Top 5 MP3 Players (Hard Drive-Based)

These are the top hard drive-based MP3 players today, but ratings and rankings can change quickly due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Eric Butterfield
Cowon iAudio6
Bottom Line: Tiny player supports many audio formats and online music subscriptions, but the screen is small and the controls are quirky.
PC World Rating: 75 (Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Good
  2. Built-in Capacity: 4GB
  3. Screen Size (inches): 1
  4. Voice Recording: Yes
  5. FM tuner: Yes
  6. Video Support: Yes
  7. Price When Reviewed: $145
  8. Rated on: September 12, 2007
Microsoft Zune 30GB Media Player - Black
Bottom Line: Boasts a large, 3-inch LCD and limited Wi-Fi connectivity, but it lacks PlaysForSure compatibility.
PC World Rating: 81 (Very Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Superior
  2. Built-in Capacity: 30GB
  3. Screen Size (inches): 3
  4. Voice Recording: No
  5. FM tuner: Yes
  6. Video Support: Yes
  7. Photo Support: Yes
  8. Price When Reviewed: $199
  9. Rated on: September 12, 2007
Apple iPod
Apple iPod (MA450LLA)
Bottom Line: Apple's latest iPod costs a lot, but it boasts a great screen and tons of storage, in addition to a easy-to-use interface.
PC World Rating: 83 (Very Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Very Good
  2. Built-in Capacity: 80GB
  3. Screen Size (inches): 3
  4. Voice Recording: No
  5. FM tuner: No
  6. Video Support: Yes
  7. Photo Support: Yes
  8. Price When Reviewed: $249
  9. Rated on: September 12, 2007
Creative Zen VisionM
Bottom Line: The VisionM has a touchpad and delivers great-looking video. However, it needs a dongle to sync files.
PC World Rating: 83 (Very Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Very Good
  2. Built-in Capacity: 30GB
  3. Screen Size (inches): 3
  4. Voice Recording: Yes
  5. FM tuner: Yes
  6. Video Support: Yes
  7. Photo Support: Yes
  8. Price When Reviewed: $250
  9. Rated on: April 11, 2007
Apple iPod (MA002LL/A)
Bottom Line: Apple's latest iPod boasts a great screen and tons of storage, in addition to an easy-to-use interface.
PC World Rating: 85 (Very Good)
  1. Performance Word Score: Very Good
  2. Built-in Capacity: 30GB
  3. Screen Size (inches): 3
  4. Voice Recording: No
  5. FM tuner: No
  6. Video Support: Yes
  7. Photo Support: Yes
  8. Price When Reviewed: $249
  9. Rated on: September 12, 2007

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