Price Paid:  $0.00 from gift

Summary:
Got this MP3 player as a gift, and love the way it organizes my music for me. Even if I toss all my files into the same directory, its database sorts artist and album for me, and I have no problem finding it in the interface.

Strengths:
compact, easy to use

Weaknesses:
controls don't like to be handled roughly, easy to change songs, volume, etc. if you toss in your pocket while exercising. Too much navigating to create playlists, etc.

Similar Products Used:
iRiver, Creative MuVo TX

Price Paid:  $179.00 from Fry's@ Wilsonville O

Summary:
I extensively research any audio component prior to purchasing and my initial MP3 purchase was no exception. Thus far, I'm quite pleased with this component, it's ease of use, and it's sound. As a Comcast ISP subscriber the product interfaces well and dowloads and rips to the player very quickly. If you do purchase this II suggest upgrading to Windows Media Player 11 asap and of course you will need a high speed connection. The company suggests purchasing your songs/cd's through Rhapsody(also affiliated with Comcast) however at 14.99 a month in addition to what you pay for the music it's hard to justify. The only possible drawbacks to this player are it's USB plug, which has to be the companies only, so if you lose it you must buy from them. Cases are difficult to find, but E-Bay has an assortment. I would suggest the leather case as the skin cases fall apart. All else aside, a wonderful player. I probably paid a bit more since it was my first player I preferred to purchase from a retail outlet as opposed to an internet site, where I could see the product first hand. However, not upset..

Strengths:
Ease of use. Upgradeability.

Weaknesses:
Accessories diffiicult to come by, though the company does provide a web site. FM reception a bit underwhelming, but nevertheless good.

Similar Products Used:
ARCHOS Gmini