The Mpress3 looks great thanks to a clear blue iMac-style case which exposes the internal circuit board. The buttons are chrome-plated which adds to the effect.

In terms of features, the Mpress3 is consistent with the others on test here. There are repeat and random play modes, for example, and a useful lock switch which prevents accidental pressing of the buttons. The usual three equalisation modes of rock, jazz and classical are available, alongside a 'user' mode which allows quite a degree of control over the sound.

There's also a Megabass switch which adds presence to virtually any music. The headphones are the 'back-loop' variety which wrap around the ears and pass around the back of the head. Their sound is good but perhaps a little on the muddy side, especially compared to the crystal clear sound from the Rio.

The Mpress3 also has a clever record feature. Up to 128 minutes of voice recordings can be made via the built-in microphone. Sadly this is only at 'telephone quality', and the sound isn't converted into MP3 but stored as WAV files. A line input is also available although, once again, it records only as WAV files.

The software is on the rough and ready side, although easy to use once you get to grips with it. Files are put into the player by a drag-and-drop method, and voice recordings can be dragged off to be played on the PC. Power is supplied via a single AA battery and once again a flash card slot is supplied should you want to expand the 32MB on board.

Like the Rio 300, the Mpress3 doesn't display the track name on the LCD screen although it does have a red backlight.

Philex - Mpress3 price

£127 + VAT