Everyone knows about iPods today. Anyone who has interest in electronic devices knows about it. Apple leads the market in music players today with more than 21 million units shipped. They have a huge Digital Audio Player (DAP) market across the world, around 75 percent.

However very few people are aware about the alternatives to iPod. There are several other devices which can play videos, music, can accept Compact Flash, Memory Sticks and Secure Digital cards. They may also accept rechargeable batteries (AAA) and all this at a lower rate than the iPod.

The iRiver: this device has been manufactured by Reigncom, a South Korean manufacturing company. They offer small players which can be attached with a keychain. The device is aimed for giving competition to the iPod.

SanDisk: offers MP3 players, the Sansa series. It can easily accept Secure Digital cards. With this device, you can swap music collections without wasting much time. There is also additional storage capacity.

MP3 player is also offered by the Samsung's YP series. This compact device has a LCD monitor and a picture viewer and all this at an affordable price!

Though there are plenty of options available, yet iPod has always maintained its lead. One of the prime reasons for this is its excellent marketing. The device is simple yet stylish. For many people, it's actually a fashion accessory and nothing more. People just want to flaunt it.

The iPods have also attracted muggers and that is because of their popularity. Many would try to escape this robbery by not having an iPod. A specific device may be perfect for someone, but that doesn't mean that it is actually better than all other devices. A number of music players are available in the market today and this gives the customer a huge range to choose from. So whether you are buying a new device or replacing an old one, you have loads of options.

Zed Hayden has been a regular contributor to gizmocafe.com. It has always been obsessed with electronic goods. Gizmocafe.com is a consumer electronics guide which gives detailed information about Nintendo DS, portable audio players, Ringtones and much more!