6. Sony NW-HD5

Finally Sony, after stubbornly clinging to the ATRAC3 format for so long, has decided to adopt MP3 files without the need for conversion (though it's still necessary for WMA files). On the other hand, to use this player, you'll still have to transfer your music over from the PC using SonicStage. In another mea culpa, the Japanese maker has finally realized that even high-quality sound might not satisfy all listeners. In addition to the four equalizer presets (Heavy, Jazz, Pop and Unique), the player has not one but two custom, memorizable equalizer settings. They'll be a necessity for fans of big bass, since like other Sony players this one tends to favor the treble end. That effect is increased by the earphones that come with the player, which incidentally are of good quality.

Original

While this player's plain looks (white buttons on a red, black or silver background) didn't wow us, we found it especially easy to handle. The player's interface is also relatively simple and holds no big surprises for the user - except maybe when you try to use the latest gadget, the Bi-Directional LCD Display that changes depending on whether the player is held vertically or horizontally. For the position to register, you have to turn the ND-HW5 off and back on again. The battery life is a huge 25 hours.

It's small, it's light, it's simple to use, it lasts a long time and it puts out good sound. Its looks won't please everybody, but it's the compulsory use of SonicStage and having to convert WMA that we dislike - which serve to put it at a disadvantage compared to the competition. Come on, Sony. Try a little harder to standardize.