So I’m expecting my free 4th gen Ipod in the mail any week now and I’ve been going over exactly what to do.  I’m going to sell it no matter what. Even if I end up with a 4th gen Ipod I would rather get it from Best Buy and get their $50 warrantee so I don’t have to worry about the stupid battery dying on me and having to fork over $100 for a new one. 

But I’ve also been considering getting an iRiver 120 because of the added features and that I’ve heard the sound quality is better.  To be honest, I don’t think I would use the radio or recorder much but considering the iPod doesn’t come with a dock, the line in/out would be nice. A dock would cost about $40 I’ve heard.  The non-replaceable battery for the iPod also makes me despise it. I’ll be damned if I have to pay $100 w/o a warrantee or $50 for an extended Best Buy warrantee.  I’m freaking torn. I like the iPod’s style and ease but I don’t like having to pay extra money for equipment the last gen had and for a warrantee. Any opinions?

IS the iRiver 120 the one with the color screen? If so, how much is it?

No, the iRiver 120 is just a hdd mp3 player. It’s running about $300 or slightly less.

Apple has improved the battery a great deal since the ones that had problems and even if your battery does die you can replace it yourself for well under $100.  You’re right a dock would cost $40 but it’s not a nesscessity just more of a convenience. I have heard good things about the iRiver also. Get alot of info and make a decision.

A Creative Nomad Zen Xtra sounds pretty good.  you can get a 40 gb for approx 240 dollars.  It is amazing battery life, and the sound quality is probably the best of any mp3 player out right now.