Sony NWZ-E463

Out of all the MP3 players we've seen in recent times, the Sony NWZ-E463 is one of the most unusual. It features a traditional form factor – similar to the previous generation Apple iPod Nano – with a small rectangular screen and regular hardware buttons, and mixes it with one of the most garish designs currently on the market. The end result definitely stands out, but it's also an acquired taste. The patterned finish gets a clear coat over the top, and stands out from its rivals. With lots of manufacturers opting for MP3 players with huge touchscreens, the NWZ-E463 feels like something of a throwback, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. With proper buttons, you'll be able to skip through your music and pause tracks without removing it from your pocket, with tactile feedback offering a lot more than you'll find on a touchscreen device. Although there's nothing to separate the NWZ-E463 from rivals in terms of sound quality, we do like the bundled earphones. They're considerably better than the ones found on Apple's iPod, and also better than those bundled with smartphones.