Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

Massive capacity in a deluxe device that delivers uncompromised audio and video quality, the Zune 120 GB can fit a huge collection and still have room for videos, podcasts, and more. This major player hooks up with innovative discovery features like Buy from FM and wireless sharing, so you never stop gobbling tunes. It holds up to 30,000 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 375 hours of video.

Watching video

Nowadays, the line between MP3 players and portable video players (PVPs) is blurrier than ever, as the majority of devices hitting the market include video playback as a feature. Although the screen on a typical MP3 player is too small for extended video viewing, it can be a nice bonus for certain users. Undeniably, MP3 players with relatively large screens make the best substitute PVPs--make sure you look for those that are at least 2-inches diagonal. No denying it's nice to have that extra distraction in certain situations, such as doctors' waiting rooms and airport terminals.

Audio formats

The first format or codec to gain widespread acceptance was MP3, but there are now a variety of players on the market that support AAC, WMA, OGG, and other formats. This table will help you sort out the alphabet soup and determine which codecs you need in an MP3 player.

Photo viewing and video playback

Most MP3 players now come equipped with a color screen that can display JPEG and BMP digital images. This is a nice feature for those who like to carry their precious digital memories with them. In addition to offering photo viewing capabilities, color displays are brighter and easier to read than their monochrome counterparts. Also look out for players with crystal-clear OLED screens, which offer better viewing angles and lower power consumption (though they are harder to read in bright sunlight). Increasingly, MP3 players are even offering video playback. Although the screen on a typical MP3 player is too small for extended video viewing (for that, try a PVP instead), it can be a nice bonus for certain users, such as commuters.

MP3 Radio

Many players offer FM radio reception, although they're more common on flash devices, which lack the spinning hard drives and the CD-playing features that can interfere with the signal. AM radio is extremely rare. Other radio-related features include FM recording (usually to MP3), transmission (for playing back audio wirelessly through home and car stereos with FM tuners), and presets.

Battery life

Our Personal Tech Radar survey found that our users view battery life as a critical factor. Most hard-drive-based players come with non-removable lithium ion batteries, which typically last two to four years. Many manufacturers have some sort of return/repair plan, so check the warranty policy before you buy (the typical replacement cost is about $100).

Flash and MP3 CD players are split between those using AA or AAA batteries and those with an internal rechargeable cell. Since flash players need to be synced more often and it's easy to recharge as you sync, flash players with rechargeable batteries are usually preferable. Generally speaking, the larger the player, the longer the battery life; but this isn't always the case, so be sure to read the battery-test results in our reviews before you pull out your wallet.