It’s 2011 and MP3 players are no longer considered new technology.  What does this mean for you?  Well, first and foremost it means lower prices on popular products.  It also means you have options.  Before you go out and automatically buy the newest iPod, you owe it to yourself to check out the variety of players currently offered on the market.  Here’s our rundown of favourites for 2011:

Best for features junkies: iPod Touch

Any discussion of MP3 players starts with Apple’s ubiquitous iPod.  The iPod Touch is the line’s latest and perhaps most well-received offering, a powerhouse of a media player packed with features that few other players can match.  The Touch has a built-in mic and speaker for video chat capabilities, comes Wi-Fi ready with access to Apple’s app store, and is capable of recording (and playing) HD video.  Did we mention that it also plays music?

Best for PC users: Zune HD

Calling the Zune HD a poor man’s iPod is a risky proposition.  Indeed, the Microsoft device underwent a significant facelift in 2009 and is now considered the main rival to the iPod’s throne.  Unique features include the presence of HD radio, cheap monthly access to unlimited music “rentals”, and an optional HDMI Zune dock that allows users to play 720p video from their Zune to a TV with the push of a button.  The only downside?  The player isn’t connectable to a Mac without the aid (and purchase) of third party software, meaning Apple users who want to have their cake and eat it too are left out in the cold.

Best for the fitness set: SanDisk Sansa Clip+

The qualifications for a good MP3 player to work out with go something like this: small profile, durable shell, able to be clipped to clothing.  Apple’s iPod Nano and iPod shuffle both meet these criteria, so why is the SanDisk Sansa Clip+ our favourite player to run with?  Three words: incredible price tag.  The SanDisk player is dirt cheap, but it also manages to deliver great sound and just the right combination of features one would want while working out.

No matter which MP3 player you choose, be sure to explore all your options before making your purchase.

Did you know?
The first prototype for a digital audio player was completed in 1979 and was designed for approximately 3.5 minutes of audio playback.

-Jeff O.

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