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Traditional broadcast radio, just like broadcast television and traditional newspapers, may have long since seen it's best days. With listeners opting out of the advertisements, fading signals, and the difficulty of finding the music they really want to hear, other options have taken over.

Certainly satelilte radio has filled a void for many listeners for several years now. It offers a lot of commercial free programming and the ability to listen to a wider variety or even a more focused genre if desired. It also doesn't fade out making it more reliable and far reaching. But, of course there are the fees. For millions of people, especially those who are accustomed to getting their radio for free, the fees are a bitter pill to swallow.

Enter internet radio. It's not a new thing, but it's one that's gaining momentum in the US only now. Many broadcast stations offer programming on the internet, as does SIRIUS. There are free stations available that play just about everything imaginable and from every corner of the planet. Then there are the internet music services like Pandora that further broaden the experience and allow you to personalize what music is presented to you.

With this increased awakening to such a powerful music source, came internet radios. The best internet radio players can make the task of accessing this music easier and faster. They may also give you access to music stored on your computer and/or on your MP3 player. They are evolving quickly and adding touchscreens, photo viewers, and much more. Using a wireless connection, they free you from being tethered; allowing you to listen anywhere in your home.

Higher end devices may cost more than $300 dollars but there are a few in the under $200 range. In many cases you get what you pay for, afterall, they do act as their own sound system in most cases. However, some are more capable devices. Some of the better, affordable models include the Livio internet radio which provides access to Pandora among other things. It's been well reviewed and can be found online under $200. The Chumby One is another in this price range with access to Pandora, Media Fly, Shoutcast and more. However, Logitech's Squeezebox probably offers the most options with Pandora, SIRIUS, Slacker, Rhapsody, Live Music Archive, and much more.