Favorite 100GB+ MP3 Player?

[sraun]

I don't want an iPod.

What's your favorite non-iPod 'holds all my music' MP3 player? My library is currently 40GB, I'd like a minimum of 60GB and would really like 100GB+. I'll take Flash or Hard-drive. My budget looks like it could be as high as $500.

Comments

[carbonel]

My major objection is that I don't like Apple's Walled Garden approach.

You keep saying that thing. I don't think it means what you think it means.

While I'm not sure there's any way to use an iPod without using iTunes, you appear to be conflating the iTunes store with the iTunes application. You can use iTunes for free without ever giving them a credit card, without ever accessing the iTunes store. I did that for several years.

The iTunes application is simply a music management system. And really, it's a pretty good one. Not perfect, but better than anything else I've found, and I've done a certain amount of searching. iTunes the application doesn't have any walled garden aspect to it. You don't need to buy any specific vendor's music to use it.

[sraun]

I think you are missing something - I have two different issues.

First, my major objection is to Apple. I do not want to support the company in any way. I do not like their philosophy of how computing should work.

Second, I'm glad that you are happy with iTunes. I know the plural of anecdote is not data, but I have heard way too many people complaining about what iTunes did to their Windows box when it was installed. I was stuck with Quicktime for many years, and every time I went to install it, or that it updated itself, Apple tried to force iTunes on me, and several times they tried to get me to install Safari. I got sick and tired of having to go through the custom installer every time and deselecting the same options every time.

[carbonel]

Okay, so it is essentially a religious issue. That explains your willingness to suffer for it. :-)