simple pricing scheme, Apple iTunes Music Store successfully bridges the gap between laissez-faire file-swapping programs and for-fee music-subscription services. While we wish that Apple's service offered more in the way of artist info, the iTunes Music Store makes digital music feel fun again. Best of all, iTunes is now available for both Mac and PC users.
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Best online music subscription service
Rhapsody 3.0
The popular streaming source has transformed itself into a full-fledged subscription service, where users can stream or download from a catalog of more than 1.2 million tracks for a monthly fee that's less than the price of a CD. A clean interface, top-notch radio features, personalization, excellent editorial content, and decent audio jukebox features make it our current choice.
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