MP3 players, for some, may have become redundant devices, as their cell phones can meet their audio-visual needs. However, there are many others who believe that a stand-alone MP3 player is irreplaceable.

Firstly, the teeny-weeny MP3 player is far more convenient to carry around while working out or jogging as opposed to the rather bulky cell phone. Secondly, using a separate MP3 player saves your phone's battery. And finally the sound quality delivered by a good MP3 player is definitely better than what most cell phones can offer.
So here's a list that may help you decide which player will suit your requirements.

MP3 Players under Rs. 5000

1) Samsung YP-S2 - "Simplistic Style Statement"

This category will provide you with the most basic of MP3 players, offering features like music playback with basic navigation options. Most MP3 players that come in this price range don't have an LCD screen, this is done to the keep the device compact. Players that have ruled this category till date are the iPod Shuffle and the Creative Zen Stone.

However, this new entrant from Samsung might just be a serious contender, eating into the market share of other players. The Samsung YP-S2 (nicknamed the Pebble) manages to look cute as well as elegant at the same time. The lack of screen is compensated in a small way by the multi-colored LED that announces the various states of the player. It's super-compact in size and weighs just 13.6 gm. With the default pair of earphones, it is meant to be worn like a necklace and since it is so light, I doubt anybody would complain.

It supports MP3, WMA and OGG file formats. Other than the volume control and next/previous track buttons, there is an option to shuffle and repeat your music. One can either drag and drop music on it or use the provided synchronization software. The provided ear-phones are of good quality and the player incorporates Samsung's DNSe sound engine.

The result - in the sub-3k range, this is the best-sounding player available; definitely above the iPod Shuffle and the Zen Stone in terms of sound quality. The only thing missing from it is the folder-jump option. Also, data transfer rates are rather average.

The player is available in 1 and 2 GB versions, with the 2GB selling for an MRP of Rs. 2,750. The price is slightly more than the iPod Shuffle but definitely worth it. The Samsung S2 is meant for people who want their player to be very portable and stylish. Also it is for those who don't mind the absence of a screen along with a few basic add-on features (like FM Radio and a Voice Recorder).