Are There Any Digital Music Players That Rival the iPod?

The name “iPod” has been closely identified with digital music players since the launch of the third generation iPod three years ago, but is it really the unsurpassed choice in the market?

A little in-depth research showed that yes, there are indeed a few companies manufacturing digital media players that can rival even the newest iPod.

The iPod video from Apple

• Multimedia player with an internal hard drive, the largest of which is 60GB.
• 2.5″ full color screen.
• Dimensions – 103.5 x 61.8 x 11mm.
• Weight – 136g
• Uses iTunes, which is available for Windows and Mac computers.
• Video playback, music and photos.
• 14 hour battery life for music playback and 2 hours for video.
• Uses iPod click wheel to navigate menus.

The Zen vision:M from Creative

• Mp3 player, photo, video and FM radio receiver with an internal hard drive, the biggest of which is 30GB. This holds 15,000 songs or 120 hours of video.
• Has a full colour screen the same size as the iPod video.
• Dimensions – 104 x 62 x 18.9mm
• Weight – 163g
• Works with Windows XP but not Mac software.
• Similar battery life to iPod video.
• Scroll mouse used to navigate very easy to use menu system.
• Has ability to record FM radio and can be linked to the TV using AV cable (not included).
• Comes with added extras including an AC adaptor and a protective case.

The Archos AV 500 Mobile DVR (digital video recorder) from Archos

• Multimedia entertainment system with an incredible 100GB memory. There is also an Archos AV500 30GB Multimedia Player.
• Video, music, photos and it has the ability to record straight from the TV or computer.
• 4″ high resolution full colour screen.
• Dimensions – 76 x 124 x 18mm.
• Weight – 255g
• Works with Windows 2000/XP and Mac OS 10.2.4 or higher.
• 15 hours battery life for music playback and 4.5 hours for video.
• Music downloaded from Microsoft PlayForSure websites.
• Also incorporates FM radio and Dictaphone.
• Built in microphone and speaker.