Cheap iriver mp3 player

6 OF THE BEST

iRiver iFP-380T

Leading Japanese brand iRiver has arrived in the UK with a splash. The iFP-380T not only plays downloaded audio, it also records. Its 128MB flash memory holds about two albums of CD-quality sound recorded from a wide variety of devices. It fits in your palm and is robust enough for gym use. It can be upgraded for new music formats and has an FM radio, too.

Enquiries: 0118 9774735, www.iriver.com From 159.99 9/10

Apple iPod

Now in its third generation, the iPod is still our favourite. It's chic and lighter than two CDs, downloading at a super-quick speed and holding up to 10,000 songs - four weeks' worth, played non-stop. It comes in three memory sizes - 10GB, 20GB or a vast 40GB. However, only taking music from a computer (Mac or PC) means its top spot is no longer so secure.

Enquiries: 0800 039 1010, www.apple.com/uk From 249.99 9/10

Sony NW-MS70D Network Walkman

Enquiries: 0118 9774735, www.iriver.com From 159.99 9/10 The Sony NW-MS70D is as big as a matchbox, and the sleek, silver design makes it possibly the best-looking audio player around. Its 256MB internal memory stores about four albums of CD-quality music.

"Memory sticks" can hold an additional 256MB each. It is, however, PC-dependent and lacks versatility.

Enquiries: 08705 111 999, www.sony.co.uk From 280 8/10

iRiver SlimX iMP-550

The SlimX iMP-550 opens the MP3 door to CD fogies. It is a CD player that plays discs with MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files. A blank CD can hold more than 150 MP3 tracks. You will need the appropriate CD-burning technology and software.

The SlimX also has an FM radio. It bridges the CD-MP3 gap, but it has a foot in the past.

Enquiries: 0118 9774735, www.iriver.com From 169.99 7/10

Philips HDD100

Smaller than a cigarette packet and stylishly designed, the HDD100 is challenging the iPod head-on. Its 15GB memory carries 3,000 songs and music can be downloaded either via a PC or direct from a hi-fi. The HDD100 is easy to use and navigate, while PC users might find it more convenient than an iPod, as it has been designed specifically for PCs rather than Macs. From 299 Enquiries: 0870 900 9070, www.philips.com

9/10

Maplin 20GB Digital Audio Jukebox

This is retailer Maplin Electronics' new own-brand MP3 player. Its mammoth 20GB memory can hold around 5,000 MP3 songs. You can record from a CD player or download from a PC. It has an FM radio and an anti-shock buffer for gym use. It's cheap, but feels like a brick.

Enquiries: 0870 429 6000, www.maplin.co.uk From 229.99 6/10