If you are on a budget and are thinking of buying a digital music player, then 'cheap and cheerful' is the way to go. There is a surprisingly good choice of quality budget players on the market today, some of which even put the more expensive MP3 players to shame. Here is a selection of quality budget players in the $200 or less price bracket.
1. SanDisk slotMusic Player
Image © SanDisk Corporation
The Sansa slotMusic Player is a 'no frills' budget MP3 player that offers a new way of physically owning digital music by purchasing preloaded slotMusic cards (MicroSD) - similar to buying CDs, vinyl records, etc. At $20, this technophobe-friendly MP3 player is certainly worth a look.
2. Apple 8GB iPod nano - Third Generation
Courtesy of Apple
Now in its third generation, the Apple iPod nano gets a face lift in the form of a wider video screen. Weighing in at a miniscule 1.74 ounces, the iPod nano is incredibly light. The improved LCD display has 204 pixels per inch and delivers a sharper image than its predecessor. With its generous 8GB of memory, the Apple iPod nano probably gives the best bangs per buck of any digital music player in its class. If you are intending to use Apple's iTunes Store for both digital music and videos, the iPod nano is the perfect solution for less than $200.
3. SanDisk Sansa Fuze 4GB
Image © SanDisk Corporation
The Sansa Fuze is a flash memory-based budget media player. It can handle audio, video, and photos which makes it the ideal device to use for your media collection. The Fuze comes in a variety of colors, storage configurations, and has bonus features such as a built-in microphone and FM radio. Looking a bit like an Apple nano, but without the price tag, the Sansa Fuze represents excellent value for money. For a detailed look, Read the Sansa Fuze 4GB (pink) review for more information.
4. SanDisk Sansa Clip
Photo © 2008 SanDisk Corporation
The SanDisk Sansa Clip is a super-small MP3 player with attitude. It comes with a handy clip that can be used to safely attach the unit almost anywhere. The most impressive feature of the Sansa Clip is its big sound; the audio quality is surprising considering its price. Unlike the iPod Shuffle, it comes with added features such as an FM radio, microphone and a choice of 1-4GB of storage. Read the Sansa Clip 1GB (black) review for more information.
5. Apple 1GB iPod Shuffle - Second Generation
Courtesy of Apple
The second generation Apple iPod Shuffle comes with 1GB of storage and is incredibly small, 1.62 inches long to be exact. Its size enables you to wear it practically anywhere, even on your sleeve. It comes with a convenient built-in clip and a neat little cradle for you to synchronize your files. The sound quality is very impressive and with seamless integration with the iTunes Store, it makes the perfect partner if you intend on using Apple's digital music service.
6. Nextar T30 4GB
Photo © 2008 Mark Harris - Licensed to About.com, Inc.
The Nextar T30 is a full-featured media player with 4Gb of internal memory - there's also an SD/MMC memory expansion slot so you can add more capacity to play movies etc. This budget PMP can handle audio, video, and photos; additional features include, an e-book reader, voice recorder, FM radio tuner, and the ability to output sound via a built-in speaker.
7. Cowon 4GB iAudio D2
Photo Courtesy of Pricegrabber
Cowon are a Korean company who have made a portable media player (PMP) that is top notch. As well as being a very capable audio player, the Cowon 4GB iAudio D2 sports a whole host of features such as, video, FM tuner, photo and text viewer, memory expansion slot and a touch-screen 2.5 inch LCD. The touch-sensitive screen is a nice user-friendly addition, you can either use the stylus that comes with the unit or just use your finger. This device is compatible with playforsure DRM protected tracks downloaded from digital music services like Rhapsody and Napster.
8. Creative 1GB ZEN Stone
Copyright Creative Technology Ltd.
The Creative 1GB ZEN Stone is a 'no frills' digital audio player that does a good job of playing MP3, WMA and Audible music formats. It's available in 6 vibrant colors and has a claimed battery life of up to 10 hours. If you're looking for a basic digital music player just to play audio files then the ZEN Stone is a solid performer.
9. SanDisk 2GB Sansa Express
Copyright SanDisk Corporation
The SanDisk 2GB Sansa Express is a budget digital audio player that gives you 2GB of storage along with an FM radio, voice recorder and good quality playback of MP3, WAV and WMA file formats. This little gem even has a MicroSD expansion slot for adding extra memory.
10. Creative 2GB ZEN V Plus
Copyright Creative Technology Ltd.
The Creative ZEN V Plus base model comes with a generous 2GB of storage and is blessed with all the 'bells and whistles' a budget conscious consumer would need. As well as being a very good MP3, WMA and WAV digital audio player, it also has video and photo capabilities. It's well worth a look if you want more than just music.
11. Samsung 2GB YP-T9JQB
Image Courtesy of Pricegrabber
The Samsung YP-T9J is a stylish 2GB flash based device that is good on features for its price tag. This bluetooth enabled player has an FM tuner, video and photo capabilities. As an added bonus you can also play flash games.
