Samsung Q1

Superb review – This device is excellent as it does its prime function (play music) very well. Add to this the fact that it sports a very nice design and a reasonably long lasting battery and it is strongly recommended. I do of course appreciate that this product category is likely to face extinction soon given that nearly every mobile device has a music player functionality built in and many opt for that. Nevertheless if you are after a dedicated player it is strongly recommended. Sound quality, design, interface Limited storage, does not play every video format, screen not suited for video watching

Excellent – If you're sick of the iPod woes and you'd like an alternative that really delivers some great sound then the Samsung Q1 really does deliver. You don't need any iTunes type software to screw (oops, I mean "organise") your music collection; you just plug in the USB and use it like a memory stick or hard disk drive. Slim, lightweight, solid-state memory, long battery life and great sound. Charges from USB, so it doesn't need yet another plug-pack or AC socket. It has a standard 3.5mm earphone socket, so you can easily use your favourite headphones/amplifier/car-stereo with it. It's not an iPod. The controls can be a bit iffy until you get used to the areas/zones to use.

The cable/plug is yet another proprietary contraption that needs to be carried around when travelling, thankfully it's small. The black case scratches up if you're rough with it, but that's just wear and tear that anything will suffer.