An MP3 Player Buyer's Guide

Where do you start with so many MP3 Players being launched on a weekly basis? There's straight mp3 players like the Pebble. You've also got one's that hook up to Wi-Fi audio systems like the Sony NAS-CZI, you've got portable media players such as the Archos AV4100. There are toy-based ones like the Teddy Bear one as well as the Pez MP3 player. It's all a bit much.

Basically we think you should ask your self a few questions:

1. Do you want to listen to loads of music, or just limit yourself to a couple of hundred tracks?
   If you just want a few songs on there go for something like the Orb A3188 128MB, SumVision 102 256MB or Ipod Shuffle. For a medium amount of space try the Sony Bean NW-E07 1GB, PEBBLE 1GB, Apple iPod nano 4gb. For larger amounts of hard drive go for the Creative Zen 20GB, iRiver H10 20GB colour. And for obscene amounts of space go for the Apple iPod 60gb colour, Archos Gmini (great for viewing video files). And if you want the most space, and show-off-ability go for either the Archos AV4100 or AV 500 as both have 100GB.
   
2. Do you want to be able to watch videos on it?
   If you want to be able to watch tv that you've recorded on to it, then you'll need to go for a "personal media player" or a "video jukebox". For the lower level (they'll hate me for saying it) go for the Apple iPod 60gb colour. For the best I'd go for the various offerings from Archos, mPack, iAudi or Creative Zen.
   
3. Do you want to be able to view files from a flash card?
   The Archos fellas are good for this.
   
4. Do you want a combination CD Player and a MP3 Player?
   I'd recommend the Sony DNE005 MP3 CD Player
   
5. I want to be different, or I do a fair amount of jogging/cycling in the sun.
   Perhaps go for the Oakley Thump2 1GB MP3 Sunglasses.

Basically we've found that Advanced MP3 Players have a neat little tool to help you find the right MP3 player / personal media player that's right for you. You can find it here.