Better music players   |  November 11, 2004  

By Peter Wolchak

Apple’s fourth-generation iPod, LGE MF-FE300 Soul and MF-FD150 Twister
The iPod is already a cultural phenomenon, and now Apple has released an improved, fourth-generation music player. The new unit incorporates the touch-sensitive Apple Click Wheel that first hit stores in the iPod mini. It also features up to 12 hours battery life, adjustable speed for audiobooks and an easier-to-access shuffle mode. The 20GB iPod sells for $429, the 40GB for $559.

From LG Electronics comes the company’s first two MP3 players; both offer 256MB of storage and voice recording, but each adds a twist. The Soul (left) sports an FM radio, while the Twister is a sportier model that includes a calorie calculator. They retail for $249.99 each.