MP3 players for file hoarders

Donald Bell Donald Bell, Senior Editor February 8, 2008

Does your digital music collection run into the hundreds of gigabytes? If you've amassed a king's share of music, or have a thing for ripping your CDs to large, lossless audio formats, then you need an MP3 player with some serious storage. These days, the cap on MP3 player capacity runs at around 160GB, with hard drive MP3 players such as the iPod Classic and the Archos 605 WiFi leading the charge.

If you need a lot of space, but don't like the idea of carrying a bulky player, there are some slender, high-capacity Flash memory MP3 players coming out (such as the iPod Touch) that are finally tipping into the 30-plus-GB territory formerly reserved for hard drive devices.

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Editors' top MP3 players,
Editors' top PVPs,
iPod Central,
Zune Central
Product name
Apple iPod Classic (160GB, silver)
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Apple iPod Classic (160GB, silver)

Archos 605 WiFi (160GB)
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Archos 605 WiFi (160GB)

CNET Editors' choice
Microsoft Zune (second generation, 80GB, black)
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Microsoft Zune (second generation, 80GB, black)

Creative Zen Vision W (60GB)
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Creative Zen Vision W (60GB)

Apple iPod Touch (32GB)
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Apple iPod Touch (32GB)

Creative Zen (32GB)
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Creative Zen (32GB)

Price $319.97 to $349.99 $329.95 to $451.53 $249.99 to $479.95 Check Prices $447.91 to $499.99 $339.99
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating
Review date September 10, 2007 August 30, 2007 November 12, 2007 September 13, 2006 September 17, 2007 September 14, 2007
The Bottom Line The iPod Classic is a refinement of the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and advanced user interface. The Archos 605 WiFi portable video player is one of the best mobile distractions money can buy. The Zune has blossomed from an ugly duckling into a worthy iPod alternative. The bulky but easy-to-use Creative Zen Vision W and its nice screen will dazzle video lovers who don't require video recording. The iPod Touch is a beautiful product, inside and out, but prepare yourself for sticker shock. We're hard-pressed to find anything not to like about the Creative Zen. It's a great option for anyone looking for a great-sounding, pocketable MP3 player with an excellent, video-capable screen and plenty of extra features.
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Features
Battery technology Lithium ion
Lithium polymer
Lithium ion
Lithium ion
Lithium ion
Lithium ion
Display type LCD 2.5 in
TFT 4.3 in - Color
Info unavailable TFT 4.3 in - Color
LCD 3.5 in
Info unavailable
Hard drive Info unavailable 160 GB
Info unavailable 60 GB
32 GB
Info unavailable
Digital player (recorder) Info unavailable Info unavailable WMA
MP3
AAC
Info unavailable Info unavailable WMA
WAV
ADPCM
Audible
MP3
AAC
Software type Info unavailable Info unavailable Info unavailable Info unavailable Info unavailable Creative ZENcast Organizer
Creative Media Explorer
Drivers & Utilities
Compatibility Info unavailable Info unavailable Info unavailable Intel VIIV Technology
Info unavailable Info unavailable
Dimensions (WxDxH) Info unavailable Info unavailable 2.4 in x 0.5 in x 4.3 in
Info unavailable Info unavailable 3.3 in x 0.4 in x 2.2 in
Device type Portable media center
Digital AV player
Info unavailable Digital AV player
Portable media center
Info unavailable
Color Silver
Info unavailable Black
Black
Info unavailable Black
PC interface(s) supported Info unavailable