The MP3 player range from SanDisk is still one of the best and cheapest alternatives to Apple’s all conquering iPod range. This one is a video and MP3 player with a built in 16 GB memory. The 2.4 inch screen features a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. There is also a built in FM radio function and the built in microphone allows you to record audio. Loading files onto your Sansa View is easy via a USB 2.0 connection and you can simply drag and drop MP3, WMA, WAV, non-DRM AAC, MP4, WMV, H.264 and JPEG format files.

You can add more memory with a microSDHC memory card. A fully charged battery will give you around 35 hours of audio playback or 7 hours of video playback. This is quite an old device now but when it comes to value for money with a price tag of $89.99 for a video MP3 player the Sansa View is worth considering for the budget conscious.

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This is a 5.1 channel surround sound system which can be hooked up to various sources to bring you stunning sound. There are three HDMI ports the system switches between them with ease. It is optimized for HD sound and it supports a large variety of sound formats. It also has a number of sound modes to suit whatever you are engaged in including an excellent movie mode.

The sound system supports Bravia sync and you’ll be able to control your TV, Blu-ray player and sound with one remote control. You can also get DMPORT accessories which allow you to dock your iPod or another MP3 player and use the system to listen to music. You can use the self-calibrate option for the best sound and this system is very easy to set up. Considering the $264.16 price on Amazon this is a good quality system and represents it value for money.

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The days when alarm clocks were just alarm clocks are long gone. The success of radio alarm clocks has been built upon with the addition of iPod docks and there are hundreds of systems like this on the market now. This one is from Timex and features a rounded design with a dual alarm clock function. You can also listen to AM or FM radio and your iPod and you can choose to use either as your wake up call. You can also listen to soothing music to help you drift off to sleep, an option they have dubbed Bedtime Beats.

It offers stereo sound and the iPod dock will charge and play all models. The round clock face is on the front and the controls for operation are on the top alongside the iPod dock. It’s a pretty basic system but it does the job and it is available for just $49.99 at Amazon.

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There is no escaping the dominance of the iPod in the MP3 player market but there are alternatives like the GoGear range from well respected electronics company, Philips. There are a range of models and this is the 4 GB version which also offers video playback on the 1.5 inch color display. It will more likely serve as a display for your music and it can also display album art. The player supports MP3 and WMA formats as well as subscription services like Rhapsody.

It also features a built in FM radio with 20 presets. You can pack about 25 hours of music on to it or 4 hours of video and loading files on via your computer is fairly easy. The sound quality is good and it does the job well. The low price makes it an attractive option for anyone seeking a basic MP3 player and you can order one on Amazon for $39.88.

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This is a great quality speaker which sets you free from cabling. Since most mobile phones have Bluetooth support for hands free operation and streaming stereo music this device takes advantage. You can use it for wireless music streaming from your phone or even as a speaker for phone conversations. It also has a built in microphone so it makes a great speakerphone. It is highly portable and while there is a power adapter supplied it can also operate using 6 AA batteries.

It packs two custom built 2.5 inch full range speakers with SRS Trubass technology and they are fully shielded so the phone won’t cause any buzzing or interference. The speaker also has an auxiliary input so you can use it with an MP3 player. It is highly portable, easy to set up and you’ll get up to 24 hours of continuous use from 6 AA batteries. This is currently reduced to $53.99 on Amazon which is a real bargain.

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This is a 5.1 channel surround sound system from Sony which features upscaling to 1080p and Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound. It offers 140 watts per channel for a total output of 850 watts through the five speakers and the subwoofer. The speakers are magnetically shielded and you can calibrate the system for your room at the touch of a button using the microphone supplied. There is also the option to plug in your iPod and with the optional Bluetooth receiver you could stream content from other devices.

The DVD player can handle the following formats, DVD, DVD Audio, DVD±R, DVD±RW DL, DVD-RW DL, DVD-RW, CD, Video CD, CD-R, and CD-RW. The device can also play MP3 audio files and allows you to view JPEG images. Setting this system up is easy and the sound quality and volume are excellent for the price. This is reasonably priced at $249.

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This video MP3 player from Archos has 8 GB of memory, enough to hold over 4,000 songs. It features a 3 inch LCD touch screen with a 400 x 240 pixel resolution for easy navigation of your files and watching videos or looking at photos. It also has a built in FM radio and an FM transmitter so you can transmit music to your car radio. There is also a built in microphone which allows you to record voice notes. Finally there is a calendar and a stopwatch.

The device supports audio, video and image files in the following formats – MP3, WMA, and WAV for audio, MPEG 1/2/4, WMV, FLV, AVI, RM and RMVB for video, and JPG, BMP and GIF for images. The touch screen isn’t the most responsive but it is a very compact and useful device and the FM transmitter is a great feature. You can order one from Amazon for the relatively low price of $69.99.

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This compact cube is perfect for your iPod. It is capable of synchronizing and recharging your iPod, supports all models and has 10 watts of output for listening to your music. There is an auxiliary port too so you can hook up other MP3 players and it also has a line-out jack in case you want to connect it to your stereo. It is simple to use, just plug your iPod in, set the treble and bass and use the backlit volume control. The speakers are on either side of the cube and they produce a reasonable sound although it doesn’t offer huge volume or bass.

The cube is compact enough to fit anywhere at 4 inches square but it may prove a little awkward when it comes to travel so perhaps not the best choice if portability is a factor. For a small room though this device is ideal. You can order one of these cubes for just $34.99 on Amazon right now, reduced from $69.99 and the price reduction makes it worth considering.

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If you’re looking for a really compact and stylish MP3 player then this might be up your street. The Samsung U5 has 2 GB of flash memory with a direct USB plug and it looks much like a small flash drive. It has the DNSe 3.0 sound engine which supports a surround sound effect. It has 6 preset EQ settings and 1 user EQ setting. There is an OLED display with a resolution of 128 x 64 pixels which is just enough to display track information. The player supports MP3, WMA and OGG audio formats.

You should be able to fit around 500 songs on the device and you’ll get 20 hours of playback from a fully charged battery. It is compatible with Windows Vista and XP and plugging it directly into the PC it will take about 2.5 hours to recharge versus 2 hours with the charger. It also has a clock display and a built in FM radio with 30 preset stations. There is also a built in microphone which you can use for voice recording notes. It costs $39.99.

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This speaker is ideal if you want to wirelessly stream music from your PC or Mac. It also features an iPhone or iPod dock and there’s an auxiliary port for other MP3 players. It is very simple to set up, you simply plug the USB transmitter into your computer and it should automatically detect it. You can then transmit any audio from your computer to the speaker so you can use any media player or even your web browser.

There is no compression so you get the original quality audio streamed and the wireless range is up to 100 feet with a clear line of sight. You can also use this as a multi-room system by buying up to 3 speakers and placing them around your house. Each unit has a full feature remote control and there are two 3 inch full range speakers, a 15w class D amplifier, two high output bass ports and balanced EQ. Easy to set up and featuring clear sound these speakers are an attractive option at $132.57.

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