While portable CD players continue losing market share to MP3 players, diehard CD owners who don't want to convert their CDs to another format still rely on quality CD players. You work hard all day, yet CD players let you listen to music in the office, at the gym, walking or running at the park or pulling weeds in your yard. Additionally, you won't bother anyone else when you listen to music with headphones.

You can find portable CD players at just about any electronics website or general merchandise store, but keep price in mind as you shop. Consider the following as you shop each portable CD players provider:

1. Buy plain portable CD players if you don't need an FM tuner.

2. Order multi-functional portable CD players if you want access to your favorite CDs and radio stations.

3. Shop around for more information on portable CD players before making your final decision.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order plain portable CD players that meet your needs

If you only want a portable CD player to play CDs, don't spend money on an FM tuner.

I recommend: Order the Sony D-EJ011 CD Walkman from Circuit City. CD player features include CD-R/RW playback, eight playback modes, Skip-Free Technology and Digital Mega Bass. If you don't plan on running or walking with your CD player, visit the Electronic Express website and purchase the Coby MPCD521 with programmable track memory and skip, search, random and repeat capabilities. Order the Magnavox MPC270 portable CD player from Wal-Mart. Only available online, this CD player includes 45 seconds of electronic skip protection, up to 20 hours playback, 30 programmable tracks, and it supports CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW formats.

Purchase portable CD players that give you options

Use your portable CD player as a convenient medium for your both your favorite CDs and radio stations whenever you choose.

I recommend: If you require added motivation or enjoy listening to something other than your own hyperventilation when you run or walk briskly, order the Sony D-NF340 CD Walkman with MP3 playback and FM tuner from J&R. The CD player includes Skip-Free G-Protection, MP3, CD-R and CD-RW format playback, 12 playback modes, Digital Mega Bass sound system and a 2-Position Automatic Volume Limiter System. At Target's website, you can buy the Emerson HD8116N Personal CD Player with FM Tuner. Only available online, the CD player features a rotary volume control, 20-track programmable memory, 60-second anti-shock protection and bass-boost system.

Look for additional information before you buy portable CD players

Get access to information you need to help you make up your mind before you buy. You can even find product information for portable CD players you already own.

I recommend: For a portable CD players directory, scroll down to the CD Players Manufacturers section at eCoustics.com. Once there, you can click on any manufacturer for more information about its CD players. If you lose your owner's manual, OwnerIQ operates a website to help you get the portable CD players information you need. It may take an extra minute or two to find the information you need since you'll have to sift through a combined car and portable CD players list.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As a small business owner, you may rarely find time to relax with a good book. Portable CD players allow you to make the time to finally get to the books on your 'must read' list. Rent fiction and nonfiction books on CD or check them out at your public library. You can then multi-task and listen to the books when you work in the house or outside, exercise, during a quick break at work or driving between appointments.