The Hyperlogos

I just scored a pair of these things for nothing, and that's about what I'd pay for 'em. If you can get them cheap, they are capable players - for example, they support the 320kbps mp3s that so many cheapie players choke on. On the other hand, the build quality is everything you've come to expect from Coby and the headphones can't actually be used as headphones, only to play mp3s. A higher-quality product might support USB Audio and work as a sound card when you hook it up.

Plus sides include the single AAA battery, which minimizes weight (important as these are already bulky and heavy) and the behind-the-head design. On the down side, the folding band means that they don't stretch out very wide, and if you have a large head (like myself) you will find them highly uncomfortable. They have only 256MB, but that's not much of an issue given that the controls are so frustrating, paging through more than that much music will drive you insane. Did I mention frustrating controls? It takes about a second after you click the next or previous track function for the unit to actually change songs, and the controls are pretty low quality, with very poor feel. The track navigation is identical to the volume control, save for location, and both of these functions are on the same ear. When turning the unit off (press play/pause for four seconds) the unit does not actually power off until you release the button, which is annoying as well. Back on the positive side, the cable for the unit is a standard USB-A to Mini-USB, which you can buy anywhere if you lose it.

Give these a miss if you have other options; they do work, so if you get them as a gift, you don't have to feel too bad about regifting. The unit I got came with a defective battery, it sat in a warehouse so long, so if it doesn't work, take a close look at the butt (negative) end of your battery for discoloration. If you find any, wash your hands, and use a fresh battery instead of the one they gave you with the kit.