Compatible devices
Before you subscribe to an on-the-go music service, make sure you have a player that supports the rented tracks.

Are you ready to check out this new on-the-go music subscription phenomenon? A good place to start: the hardware. There used to be only a handful of subscription-compatible devices; now, nearly every new MP3 player to hit the U.S. market works with subscription services--even Sony hopped on the bandwagon. The subscription services we're evaluating here uses Microsoft's Windows Media DRM10 file format (aka Janus). This technology lets an MP3 player or other device, such as the Nokia N810 smart phone, keep track of when your subscription ends or is due for payment. This lets content time-out and forces you to reconnect your portable to a computer (and pay up, if necessary) before you can listen to the tracks on the player again. Janus is able to accomplish this via a hardware clock within the device: most MP3 player made in 2004 or earlier don't have this clock. Also because subscription music from Napster and Rhapsody is formatted in a digital rights management-protected WMA format, it will not work on the iPod. We've laid out our top choices of compatible players below. The next page offers our in-depth description and comparison of the two major on-the-go subscription services, or you can just skip ahead to the last page for the gist.

MP3 players & PVPs

	Creative Zen V Plus (4GB, black)  Editors' rating: 8.3 Bottom line: The Creative Zen V Plus is a superb choice for anyone looking for a compact and feature-filled flash MP3 player with great sound quality. If you're looking for a more sophisticated design--or you have large thumbs--check out the Iriver Clix instead. Read Creative Zen V Plus review Check prices
	Creative Zen (16GB)  Editors' rating: 8.3 Bottom line: We're hard-pressed to find anything not to like about the Creative Zen. It's a great option for anyone looking for a great sounding, pocketable MP3 player with an excellent, video-capable screen and plenty of features. Read Creative Zen review Check prices
	Iriver Clix (4GB, second generation)  Editors' rating: 8.7 Bottom line: The Iriver Clix offers the perfect blend of hot design, desirable features, and stellar sound quality. If you're looking for an alternative to the iPod Nano, this device should top the list. Read Iriver Clix review Check prices
	Samsung T10 (4GB, lime) Editors' rating: 7.7 Bottom line: The Samsung T10 won't satisfy audio purists, but users who value a lot of features, a fun interface, and a player that will turn heads should give it a look. Read Samsung T10 review Check prices
	SanDisk Sansa Fuze (8GB, silver) Editors' rating: 7.7 Bottom line: The SanDisk Sansa Fuze is a great value--a slim design, simple interface, plentiful features, memory expansion capability, and solid sound quality all come with an easy-to-swallow price tag. Read SanDisk Sansa Fuze review Check prices
	Sony Walkman NWZ-A728 (8GB, black)  Editors' rating: 8.0 Bottom line: The sum of the NWZ-S710F's audio enhancement and noise-canceling features adds up to one of the most pleasant and private music experiences you can have for less than $200. Read Sony Walkman NWZ-A728 review Check prices
	Archos 605 WiFi  Editors' rating: 8.7 Bottom line: The Archos 605 WiFi portable video player is one of the best mobile distractions money can buy. Read Archos 605 WiFi review Check prices
	Creative Zen Vision W Editors' rating: 8.0 Bottom line: The bulky but easy-to-use Creative Zen Vision W and its nice screen will dazzle video lovers who don't require video recording. Read Creative Zen Vision W review Check prices

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