The Hottest Gifts

Media players, accessories among hottest gifts


Portable media players and related accessories are among the hottest gift items this holiday season. People can now carry thousands of songs in their pocket, and many of the sleek gizmos can display photos and videos as well.

It's an alluring new kind of lifestyle: entertainment on-the-go. A soundtrack for your life.

A sampling of what's available:

Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod.
The most popular line of portable players, commanding 75 percent of the U.S. market, is known for its sleek design, ease of use and integration with Apple's iTunes software and online store.

The iPod Shuffle is the smallest in the lineup -- tinier than a matchbook.

The Shuffle lacks a display, playing songs in random order or according to a playlist. The iPod Nano, which has a 1.5-inch display, is the midsize model but still super-slim, using up to 8 gigabytes of flash memory to store 8,000 tunes or 25,000 photos.

The full-size iPod has a beefier 30- or 80-gigabyte hard drive and can play back video on a bright 3.5-inch screen. (Manufacturer's suggested retail price: 1GB Shuffle $79; Nano, from $149 for 2GB to $250 for 8GB; video-capable iPod $250 for 30GB, $350 for 80GB)

SanDisk Sansa e200R Rhapsody series.
An MP3 player with an easy, integrated way to access millions of songs through the Rhapsody subscription music service.

Sansa players are the second-most popular in the U.S. market with a 10 percent share, according to The NPD Group, a research company. Unlike iPods, the e200R players also offer an FM tuner/recorder, voice recording and a memory card slot for additional storage.

The 1.8-inch color screen displays photos and video, though video playback is not a main feature.

Comes preloaded with music from Rhapsody. (MSRP: Four models from $140 for 2GB to $250 for 8GB. Separate music subscription needed)

Creative Zen Vision W.
A portable video player with a generous, bright 4.3-inch wide-screen display.

It supports MP3 and WMA audio files and a variety of video standards, including Windows-based formats used by movie download services like Amazon.com's Unbox.

Compatible with TiVoToGo so TiVo users can transfer recorded television programs onto the device.

A CompactFlash slot can be used to play back photos or videos from digital cameras. ($300 for 30GB, $400 for 60GB)

Archos 604 Wi-Fi.
Play music and videos that are streamed from your PC or stored on this 30-gigabyte multimedia player with built-in Wi-Fi wireless networking.

It features a vibrant 4.3-inch touch screen and supports a variety of video formats, including copy-protected files from movie download services that use Microsoft's digital rights management technology.

It also can be used to surf the Web. It records TV shows when docked to an optional digital video recording station.

The device turns into a hard drive-based camcorder when it's connected to a digital camera and an optional adapter -- or a separately sold helmet mini-cam. (MSRP: $450)

Myvu Personal Media Viewer
Watch videos or downloaded TV programs while you're washing dishes with this personal media viewer that's worn like a pair of space-age style sunglasses.

It hooks up to a portable media player so it seems like you're watching video on a 27-inch screen instead of a 2.5-inch one.

There's a universal version that weighs 2.4 ounces and works with any media player or a lighter, made-for-iPod version. (MSRP: $269 for universal model, $300 for iPod model)

iRiver Clix The Clix
Is a compact, rectangular media player with a 2.2-inch color display that can handle songs, photos and video.

It features an FM tuner/recorder and voice recording, and also works with Windows-based music services, including immediate, integrated compatibility with MTV Network's Urge download/subscription music service.

The device also can play downloaded casual games. It comes preloaded with games and songs from eMusic. (MSRP: $170 for 2GB model, $200 for 4GB)

Pioneer Inno The Inno is a portable XM satellite radio that also plays MP3 and Windows Media song files stored on its 1-gigabyte of internal memory.

It not only can directly record your favorite XM radio channels but also features a built-in FM transmitter and integration with the Napster music service.

If you hear a tune you like on XM, you could tag it for purchase later on Napster. (MSRP: $300. Napster subscription sold separately)

Marware's Sportsuit Sensor (plus) with the
Nike/ iPod Sport Kit
This combination creates a pedometer system that could be your virtual running coach while pumping out your exercise tunes.

The Nike/iPod kit has a receiver that connects to an iPod Nano and wirelessly communicates with a sensor that slides into a pocket under the insole of specially designed Nike shoes.

It tracks speed, time, distance and calories burned -- data which can be uploaded later to your workout log on NikePlus.com.

The velcro pouch from Marware means you could attach the sensor to the straps of any running shoe and not just special Nike treads. (MSRP: $10 for the Marware pouch, $29 for the Nike/iPod Sport Kit)

Bose QuietComfort 3 headphones. Listening to tunes on a digital music player while riding in subways, airplanes or cars could be less of an audio challenge with this noise-canceling headphone set.

It's worn over the ear and uses electronic wizardry to dampen noise from the outside world.

This latest model is smaller than its QC2 predecessor. Instead of large cups that envelop the ears, it has pads that rest on them. (MSRP: $349)

I177 iLuv Stereo Docking System Forgo
The chatter of morning DJs with this iPod-compatible clock radio.

If folks are already toting their own music everywhere with iPods, why not also the bedroom where you can fall asleep or wake to your favorite tunes?

This iPod-compatible clock radio -- with a traditional design and alarm clock features -- will also simultaneously recharge the iPod. (MSRP: $90)
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