Cheap iPod rivals line up

Apple is facing its toughest battle yet.

Companies such as Sony, Philips and even Nokia are set to release music players to take on the iPod.

More than two million iPods have been sold around the world.

The Ministry of Sound, which has five new players due for release next month, is to spearhead the charge.

The new players, which range in price from £179 to £399, are extremely similar in both specification and design to the iPod.

Scott Steinberg, the Ministry of Sound's head of audio products, said: "The iPod is only aimed at the high end of the market.

"There is scope to do different things with the design and marketing on these players.

"For instance, ours come preloaded with music."

Both Apple and the Ministry of Sound's top-price players can store around 10,000 songs.

Cheaper players, however, can often only store one or two albums' worth of music.

Apple recently announced the launch of iPod Mini, a smaller version of the iPod, which has been criticised for its high price.

UK prices for the device have not yet been set, although it is due to be launched in April.