Find out what are the features and qualities to look out for in a good MP3 player. We also review 6 devices so that you know which suits you best.
Creative Zen X-Fi2
$199 (8GB), $249 (16GB), $349 (32GB)
Buy online at sg.store.creative.com
THIS is one of Creative's best efforts to put high-fidelity audio in a portable gadget of just 75g.
First up: It handles Flac. Sound is good enough that audiophiles might consider it as their music-listening device of choice. The X-Fi Crystaliser software makes minor tweaks to restore highs and lows, adding to the audio quality.
Next, a 3-inch TFT touchscreen LCD displays up to 262,000 colours - one of the highest in the roundup.
Though a tad smaller than the screen of the iPod Touch, it allows for fairly decent viewing of photos, videos and small documents. Any sharper and brighter and the iPod Touch would have a serious contender.
A built-in speaker blares sound, so you can share music or movies with those around.
The TV output also means you can pump out images from the player to a big screen like an LCD television.
Other functions: A calendar, clock and alarm. A slot for a microSD card means you can transfer music or images from the camera or cellphone into the gizmo. Built-in microphone included.
Battery life: Just over four hours for videos; more than enough time to watch two average-length movies.
