As an awesomely satisfied iRiver H340 owner, who came within an inch of buying an iPod, let me make this clear: GO WITH IRIVER. The advantages of the iRiver are too many for me to list here in my laziness, but if you are wondering, you should check out
misticriver. I'll state a few briefly though: the iRiver's price is better, it's battery is MUCH better, it's warranty is MUCH better, and you can display text files, photos (you've got to ante up an extra $100 to get photo capability on your iPod), and PLAY VIDEOS. I used this function a lot over Christmas break as I was on a lot of airplane flights, and it was very nice. So, do yourself a favor and buy an iRiver. It may not attract as many lustful stares from the homosexual men you encounter (just kidding, folks

, but it will make you happy.