+ mobile gadget awards '05 (3) +

PORTABLE ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES

Flash Memory MP3 Player
Best: iRiver U10

Comes in 512MB or 1GB sizes, this compact MP3 player is stylish and packs lots of features, including FM and a cool video-enabled coloured screen. And of course, any iRiver plays music beautifully. A better all rounder than the iPod nano.
Design: iPod nano

Just look at it, I still find it hard to believe something this thin actually has 2 or 4GB of memory. Still beats the rest in a class of gadgets full of beautiful designs.

Hard Disk Memory MP3 Player
Best: iRiver H10

Excellent audio quality, FM radio, coloured screen to view photos, pretty nice design. Only slightly high-ish price prevents it from being a major hit.
Design: iPod G5

The iPod is now in its 5th iteration, and it looks better than ever. Crippled video playback ability and still no FM. At least its colour LCD is now the biggest in an MP3 player. And it's still wayyyy cool.

Portable Media Player
Best / Design: Creative Zen Vision

Next attempt after the failed Creative PMC, the Zen Vision narrowly beats the Archos AV500 to nab double honours. Classily designed and packed with a high resolution 3.7" display, what the Zen Vision lacks now is direct recording to the player. And unlike the iPod, this is a proper video player that plays several codecs. Of course, there's a teeny patriotic side of me to the Creative's win too.

Portable Gaming Device
Best / Design: Sony Playstation Portable

Gaming device, video player, music player, fashion statement. Enough said.

That marks the end of my 3 part self selected mobile gadgets of the year! And if you haven't realised, I love my gadgets in black. *hint*