I have bought multiple MP3 players. First the Chinese MP4 / MP3 players... don't buy them. They contain no search features, have bad drivers, and worst of all... work slower than a slug. Playing a song takes about 5 seconds and same for switching a song. Switching folder takes almost 10 seconds. This could get really annoying if you are trying to browse through songs. Also, these players have cheap quality screens. I strongly suggest saving a hundred or so more dollars and buying something branded. Now for brands...which one to buy? Simple...go with the trend and get an iPod. Apple has a sort of monopoly on mp3 players, and I really don't mind. iPods are quality mp3 players and work flawlessly with iTunes. They are well built and support things such as Audible audio books. They have many accessories and there is really no reason not to buy them. Yes, they are a little more expensive than other players, but rightly so. Also, don't go crazy with the gigs. If you aren't going to use 40GBs, don't buy the 40GB mp3 player. It makes no sense. However, if you do have a constantly growing collection, the bigger the better. Don't go with something like an RCA mp3 player just because they give you 60GB of space for the price of a 20GB iPod. They are huge and just not as stable as an iPod. Stay away from the iPod shuffle because it simply sucks. It has no screen and it's not a good buy. Get any iPod but that one. Now have fun searching eBay for a good deal!