iPod alternatives for AAC audio

Donald Bell offers six iPod alternatives that work with the AAC music files commonly ripped in Apple's iTunes software.

Donald Bell Senior Editor / How To

Donald Bell has spent more than five years as a CNET senior editor, reviewing everything from MP3 players to the first three generations of the Apple iPad. He currently devotes his time to producing How To content for CNET, as well as weekly episodes of CNET's Top 5 video series.

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Donald Bell

July 25, 2008 12:27 p.m. PT

Apple isn't the only game in town when it comes to AAC-compatible MP3 players. Advanced Audio Coding files may be the default iTunes option for ripping CDs into your music collection, but Apple holds no exclusive claim to the format the way they do with Apple Lossless or the iTunes store's FairPlay DRM.

So what portable devices are out there for folks who appreciate the benefits of AAC audio, but want to steer clear of the iPod? I've put together a product roundup of my top six non-iPod AAC players, along with an Insider Secret video that shows off five of them.

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