Not the iPod Type? Consider a Zune or SlotRadio

If you own an iPod and love it, stop reading. This column isn't for you.

But if you're still in the market for a digital audio player, I've got two other options that present digital music offerings differently than the Apple/iPod/iTunes ecosystem.

The scoop: Zune 8, by Microsoft, about $140.

What it is: Comparable to the Apple Nano players, the Zune 8 offers 8GB of storage space, which Microsoft says can store as many as 2,000 songs, 25,000 pictures or 24 hours of videos (Zune players also come in 4GB, 16GB, 80GB and 120GB versions). In addition, the device features a built-in FM radio tuner and Wi-Fi for connecting to the Zune Marketplace, for streaming music directly to the device (with a Zune Pass subscription). The device offers a 1.8-inch color screen for viewing videos and photos, and three buttons allow for most of the navigation (play/pause, back and "enter" for selecting, moving up/down and volume control).

Why it's different from an iPod: While you can certainly add your own MP3 files to the device from CDs that you've owned, what I liked about the Zune software is the subscription model for listening to music. For $14.99 per month, you get unlimited access to more than 4 million songs. Songs can be downloaded to the Zune software on a PC, and instantly synchronized with the Zune player.

I've been hesitant on music subscription services, as I don't like the idea of a recurring subscription in order to listen to music – I'd rather just buy the CD, and then I have the "rights" to that music forever. But for other people who might not have a huge music collection, this may make sense. In testing (you can get a free 14-day trial of the service), I found myself downloading more music that I would have never purchased, letting me experience more music than I do on my iPod. For the music lover who wants to experience more music than ever, a subscription makes sense.

Some caveats: Transferring an existing music library to the device is a pain if your music collection is larger than the capacity of the device (in my case, it was). I had to manually choose "artists" to move over, and that's not the way I think about when picking/choosing the music to transfer.

Grade: 4 stars (out of five).

The scoop: SlotRadio Player, by SanDisk, about $100.

What it is: A digital audio player that requires no downloads, CD burning or subscriptions. Instead, you purchase slotRadio cards (microSD), which include preloaded songs in a variety of categories. The unit comes with 1,000 songs in seven categories: alternative, R&B/hip-hop, rock, contemporary, country, workout and chill-out playlists. The device also includes a built-in FM Radio. Additional cards with 1,000 more songs (including oldies, '80s & '90s and so on) can be bought for $40.

Why it's different from an iPod: I have a neighbor who abhors the thought of converting her CD collection onto a digital audio player, and instead wants to just listen to music. The slotRadio player does just that – it offers as many as 1,000 songs, and additional cards can be purchased in other categories. No fuss, no muss.

Some caveats: There are some limits. Songs can't be rewound, and the playlists can't be rearranged. You can, however, skip a song. You can't copy the songs to a PC. But the person who gets one of these won't want those features anyway – remember, they just want to listen to music. It's an interesting concept addressing an audience segment that the iPod isn't reaching.

Grade: 3.5 stars.