I'm looking to get an MP3 player for Christmas, and want to know which ones to look for and which to steer away from. No iPods!
1-5GB capacity, <$175
here are some I've found interest in:

iRiver - 1GB
Creative Labs - Zen Nano Plus 1GB
Sony Walkman 1GB
SanDisk 2GB M250 Digital Audio Player with AM/FM Tuner

12/1/2005 1:40:54 PM

Stay away from Rio products if you desire to use them for exercising. Great for the library, horrible for the gym.

12/1/2005 1:49:18 PM

also - Is a subscription to some music download provider required, or can i just add the music from my own library?

[Edited on December 1, 2005 at 1:58 PM. Reason : newb]

12/1/2005 1:57:40 PM

i like the sandisk if the size doesnt bother you
i think they claim 18 hours from a AAA battery

you can add your own music or subscription music

12/1/2005 2:02:39 PM

cool deal

12/1/2005 2:45:14 PM

i have this 1gb one from walmart ($100):

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4127960

i love it...it has an sd slot for expansion...you can pick up a 1gb card on sale for like $40-50

bam - 2gb mp3 player for $150

12/1/2005 5:58:53 PM

12/1/2005 6:11:58 PM

^ i actually thought that looked interesting...especially since one whole side is the lcd screen...and then i realized i'd probably break it, and i like the ability to expand my memory

12/1/2005 6:18:59 PM

I'll vouch for the iRiver IFP-799.

1 gb mem, radio, line-in recording, and decent built in mic for recording.

firmware can be flashed so that it can be used as a USB flash drive (i.e. no software to install).

it's for winner for shizzle.

12/1/2005 8:43:26 PM

http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/

Get one of their flash players. They kick ass.

12/1/2005 9:37:43 PM

^ those actually look really nice. how's the user interface?

12/1/2005 10:36:39 PM

Anyone know a mp3 player with good fm/am capability, & not, too, expensive? I don't need gigs of music to express my audiophile, either.

1/20/2006 2:17:56 PM

why in the hell do you need AM?

1/20/2006 2:22:49 PM

to listen to state games?

Hurley aren't you worth like $250 million or something? why's cost a factor here?

1/20/2006 2:25:14 PM

we WATCH state games 'round these parts, friend

1/20/2006 2:27:59 PM

they ain't always televised.

and if it's a bball game being called by dick vitale, i'd rather mute the tv and turn on the radio for audio.

1/20/2006 2:34:47 PM

I DON'T FUCKING UNDERSTAND WHY THOSE AREN'T BRANDNAMES, BUT MOANING AND BITCHING.

1/20/2006 2:45:51 PM

PHILIPS!

^^ oh and touche. excellent post!

[Edited on January 20, 2006 at 3:02 PM. Reason : *]

1/20/2006 3:02:13 PM

lol he's on tv right now - blue chips is on

1/20/2006 3:30:54 PM

So, any mp3 players with am?

1/24/2006 1:20:13 PM