XPlay integrates into Windows Explorer and works with Windows Media Player and Media Center (or with iTunes, if you prefer). It uses the same file-management controls that Windows Explorer does: You can drag and drop files, use the Send To menu, and so on.

XPlay 3 doesn't have as many features as Anapod Explorer--for instance, it lacks custom skins and tagging templates--but it does offer quick tagging, album art editing, and playlist management options. You can use XPlay 3 to manage photos on your iPod, too. It costs about the same amount as Anapod Explorer, but the trial version of XPlay is fully functional, so you can give it an accurate test run before buying it. Once again, the software is not compatible with the iPod Touch or the iPhone.

--Ginny Mies