MP3 players pack new features

Chances are, someone on your Christmas list wants an MP3 player. Manufacturers have been busy. New models boast vivid color screens for viewing pictures and videos. Some even have touch screen controls.
Wireless connectivity is becoming increasingly common. In fact, some players are beginning to look like all-in-one media powerhouses.
You may find all of this confusing, so I've put together a list of the most-wanted players.
IPod Touch
Apple's latest iPod will top many wish lists this year. The Touch is available in 8-gigabyte ($299) and 16GB ($399) models.
The Touch features a 3.5-inch touch-sensitive glass screen in lieu of buttons. It connects to the Internet via built-in Wi-Fi.
There's a full-featured Web browser for surfing the Net. You can even watch videos on YouTube.
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The Touch plays photos, videos and music. You can download songs from Apple's iTunes directly onto the player. Unfortunately, the Touch does not work with subscription music services.
If you need more storage, there's the iPod classic with 80GB ($249) or 160GB ($349) of storage. There's also the iPod Nano with 4GB ($149) or 8GB ($199) of storage.
Microsoft Zune
Microsoft recently revamped its Zune player, adding new 4GB ($150), 8GB ($200) and 80GB ($250) models.
The 80GB Zune's 3.2-inch screen is slightly smaller than the Touch's. Also, it is not touch-sensitive. But the clear, bright screen trumps the display on many players. There's also an FM radio.
In addition, the Zune has built-in Wi-Fi. You can use it to synchronize with your computer wirelessly, but you can't use Wi-Fi to surf the Internet.
Like the Touch, the Zune handles videos, photos and music. It is compatible with Microsoft's Zune subscription service.
SanDisk Sansa Connect
SanDisk's Sansa Connect ($150) has 4GB of storage. This can be expanded using MicroSD cards.
At 2.2 inches, the Connect's screen is relatively small. This is a drawback if the recipient wants to watch videos. Like the Zune, the Connect does not have a touch-sensitive screen.
The built-in Wi-Fi also lets you listen to Yahoo Music's LaunchCast Internet radio. You can also browse through photos on Yahoo's Flickr photo-sharing site. You can't synchronize the Connect via Wi-Fi or surf the Web.
The Connect works with popular subscription services. In fact, you can download music from Yahoo Music Unlimited directly to the player.
Archos 605 WiFi
The Archos 605 WiFi is larger than most media players. That's because it has a large, 4.3-inch touch-screen. The player can also be controlled via buttons down its side.
The player comes in 4GB, 30GB, 80GB and 160GB models. Prices range from $200 to $400.
You can surf the Web using the 605's built-in Wi-Fi. However, you must buy the Web Browser plug-in ($30) to do this. You can use it to watch videos on sites like YouTube.
The 605 can also play videos streamed from your computer. It can also download music and videos from the Archos Content Portal.
The 605 supports a wide variety of music formats. Archos claims it plays more formats than other players. It also plays music from subscription sites. It supports photos, videos and PDF files.
The Archos will record television with the optional DVR Station ($100).
Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about computers and the Internet. To get the podcast or find the station nearest you, visit: www.komando.com/listen. To subscribe to Kim's free e-mail newsletters, sign up at: www.komando.com/newsletters. Contact her at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.