Sony NWZ-A826K

Guess what? Apples aren't the only portable player fruit...

High price + small memory = slim chances. Or so you might think. The Sony grabs a fistful of your dollars, but the payback is a player that is a joy to own, use, fondle or, indeed, stick under Madonna's pillow.

Oh, one thing, the bundled Bluetooth cans sound dreadful. For best results bin the 'em, and wire-up the supplied buds - this way the Sony's tunes ram along with energy and sound fuller than a fat lady's boot. Switch to video and the Walkman's 2.4in screen handles even fast moving images with skill, delivering bright and detailed colours.

Add the best usability here - simple layout, simple buttons, nuff said - and the Sony looks hugely affordable.