Recommended MP3 players

Portable digital music players continue to evolve from devices that simply play MP3 music files to complex multimedia device that can handle a variety of digital media. For help on deciding which features are important, check our free buying guide to MP3 players. But our top pick for gift giving remains the iconic player from Apple:

• Apple iPod Touch 8GB, $230

This year's second-generation version offers the same screen and interface as the original but costs $100 less. Two convenient new features are a side-mounted volume control that works even when other controls are locked and a built-in speaker. Playback time has increased from 26 to 46 hours per charge. But the battery is still nonremovable, and an AC adapter isn't included. The 16GB and 32GB versions are also less expensive now, at $300 and $400, respectively. (The tiniest iPod, the 1GB Shuffle, can now be bought for as little as $50.)

For other gift options for your mobile music-lover, see the list of Recommended models among our complete MP3 player Ratings. (Both are available to subscribers.)