@wnrao - i couldnt help but respond to this post when i read your query. Having changed about 4 mp3 players over last 6 years or so in search of better SQ and (later) to take the mp3 player with me while working out / trekking / jogging, I believe i can offer some perspective:
1. First player was iriver 256 mb (bought in 2003) with sennheiser earphones. It ran on a pencil cell, was clunky, single blue line display - but actually very good sound quality. I still have it but dont use it due to the limited space.
2. Second was the iPod video (gifted to me in 2007). I started using it in 2007 mid and within a month was frustrated enough to sell it second hand while i was present in the US. I'm not a confirmed apple basher - but in general I do not endorse apple products (connectivity). Reasons are - tinny sounding music (not as much depth as iriver), forced to use itunes for everything and really not VFM but more of a 'cool' product. It's probably a bit like buying a bose product, IMHO.
3. Third is a creative 2Gb. Its an OK player. I wouldnt rate it as high as iRiver. Again it runs on a AAA battery - i think this can be an advantage if you intend to use the player in your car that doesnt have the usb interface in the car stereo. On long drives, you can simply replace battery rather than worry about charging via usb.
4. My current player that im using for about 2 years now is the Sony S2
sports walkman. It can be seen here
http://www.wired.com/images/article/magazine/test2007/pm_sony_s2_walkman_f.jpg. There're a few advantages and some disadvantages:
Adv:
1. Wonderful sound - and that's my first criteria for the mp3 player. :yahoo:
2. Great user friendly shape for jogging, etc. The player comes with an arm band and a ring like mechanism that you can use to move to the next track. It works very while while working out. :clapping:
3. Water resistance - rare feature in electronics but the earphones dont let the sweat damage them. After using the player for about 45 mins EVERY DAY for last 2 years, I can vouch that it works and it's a serious advantage.
4. Loop earphones - I've used them for upto 2 hours on hikes and found them OK. They take some time getting use to. These are great as they dont fall off while running hard.
Here's an excellent review of the esp on features I've never used such as the pedometer:
http://www.siliconpopculture.com/articles/review/sony_s2_sports_walkman_nw_s205f/
Disadv:
1. Sonicstage s'ware: Sony engineers were either demented, or drunk and stoned or probably both while designing the software to load songs. S'ware wont load songs that are not 'registered'. So half of my illbegotten mp3 collection cant really load here ... boohooo. Thankfully, there're open source alteratives such as Voidmp3FM (yay!)
2. USB only charge / properietary cable - i think this is nullified as most mp3 players (portable ones) rely on same mechanism. On the upside, the charge works very fast and after 2 years, am yet to have any battery problems.
3. Stock earphones are not good for prolonged listening while sitting at a desk etc - you can get better ones though.
I dont think this product is available any longer in the US- but you would do well to check if it sells in India. I bought it at a bargain price of $80 or so (against twice the list price) and it has served its purpose very well.
