The iPod's not perfect but it's the best Hard Drive Based player out there. The Cowon iAudio M3 comes close but it doesn't have a screen on the player! The iRiver HP140 has the storage and features but it's slow (a friends iRiver takes it about 5 minutes to boot when it is full!!!) and costs just as much as the iPod. Creative's Nomad gives you the most gig's per dollar but from reading reviews about it, I think you get what you pay for.

iPod PROS:
-The ipod is one of the best players for live sets. Aside from the storage, you can effortlessly navigate through huge sets in seconds using the click wheel.
-although the interface gets a little time to get used to, it allows for easy and fast navigation through 1000s of songs
-No more burning CDs! In seconds I can download music to my iPod which I can then play anywhere, through the stereo downstairs, my computer at work, on the radio in my car through a HARDWIRED FM transmitter...
-The 5 star rating application is also worthwhile--I just download tracks to my ipod, rate them on the go, and get rid of the ones I don't want. This way I can screen my recent downloads quickly and whereever I want (not just on my computer).
-stores about 500 high quality CDs (40 GB) and is the size of a standard wallet


iPod CONS:

-$$$
-only compatible with iTunes
-a little too bulky to take to the gym (stick with flash based players)
-battery life (although improved, a warranty is still a must if you're buying an ipod)
-font (takes a little time to get used to, apple should make the font smaller)
-scratches too easily

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