The high profile music players tend to be feature rich. They play music and video, store pictures and pick up FM radio. All of this complicates them.

But simple players also are available. They have few controls. And they are more suitable for those looking for a simple, durable player.

Flash-based players will be most durable. They have no moving parts. Hard-drive players are more fragile.

I found three music players that should fit the bill. They are flash-based and have simple controls. And each is under $100.

iPod shuffle

iPods are among the most feature-rich players. But Apple makes simple players as well. The iPod shuffle falls into this category.

It is small and thin, with no screen. It’s about the size of a matchbook. It features the iPod’s signature circular control pad. But you cannot scroll with it.

The control layout is very simple. The play/pause button sits in the middle of the ring. Four buttons sit in the ring itself. One set controls volume; the other skips tracks backward and forward. The on/off and shuffle switches are on the player's side. You can set it to shuffle mode, or to play sequentially. Sequential mode plays in the order that songs were synced from iTunes.