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[email protected]. Entertainment to Go Music, video, or both? We try slick new IPod rivals, the first Portable Media Centers, and other handhelds to see which pack the most fun into a portable package. BY SAM JEMIELITY it certainly feels like we’re living in an IPod world these days. Apple has done a lot to make portable audio players the must-own tech toy of the decade; but while we still admire the IPod, it’s not the only game in town. Competing audio players now display tons of different forms and innova- tive features. And there’s an entire new fron- tier opening: video. Snazzy handhelds based on Microsoft’s new Windows Portable Media Center operating system allow you to enjoy Jon LET’S PLAY: From top, IPod Stewart’s jokes on The Daily Show during your Mini, Creative Zen commute. We rate 20 audio and video play- Touch, and IRiver PMP-120. ers that are likely candidates for amusing yourself while you’re on the move. PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN KUCZALA POWER GUIDE WWW.PCWORLD.COM 2 MEDIA HANDHELDS I tested a stack of audio players for func- The attractive design of tionality, ease of use, audio quality, porta- most of these little PMC- bility, size, price, and style.