When considering a superlative MP3 player like the Rio Forge, certain adjectives come to mind. Rugged. Svelte. Shiny. Refurbished. Rio’s own product description adds another: “grippy.” While the black rubber edges are certainly conducive to a secure, unstrained grip, we must object to Rio’s neologism.

But ah, it’s easy to forgive such linguistic crimes in this case. The Rio Forge is dazzling enough to leave Mark Twain groping for the right words. With up to 20 hours of battery life, comfortable sport clip earphones, an armband, and a stopwatch/lap timer, it’s as essential a jogging companion as your water bottle and your taser. Unlike those at the average Thai bistro, its menus are intuitive and easy to understand. And a new FM record feature means you’ll never miss another “Skooch and Barry’s Morning Asylum” ever again.

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