Prizefight

Prizefight: iPod Touch vs. Samsung P3

Apple's iPod Touch is one of highest-rated MP3 players on CNET, but it's also one of the most expensive, starting at $230. That's a lot of money to drop on an MP3 player, especially when a touch-screen competitor like the Samsung P3 delivers many of the same features as the Touch for about $80 less. The price difference is dramatic, but it's unclear whether the Touch is suffering from an inflated ego, or if the P3's price is too good to be true.

To determine which of these touch-screen, music- and video-playing portable beauties is … Read more

Prizefight: Napster versus Rhapsody

Napster has come a long way since its inception as a file-sharing service 10 years ago, and there is little doubt that without it, Rhapsody wouldn't exist--at least not in the form we enjoy today. Now, thanks largely to the fact that most competing services gave up on the game and passed their subscribers over to the two remaining companies, these music subscription companies are rulers of the roost when it comes to paid streaming. But who will come out on top when we pit Napster and Rhapsody against each other in five bone-shaking rounds? Read on for the … Read more

Prizefight: iPod Shuffle vs. Sansa Clip

The third-gen Apple iPod Shuffle and the SanDisk Sansa Clip are two of the smallest, least expensive, and most-talked-about MP3 players on CNET. Both devices share a clip-on design, but otherwise, Apple and SanDisk take very different approaches to their MP3 players, demonstrating a tug of war between form and function.

You may already know which MP3 player you'd choose, but when push comes to shove, which of these minuscule MP3 players is preferred by our CNET editors? Find out in our iPod Shuffle vs. Sansa Clip CNET Prizefight.

Prizefight: Apple iTunes vs. Amazon MP3

When Amazon launched the beta version of its DRM-free MP3 store back in 2007, many predictions were made regarding whether the online retail giant would have what it takes to take on its counterpart in the digital music space, Apple iTunes. Although Amazon MP3 has yet to reach iTunes status in terms of catalog size and overall digital media sales, the lure of the ever-compatible MP3--which shows no signs of popping up in Apple's domain--combined with the pricing deals offered on the site and consistent growth in terms of selection is set to gain Amazon some serious headway in … Read more

Prizefight: iPod Classic vs. Zune 120

Last year, our prizefight between the original iPod Classic and Zune 80 ended in the most upsetting verdict imaginable--a tie. I still get e-mails from disgruntled fanboys on both sides of the debate, claiming the fight was rigged. I assure you, it was not.

This year, as we pit the second-generation iPod Classic against the Zune 120, I can assure you of another thing...in this prizefight, only one MP3 player comes out alive.

Will the iPod repeat the domination we witnessed in Nano vs. Zune 16, or will the Zune catch a break?

To find out, read CNET's … Read more

Help choose the next CNET Prizefight: BlackBerry Bold versus...?

OK Crave readers, I need your help. The CNET Prizefight ring is setting up for a few final battles before the end of 2008, and one contender just waiting for its chance in the spotlight is the RIM BlackBerry Bold. Now usually, the editors make the decision about which two devices to compare, but frankly, I'm having trouble choosing the right competitor. I've got some ideas, but thought it would be nice to get your feedback as well.

I've already received a lot of reader e-mails wondering how the Bold stacks up to the iPhone 3G. However, … Read more

Prizefight: Klipsch Image X5 vs. Shure SE310

Earbuds are subject to personal taste perhaps more than any other gadget, making them ideal candidates for a head-to-head battle. This first-ever earbud Prizefight pits two sound-isolating sets against one another: the Shure SE310 Sound Isolating Earphones and the Klipsch Image X5 Earphones.

Both pairs are of the canalbud variety, meaning they must be inserted into the ear canal for optimal sound and fit. By nature, these earphones are ultraportable and durability can be an issue because of their small size. Earbuds, in particular, are subject to the whims of the wearer (dependent on personal ear size and shape) when … Read more

2008 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Throughout the year, we've seen some pretty amazing cars at CNET Car Tech, but two stood out for our sports car-oriented gear heads. We reviewed two versions of the BMW M3, the first a coupe with a manual transmission, the second a convertible with an automated dual-clutch transmission. Given the model history, we expected these cars to be good, and they were. Between these reviews, we had the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, which proved a more than pleasant surprise. Similar in size and price to the M3, the C63 is Mercedes-Benz's idea of a small high-end sports car, … Read more

Prizefight: Zune vs. iPod Nano

Who can resist a good Zune vs. iPod prizefight? In fact, these days it's downright necessary, considering that the iPod Nano and the flash Zune look like they've been separated at birth. The truth is that most of the similarities between these two MP3 players are only skin-deep. The Zune's Wi-Fi downloads, FM radio, and Zune Pass subscription support are very different from the Nano's Genius playlists, iTunes movie rentals, and shake-to-shuffle novelty. But when it comes right down to it, which one is better? Which pocket-sized MP3 player is worth your hard-earned cash?

View the results of the CNET Prizefight: Zune vs. Nano … Read more