So flash memory has now become the default storage option for most MP3 players. As a result, MP3 players have become lighter, smaller and more accommodative to sporty types. But even in its new advantageous form, there's still a broad spectrum of pros and cons on which to base an MP3 player purchase. Here're the factors we think pertinent in your checklist.

Starting off
What do you already have? A Window-based computer? A truckload of tunes encoded in ATRAC? What you have will decide what you should consider since compatibility is vital in a digital world full of differing standards.

You are in luck. Any MP3 player that supports either the UMS or MTP storage format will be compatible with your machine.

There are limited choices since only UMS-compliant players are supported. No need to fret. The famed iPod is a friend of your operating system.

Generally, UMS MP3 players are the easiest to manipulate. All you gotta do is drag-and-drop the required music files directly into the player and away you go. No fuss, no muss. Recommendations: Samsung YP-U1 Creative Zen Neeon 2

Most MP3 players in this class require a content management software to transfer files into the player. If you have Apple iTunes or Windows Media Player (WMP), you probably are already using one. But it's mostly caveat emptor in such cases since the user experience is dependant on how tightly the hardware is integrated with the software. The iPod/iTunes combo is miles ahead of the pack in this regard, but most top tier manufacturers like Samsung and iriver have been playing catch-up. The new WMP 11 has also been vastly improved. If you are good at finding your way around new software, such players will be a boon since they offer advanced features like smart playlists, podcast subscription and CD ripping. Recommendations: Apple iPod nano iriver S10

Jukebox junkie or casual listener?
Currently the highest-capacity flash memory MP3 players are the SanDisk Sansa e280 and the iPod nano at 8GB. But that's premium territory. It doesn't make economic sense if you listen exclusively to tunes from your two favorite albums.

You might want to stick to the ones that are just enough for your small song collection plus a bit of breathing room. Typically, the average flash MP3 player is still around the 1-2GB range. There are still 512MB and 256MB players, of course, but these are currently fading from the scene due to lower memory costs and consumer demand for larger capacities.

Even at 8GB, a flash player still pales in comparison to a hard drive MP3 player. But if your song inventory is already threatening to bust your hard drive, you shouldn't be looking at flash in the first place.

Recommendations:
For heavy users
SanDisk Sansa e280 (8GB)

For light users
Sony NW-E002 (512MB)

Creature features
Previously, flash MP3 players were positively utilitarian when compared against their hard drive brethren. Now, they hold their own with video playback, gaming and even Bluetooth connectivity.

But don't gel distracted when the salesman starts tempting you with one impressive feature after another. Basic rule of thumb--the more features, the costlier the player. So keep in mind what you need and what's merely fluff.

Important things you should be looking at first:

• Does the player support the audio/video codecs that your existing content library is encoded with?
• If you really want video, is there a bundled video conversion tool? (Most video-enabled flash players support only one video format).
• If the intention is for the MP3 player to double as a mass storage device as well, it makes sense to get a player with a built-in USB jack.
• What's the battery life like? Batteries would ultimately have to be replaced in the end. So it's best to buy an MP3 player with a long playback time. A good bet would be in the realm of 18 hours or more. Sony's MP3 players are renown for a rated battery life of up to 50 hours.