Player: Philips Rush
URL: philipsusa.com
Price: $199
Dimensions: 2.75 in. x 2.75 in.
Internal Memory/Removeable Media: none/Smartmedia
PC Interface: parallel port
Rating: **

Comments: Compact, yet remarkably bulky for its size, Rush is slow to download. A new version, ready soon, will feature a usb interface and twice the memory. Unfortunately, it will look exactly the same.

Player: Rave MP2200
URL: ravemp.com
Price: $279
Dimensions: 2.25 in. x 3.25 in.
Internal Memory/Removeable Media: 64 MB/Smartmedia
PC Interface: USB
Rating: ****

Comments: The best. This stylish, high-capacity player is fast and easy to load. It offers plenty of options, including an equalizer, FM tuner and voice recorder. Its only rival, the Nomad II MG, costs $120 more.

Player: Samsung Yepp YP-E64
URL: samsungyepp.com
Price: $249.95
Dimensions: 2.5 in. x 3.5 in.
Internal Memory/Removeable Media: 64 MB/Smartmedia
PC Interface: parallel port
Rating: ***
Comments: Yepp loads surprisingly fast for a parallel-port device, and the software is hassle free. Behind the minimalist look is a nice range of features, such as a voice recorder and a 350-entry phone book.

Player: Sony NW-E3
URL: sel.sony.com
Price: $330
Dimensions: 1.25 in. x 3.25 in.
Internal Memory/Removeable Media: 64 MB/None
PC Interface: USB
Rating: ***
Comments: Its software turns MP3s into Sony’s own format, leaving duplicate songs on your hard drive. But it looks so cool, you won’t care.

Player: Rio 800
URL: riohome.com
Price: $269
Dimensions: 2.5 in. x 3.5 in.
Internal Memory/Removeable Media: 64 MB/See below
PC Interface: USB
Rating: ***

Comments: The 800 will soon let users add their choice of removable media with “backpacks”—though the cost isn’t yet clear. Even without extras, you get plenty of memory and perks like an FM radio.

Player: Audiovox MP-1000
URL: audiovox.com
Price: $179.95
Dimensions: 2.5 in. x 3.25 in.
Internal Memory/Removeable Media: 32 MB/MMC
PC Interface: parallel port
Rating: **

Comments: Once you get past the low internal memory, the tacky look and outdated “Cyber Music” slogan, you’ll find a very straightforward setup. But that’s no excuse for the slow download time.

Player: Creative Nomad II MG
URL: nomadworld.com
Price: $399
Dimensions: 2.25 in. x 3.5 in.
Internal Memory/Removeable Media: 64 MB/Smartmedia
PC Interface: USB
Rating: ****

Comments: Flawless design makes it one of the best in its class, with simple drag-and-drop software, easy button navigation and a beautiful display. Smooth and speedy, it is the toy for grown-ups.

Step Four: How to burn your own CDs >>

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