Coby MP-C827 Digital Music Player

In the tech world, $20 doesn't get you too much. A big spool of CDs, a reputable 128MB SD card, and maybe some cheap headphones. Oh yes, and an MP3 player.

The 128MB Coby MP-C827 may not be the prettiest, best-sounding, or most feature-packed player available, but it lists for only $19.99. Although much better MP3 players are available for $50 to $100, the plug-in-style Coby MP-C827 gets our quick nod of approval in the $20 or less category.

Ideal for kids, digital audio beginners, as a giveaway, or for those who need a temporary music solution, the spartan Coby MP-C827 has zero wow factor, other than the fact that you can stick about 32 MP3 or WMA tracks on it. Like the iPod Shuffle, it has no display. Unlike the Shuffle, it doesn't have a shuffle feature, so you'll listen and navigate linearly through your library.

The 128MB Coby MP-C827 next to the 512MB iPod Shuffle.

While it's not difficult to use, as there are only three buttons on the unit, you do have to acclimate to using the same buttons for volume as you do for back and skipping tracks (press for skipping, hold for volume). Also, the volume buttons, for this reviewer anyway, are reversed--you hold the left button to increase the volume. Hold the play button to power on, which is confirmed by a single red LED.

The USB 2.0 plug-in device measures about 3.5 inches lengthwise, a tad longer (and way thicker at 0.75 inch) than the iPod Shuffle. Its oblong shape and silver and black body is no looker for sure, but it's not really ugly. Besides the words "Coby Digital Audio Player," the major physical feature is the USB cap, which can be difficult to pry off. By the way, that dime-size silver button on the device's face doesn't do anything. The player comes bundled with a USB extension cable, a driver CD, and possibly the worst neckband-style earphones we've ever used.

The MP-C827 plays back MP3 and non-DRM WMA files and does nothing else besides act as a storage device. The UMS device will work without drivers on most PCs and Macs. A typical 128MB USB flash drive costs about $20, so it's not a bad deal considering the Coby's music-playing capabilities.

Powered by a AAA battery (included), the unit is rated to last a rather weak 7 hours per charge. Other things to note: The MP-C827 lacks a repeat function or a hold switch, and when you hit the skip back button once, it doesn't start the current song over; rather, it starts the previous track.

Sound quality is noticeably less warm and present compared to that on the Shuffle or the $70 512MB Samsung YP-U2. You will notice a background hiss and the occasional crackle that indicate a mediocre signal-to-noise ratio. Still, if you have only $20, and you want to get your four fave CDs onto a small device, the Coby MP-C827 will get the job done. It's because of the price that the MP-C827 is the best MP3 player with a rating of 4.0 or lower that we've reviewed. If you want a great-sounding plug-in player with a screen and can afford the extra $50 (just the extra 384MB is worth it), we recommend the aforementioned Samsung YP-U2.