Going Mobile

Nice review of portable digital audio players from TechTV, including a handy comparison charts:

Other than the third-generation iPod, we’ve spent most of 2003 waiting for an innovative new MP3 player. We can finally welcome a whole new crop of players. They sport vast hard drives, innovative form factors, extra features such as an FM tuner, and excellent dollar-per-megabyte value. They all double as general storage devices as well.

See our picks for the best of these next-gen portables on this week’s “Fresh Gear” so you can buy the perfect player for your needs.

….Apple iPod 40GB
Pros: Stylish and functional; intuitive; ultra compact
Con: Less than nine hours of battery life

….Bantam Interactive BA1000 2GB
Pros: Line-in recording and radio; neat graphical user interface
Cons: Mediocre backlight; too thick; 2GB doesn’t cut it; slow processor; terrible value

….Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen NX 30GB
Pros: Best value when it comes to capacity; excellent sound quality
Cons: Bulky; graphical interface and controls can use a revamp

….Dell Digital Jukebox 20GB
Pros: Sleek, durable, and attractive design; good value; excellent battery life
Con: Cannot quickly select and play all songs

….Philips HDD100 Recording Audio Jukebox
Pros: Could win a fashion award; MP3 encoding and voice recorder
Cons: Slow processor; low value points

Rio Karma 20GB
Pros: Innovative and extremely compact form factor; Ethernet networkable; nice graphical interface
Con: Controls are difficult to use for some

….Each Player a Winner
Each player has its strong points. Here’s how they measure up in all the major categories.

Best dollar-per-MB value
Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen NX 30GB

Best sound quality
Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen NX; Rio Karma; Apple iPod

Most features
Bantam BA1000

Sleekest
Apple iPod

Most worthy iPod rival
Rio Karma

Best battery life
Dell DJ

Most durable
Dell DJ

Easiest to use
Apple iPod

Style points
Apple iPod; Philips HDD100

Best overall
Apple iPod