iTunes is a PITA imo.
I found Creatives to be decent units without all the hassels and their MediaSource app to be an excellent mp3/wma organizer, cd ripper, player, and mp3player loaded. And best of all, when I attach it to a different computer, its just a USB storage device and I have full access.

I have an IRiver MP3 and I love it!! It works great, all I have to do is change batteries when it gets low, Jessica on the other hand, has to charge her ipod from her computer. As you may have guessed we have 2 in our house and are looking to get a third for Andrew for Christmas. I do have to say though the ipod has more accesories than any other MP3 that I have seen.

Yeah, charging it off the PC is a pain. I know you can get an A/C adaptor, but they are already spendy without having to buy more stuff.

I have a 60GB Gen 3 iPod, I absolutely love it compared to those others, and i think iTunes is a great program...it doesn't ALWAYS do what I want it to, but it does work seamlessly most the time.

if you get an ipod make sure to get the extended warranty, even i love my ipod, its kinda a POS and it breaks alot. its a good thing apple has such a good return policy or they wouldnt have customers.

the best fm modulators/transmitter IMO is either the belkin or monster ones that plug in into the bottom and charges your ipod while playin over the stereo.

I've got a 4GB ipod mini. Had it for about a year, although I don't think the mini is in the ipod lineup anymore. I really have no complaints with it at all. I use the belkin tunebase which is an fm modulator/charger in one. The sound quality is really good, but then again I don't know what I could be missing I like the itunes software too. It will automatically convert your files to work on the ipod - it'* really pretty idot-proof. Either way, I'm happy!

the control for an ipod cant be beat.. the scroll wheel is simply amazing...

i loved my ipod, but i slowly grew away from it... now im back to burining cd'* whenever i want new tunes

I've got a Creative Zen Vision:M. Nothing can beat it. Nothing.

I know Jessica really likes her IPod, she takes it everywhere. We did get the extended warranty but (touch wood) nothing has happened to it. We also have the Belkin transmitter for the truck and it works great. Thanks for the tip Golden, I didn't know you could charge the IPod with it