avoid Creatives value segment, in my experience anything ~$100 from Creative has ahrdware issues. headphone-jack issue on the creative Zen nano, and dead screen issue on the Zen V+ both of which could have easily been fixed with slightly better engineering.
The smaller versions of the iPod are ----. I have an 80GB iPod Classic and it works great. Great battery life as well. (It's gone 3 days with no charging.) I used to have a Nano until I broke the hold switch and I became so frustrated with the thing I threw it at a all. If you have enough money, go for the iPod. If not, the Zen. Don't get a Zune. They are just bad.
most of the newer ipods are ---- quality wise. Each revision is sleeker and sexier... and costs half as much to make as the last
Creative Zen and the Microsoft Zune are really nice, and they're cheaper than iPods(i think?). You should go for one of those.
I can't believe no one has even mentioned the market leader in innovation - Archos. Seriously if you want a good MP3 player with decent build, good warranty and about every feature possible check out their range. My old Gmini has lasted me nearly 4 years; its screen is still better than current generation iPods and battery life kicks all the Zens I know out of the park.
i own the chinese mp3-player: Meizu 8GB SL, one of the best mp3-player on the planet, the sound qualiy is just the best!
i know you said no ipod dude... but hate to tell you ipods are now and the future, every seround system has abuilt in ipod dock.. dude and itunes 1# in the world for music dude.. get a ipod.
I like mine. sync wirelessly with others in the area, radio feature, etc. Only downside is the software that's meant for it isn't the greatest. There are plenty of options out there though
