“But there have been some unfortunate copies,” says Bosenick and e recommends testing the controls before purchase.

Another possible annoyance occurs when an MP3 player can only upload music via one particular program. Apple’s iPods only download music through iTunes. Other devices only allow their electronic libraries to be updated through a computer using a Windows operating system.

However, many manufacturers allow more accessibility. Many design their multimedia players so that music, pictures and movies can be dragged and dropped to their icon on a desktop via USB similar to an external hard drive, irrespective of the computer’s operating system.

Stiftung Warentest, a German consumer reports agency, reviewed a series of MP3 players in late 2007. The review showed that all players had superior sound quality. But there were often problems with the accompanying earphones and the reviewers recommended buying additional, higher quality ones.

INFO-BOX: MP3 players for joggers, commuters and enthusiasts

JOGGERS: If you only need music to listen to while jogging or working out in a gym, take a look at the simplest model such as the following three:

- Samsung YP-U3JQ with 2GB of memory (40 euros or US$60)

- Sansa Clip from SanDisk with 1.2 or 4 GB (35, 44 or 66 euros)

- Philips SA2640/02 with 4GB (60 euros)

ENTHUSIASTS: These shoppers tend to have larger music collections as well as photos and video clips stored on their MP3 players. The following models might suit their needs:

- Apple iPod Classic with 16GB (329 euros)

- Trekstor i.Beat move M with 8GB (75 euros)

- Sony NWZ-A820 Walkman with 16GB (240 euros)

COMMUTERS: Anyone who travels a lot and wants his music collection and a few favorite movies along for the ride, as well as being able to surf online should look at the following WLAN-ready models:

- Apple iPod touch with 32GB (459 euros)

- Archos 605 Wifi with 80GB (250 euros)

- Cowon Q5W with 80GB (599 euros)

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