Top MP3 Players: Comparing the iPod Nano and the iAudio U2

Physical Size, Storage Capacity, Other Specs

While you can't judge a player by the specifications, a quick run-down of the vital stats for each device is a good way to get a feel for what they're capable of.

• Manufacturer - Apple
• Style - Flash Player
• Storage - 1GB, 2GB, 4GB (240-1000 songs)
• Extras - Calendar, Address Book, Games, etc.
• Screen - Bright color screen
• Price - $180-$230
• Website - iPod Nano

iAudio U2

• Manufacturer - jetAudio
• Style - Flash Player
• Storage - 256MB, 512MB, 1G (80-240 songs)
• Extras - FM Tuner, Voice recorder, Mach3 Bass
• Screen - 4-line Monotone
• Price - $90-$180
• Website - iAudio U2

The Big Differences

The most obvious differences between the two players are the storage capacities and the screens. The iPod Nano offers a very sleek color screen that's bright and easy to read. Apple doesn't hesitate to use the screen for fun (but non-essential) applications such as a calendar, a to-do list and a few simple games. The lowest possible storage capacity for the Nano matches the highest U2 size, giving you more space for more songs. Not bad for a long, boring plane trip.

The iAudio U2, on the other hand, has a four-line black and white LCD screen that displays rudimentary track information and a few other stats. It doesn't feature any applications or games, but it does come with a plethora of customization options, an FM Tuner, voice recorder and more. Storage capacities start small and stretch out to 1GB, plenty of room for smart music listeners who know how to organize their tunes.

The Similarities

Although aimed at slightly different audiences (the iPod at an older, more image-conscious crowd, the U2 at budget shoppers), these two flash music players have a lot in common. For starters, each has a great battery life of around 14 hours (the U2 can stretch it even further thanks to the simple screen). Both devices are flash players, offering durable, skip-free playback that's an absolute necessity for active music listeners.

Pros and Cons of Each

iAudio U2

The biggest factors working for the iAudio U2 are its size, durability, and versatility. You can cram a great deal of music on this pack-of-gum-sized player. Its thick rectangular shape makes it feel a lot sturdier than the flimsy iPod Nano, so you won't have to worry about snapping it in two like a cracker. The U2 can also be used for data storage and allows drag-and-drop file storage, a sadly waning feature on modern-day portable music players.

Unfortunately the iAudio U2 isn't for folks who have an enormous music collection they want to carry with them. While even just 80 songs is a good number (that's more than 5 CDs), you'll be forced to become economical in your music storage. The screen does its job, but when compared to the bright and, let's face it, sexy iPod Nano screen, you'll feel like you're stuck in Kansas while everyone else is in Oz. Regardless, the U2 gives you an extremely sturdy and robust player whose essential capabilities are on-par with more expensive players.

iPod Nano

The iPod Nano is Apple's answer to the flash player generation of portable music players (we'll ignore the screenless iPod Shuffle). Barely a centimeter thick, the player is long, thin and rectangular in shape. The best features of the iPod Nano are the large storage capacity and of course the "coolness" factor you get when carrying the most recognizable brand of portable music players in your pocket.

On the flip side, the iPod comes with a lot of unnecessary features. Do you really want all of that packed onto your music player? Not everyone does. And using iTunes to sort and store music can be a clunky experience. Although it offers some nice extras, the iPod Nano ends up giving you a lot of features you will likely never use. But for the sleekness of the iPod line and a lot of storage space in a flash-based player, it's still a great buy.

I iAudio, You iPod

Both of these portable music players are great products and offer all-around functionality for a good price. If you want brand recognition, a bright screen and more storage space, stick with the iPod Nano. But if you need something that feels as sturdy as a rock and offers a few little extras, go for the iAudio U2. Either way, you're in for a lot of good music.