Smaller than a USB key and weighing just 11g, the Apple iPod shuffle could almost get lost in your pocket. Devoid of buttons, knobs or screen, the basic navigation techniques might take some getting used to. The new VoiceOver feature is some compensation. Audio quality is less tinny than on previous models, but we find the Philips more comfortable to operate.
With cute rounded corners and petite dimensions, the Philips GoGear Spark SA2940 will easily slip into your pocket. The entire front plate acts as a navigational keypad and, while it can sometimes feel counterintuitive, the approach often works surprisingly well. The small colour screen gives it the edge over the shuffle, cutting down on the guesswork needed with that device.
The previous generation of Apple's touch was an excellent alternative for those wanting the features of an iPhone but without the monthly phone bill. The Apple iPod touch 3rd generation doesn't add cutting-edge new features, but it is faster. More advanced hardware encryption and Voice Control are nice improvements, too. Apple's touch remains an irrepressible device.
The front of the Creative Zen Mozaic is tiled with rubberised squares, nine of which are functional buttons, creating a classy and original look. There's an FM radio - not all Apple players have this - and the Mozaic works with Windows Media Player or Creative's own software. We found the display slightly small for video viewing, but this is good value for money.
Dimunitive and wildly popular, the nano already leads the class of compact solid-state media players. But the Apple iPod nano 5th generation raises the bar even higher, adding a video camera, an FM radio that lets you pause and play live radio broadcasts, a 0.2in larger screen, a speaker and a pedometer. Sound quality is very decent given the small size.