We review the best 5 media players, tablets and iPods you can buy.
Group test: what's the best portable media player?
The Top 5 gadgets you can buy for music and video
By PC Advisor staff | PC Advisor | 24 January 12
5. SanDisk Sansa Clip Zip
- Reviewed on: 24 January 12
- RRP: Around £39 inc VAT for 4GB model
- Rating:
Overall, the Sansa Clip Zip is an appealing value alternative to the nano or shuffle. Yes, it's not as cool-looking, and yes, it lacks some of the sexier features on Apple's MP3 players (such as the VoiceOver feature that uses computer-generated speech to tell you what you're listening to), but it delivers a lot of meat-and-potatoes functionality for not too much money.
4. Sixth-generation Apple iPad nano
- Reviewed on: 1 October 11
- RRP: £129 inc VAT for 8GB model
- Rating:
With the sixth-generation Apple iPod nano, Apple has proved to us that less is not best. Key features that we loved on previous models like the camera, video recording and integrated speaker have disappeared. The new nano remains a solid device for listening to music, and comes with some handy fitness features, but Apple has substituted features for looks.
3. Samsung Galaxy Player 4
- Reviewed on: 6 January 12
- RRP: £175 inc. VAT
- Rating:
As an iPod Touch alternative, the Galaxy Player 4 has much to like - especially if you're already familiar with Android and have invested money in the ecosystem. The quality of audio played back through the stock Samsung music app is poor, but the Android advantage includes letting you choose third-party player options from Android Market. If you are looking for a taste of Android without having to pay for cellular service, the Galaxy Player 4 is a good Android device to tinker with.
2. Samsung Galaxy Player 5
- Reviewed on: 9 January 12
- RRP: £179 inc. VAT
- Rating:
As an iPod touch alternative, the Galaxy Player 5 offers much to like - especially if you are already familiar with Android and have invested money in the ecosystem. Audio playback through the stock Samsung music app is of poor quality, but the Android advantage means that you have the ability to choose third-party player options from the Android Market. If you are looking for a taste of Android without the cost of cellular service, the Galaxy Player 5 is a good Android device to tinker with.
1. iPod touch [2011 model]
- Reviewed on: 15 November 11
- RRP: £169 (8GB), £249 (34GB), £329 (64GB)
- Rating:
The iPod touch is now even slimmer, at 7.2mm, comes with iOS5 and supports iCloud - a neat way of accessing your music and Photostream from anywhere via the web. The iMessage feature now lets you send secure messages over Wi-Fi too.
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Comments
Tylermcmenaminhull said: Sony walkmans are better than a ipod any day so yay i destroyed my ipod touch bad sound scratch like hell i dropped out of my pocket had smashed i have a ipad 1and i have dropped it alot of time and it has not broke sound dose not work that is it so not think i hate apple ipods are over priced walkmans are the best some other makes are good to but walkmans are the best end of storie
KLP said: Ok this review seems a little bit more bias towards mp3 players that are filled with apps and can do more than one thing at once I am sorry but that is what my phone is for I want an mp3 player that plays music and my audio books well one that has buttons so it is easier for me to use I dont want something that is basically a phone but without the bit to make calls Put up some proper mp3 players in your list like Archos and walkman
Matt Egan - Editor said: Justifiable comments of course but I have to point out that we absolutely do look beyond iPods As for Cowon MP3 players there is absolutely nothing wrong with them and we have plenty of Cowon product reviews in our database click the MP3 Players Reviews link above For our reviewers however right now the products in the group test represent better value for money
Bill Bennett said: I agree with the above comment Have just got a Cowon J3 and its a beauty to look at and listen to The Colours of the screen when watching films is clear and bright The battery strength is also unbelievable Please look beyond Ipods in furure reviews
Stephen said: I really cant believe that none of the cowons are in your top 5Cheaper than an ipod and better sound - isnt the sound the point of an mp3 player Just because an ipod will do 7 things in a mediocre fashion I cant see how it compensates for not doing 1 thing really well Pomegranate phone anybody