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.