To Walkman or not--Ask the Editors

Q: I am finally ready to cross that bridge and get me a touchscreen player. I wanted to know your expert opinion on the Samsung P3 and the Sony Walkman X-Series. I purchase all my music from Napster, Amazon and some from Rhapsody. I use Window Media Player 11, so I need a player that is compatible with that. Please let me know what you think.
--bensworld411, via email

A: Although I've only used a pre-production sample of the X-Series Walkman, I can tell you that I favor it over the Samsung P3. Granted, the X-Series is quite a bit pricier, but I personally prefer the onscreen interface and touchscreen implementation (though the P3's is certainly flashy). I also love the fact that the Walkman has tactile buttons on the top for controlling playback (say, while you have the player in your pocket). Both devices will work equally well with the system you use for music, and both offer excellent sound quality.
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Sony announces two feature-packed iPod speaker docks

Sony has just announced two feature-packed iPod speakers that sport a built-in iPod dock, a slot-loading CD player, an AM/FM radio, an audio-in port and an USB port. The NAS-Z200iR and CMT-Z100iR also get two 20W stereo speakers. But what makes the former different from other docks is its support for music streaming from any PC and Internet radio via DLNA-certified Wi-Fi.

One problem with some regular iPod speaker docks is that they always seem to be underpowered and cheap-looking. Plus, none of them has a remote control that looks half as cool as what Sony has bestowed the NAS-Z200iR with. It runs on a slightly modified version of the company's XMB interface and features a 3.5-inch LCD display.
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BlueAnt S1 streams music from your phone wirelessly

BlueAnt is no stranger to Bluetooth speakerphones. The BlueAnt Supertooth 3 and the Supertooth Light from years past were favorably reviewed, and for good reason. The Supertooth 3 especially impressed us due to its ability to translate text to speech, which meant it could read out incoming caller IDs to us.

The latest BlueAnt S1 is not quite so advanced (it is meant to be a lower-end and more affordable model), but it does add a couple of cool new features the others lacked. The S1 has multipoint technology, which means it can connect up to two devices simultaneously, and it has stereo Bluetooth compatibility, which lets it stream music wirelessly from your phone. It's also a little cheaper at US$79 retail.

Via Crave CNET

Electrifying dock for your iPod

As a child of the '80s, I can distinctly remember a time when decorative electrostatic plasma lamps were very cool. They were also very expensive and--for the most part--useless. These days, though, I can't look at one without thinking of that creepy, evil, wizard crystal ball thing from Lord of the Rings.

Whatever side of nerd nostalgia you fall on, the Einstein Sound Master Photon Ball iPod dock has you covered. You get an iPod dock, clock radio, USB port, and a bitchin' plasma lamp--all for US$34.99. I'm not sure how they shield the speakers from interference, or protect your iPod from the constant static-electric charge, but I know wouldn't risk putting an iPhone in there. Anyway, I wouldn't want Saruman the White reading my e-mail.

Via CNET Crave

Deciding file types and iTunes ripping--Ask the Editors

Q: I have yet to really build a music file online. I have dabbled with Napster and iTunes, but really don't have much of a collection. I would like to begin ripping music CDs to my computer. It is confusing, but from what I have read it appears I should rip my music to the MP3 format, which would make it very versatile for different uses.

I have several music players (an iPod touch, a nano and a Creative Zen V Plus for the gym). I do like iTunes and probably would download less than 75 songs a year. Is there a way to purchase iTunes Plus songs in MP3 format? Do you have any other suggestions for me?
--Jim, via email

A: It sounds like you're pretty happy with iTunes (and it's a pretty simple program to use), so I'm going to provide you with some basic instructions that center around that jukebox. First, since you're using a variety of players (one of which doesn't support AAC), it's going to be easiest if you rip CDs and purchase music in MP3 format. The default for iTunes is to rip CDs to AAC, so you will want to change the settings in the software first.
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