Sansa Connect

If the Zune weren't already DOA, Sansa's Connect would totally stomp its ugly brown mug. This Wi-Fi enabled media player may have the 2.4Ghz spectrum in common with Microsoft's multimedia doorstop, but that's about it. Though you can listen to LAUNCHcast Internet radio, flip through your Flickr stream, or check what your Yahoo Messenger pals are listening to from any open Wi-Fi hotspot, the real payoff comes with your $15 per month subscription to Yahoo's Music Unlimited service. Downloading whole albums on the fly while listening to a personalized playlist created on our computer gave us the feeling of living in a futuristic technotopia. Or maybe it was all those Styx tracks on our "80s ROBOROCK" playlist.

WIRED Easily connects to any Wi-Fi source (supports encryption keys). Yahoo music software automatically updates PC library with tracks downloaded to the player. Beautiful 2.2-inch screen. 4 GB built-in memory expandable to 8GB with MicroSD cards.

TIRED Can't search for specific songs. Intensive Wi-Fi use drains battery quickly. Mono speaker sounds scratchy. No Mac compatibility. Only supports MP3 and WMA files. Can only access Yahoo metadata for songs on playlists, but not the rest of your library.

• Style: Audio, WiFi enabled
• Manufacturer: Sansa
• Price: $250
Release Date: April 12, 2007