There are MP3 players and there are MP3 players. Walk into a shop and you can see for yourself that not all MP3 players are cut from the same circuit board. Some are just middling or in other cases, downright disappointing. While we acknowledge that most MP3 players have at least one redeeming quality, there are a few that take their cake and gag it. Steer clear of these duds. Instead, we'd rather you chew on this and this.

Click here for a feature comparison table.

	1.	JVC XA-MP101 Digital Audio Player (1GB)   CNET Asia rating: 5.3 out of 10 The good:  Ultracompact MP3 player with 1GB capacity; solid sound quality; plays protected WMA files purchased from Internet music stores; built-in FM tuner; FM and voice recorder; doubles as data-storage device. The bad:  Doesn't stand out from competing models; doesn't support ID3 tag-based music navigation; doesn't play subscription-downloaded, Janus-protected WMA files; slow USB 1.1 connectivity. The bottom line: JVC's ultracompact XA-MP101W MP3 player doesn't bring anything new to the table. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	MPIO FY700 (2GB)   CNET Asia rating: 5.7 out of 10 The good:  The MPIO FY700 has a clean and futuristic visual design; FM tuner; voice recorder; subscription compatible; decent battery life; includes UMS mode, making it recognizable by most computers. The bad:  The MPIO FY700's controls are confusing and, frankly, a pain in the butt to use; display is too small; there are better and more affordable flash-based options. The bottom line: The stylish yet unwieldy MPIO FY700 proves that looks aren't everything. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	MPIO FL400 Quartz (2GB)   CNET Asia rating: 6 out of 10 The good:  The MPIO FL400 has a sharp-looking, wearable design; its simple drag-and-drop transferring is preferred by some users; supports purchased (but not subscription) WMA files. The bad:  The MPIO FL400's tiny screen is hard to read, and the interface is clunky; doesn't support playlists or sort tracks by ID3 tags; rated battery life is unimpressive. The bottom line: The MPIO FL400 is OK as an MP3 player necklace, but with its relatively high price and lack of new features, there's no compelling reason to buy it. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	Finis SwiMP3 (128MB)   CNET Asia rating: 5.7 out of 10 The good:  Utilizes innovative bone-conduction audio technology; sounds fine underwater; allows swimmers to break up the splashy monotony with tunes; comes with its own goggles but can be used with other brands. The bad:  Expensive; placement of controls on the back of the head makes it difficult to operate; excessively loud if not placed directly against cheekbones; can cause nausea; doesn't include wall charger. The bottom line: The SwiMP3 could add some fun to your swim routine, if you can afford it--just beware of potential nausea-inducing inner ear imbalance. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	SanDisk Sansa e140 (1GB)   CNET Asia rating: 5.7 out of 10 The good:  Lightweight; supports DRM-protected WMA and Audible files; built-in FM tuner and stopwatch; decent navigational menus; expansion slot; attractive street prices. The bad:  Poor scroll wheel (for navigation and volume control); mediocre sound quality; no playlist support. The bottom line: The SanDisk Sansa series will be the pick for those looking for an affordable WMA-friendly player packed with more features than the Apple iPod Shuffle, but if you want top-notch sound quality, stick with the latter. Review | See full specs | Rate this