Apple’s iPods are now a representative of 21st century culture, although all portable media players (PMPs) don’t need to begin with a lowercase vowel. Many apple products have non-apple alternatives, and a few of these options may be a better selection for some specific customers. This article seeks to do a comparison of some of Apple’s PMPs to their non-apple competitors. Another nice option might be Bose QuietComfort 15 Noise Canceling Headphones.

The Apple iPod Touch is pretty much the best outfitted PMP that you can buy. This device is quite simply an iPhone minus the phone, and no other PMP has that number of applications on hand. Not every person must have all of those applications, however. Sony’s X Series Walkman works as effectively as an iPod Touch with regards to storing and playing music, offers terrific sound and included Wi-Fi, and also features a touch pad. Regrettably, at almost $300, the Walkman costs the equivalent of an iPod Touch, yet offers less. Another great alternative is Bose QuietComfort 15 Noise Canceling Headphones.

You won’t notice the applications you won’t plan to use, however in that case, why spend money on them? Microsoft’s Zune HD is one more thoughtfully engineered PMP with a touch screen, web browsing features and a wireless music site. This item doesn’t work with iTunes and isn’t remotely as versatile, but for a $200 investment, you could overcome that.

Apple’s iPod Nano is on its 5th generation and has gotten better as a result of each upgrade. The current Nano is tiny, cute, and totally stuffed with features. For about $180, this machine is the best made PMP in the median price range, yet if you’re in search of a smaller investment, there are a few options. Samsung’s Q2 includes quite a few Nano-like features such as an intuitive interface and is nearly as lovable, yet comes with a little less storage space. It also costs about $50 less, consequently if you don’t honestly need three or four thousand tunes immediately available, this could be a good option. The most inexpensive Nano competitor, the Coby MP705 provides slightly less file storage than the Q2, but it still comes with MP3 technology in conjunction with video, photo and FM radio abilities, and also a set of reliable earbuds. Above all, this whole package may be bought for just under $50. Another good item to look into is Bose QuietComfort 15 Noise Canceling Headphones.

The Apple iPod Shuffle is Apple’s basic level PMP, and at a cost of $60 it works perfectly, however this particular gadget has a few rivals that in fact out-perform it. The Shuffle’s most obvious deficit is the deficiency of a screen, which reduces you to either hearing playlists or settling for random tunes picked by the device. The SanDisk Sansa Clip offers a micro SD slot to enhance its memory, along with a screen to help you scroll through your lists, and is available for just $40.