I have a Creative. Part detaches to plug directly to the USB port on the PC, and looks like a hard drive (you can even copy other files and use like a floppy). Works great. I use rechargable batteries. http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=zp...ht:1,pos:0,spc:14489115,date:20021212,srch:kw
Amazing you should mention this -- I just got my BRAND NEW MP3 player yesterday evening. I'm encoding some songs on another computer right this minute. I picked up the Archos Multimedia Jukebox 20: <img src="http://www.strakejesuit.org/fac/bazin/jukebox.jpg"> It's $399 most places, but I got mine from <a href="http://www.shopharmony.com/">Harmony Computer</a> for $300. They even shipped it 2 day air, even though I didn't pay for it. I'd never purchased from them before, but WOW was I impressed. Their site sucks though . . . Anyhow, this is one of those hard drive based MP3 players, like the IPod or the earlier Archos Jukeboxes. It does all the usual -- stores files, plays MP3s, etc. But what sets this one apart is two things. First, it has an expansion port where you can get a camera module to take video or pictures. There's also a module that can read flash memory cards. Second, and this is the COOL feature, it has a color LCD screen, and allows you to play movies saved in MPEG 4 (DivX) format. The screen is small, but the sound and picture are actually really great, and if you have a big TV or something, you can connect a cable and output it to the TV. Soon, there's a module upcoming that will allow you to record off of the TV, or any source with an RCA jack. In my small experience with it, I LOVE IT. It came with a USB 2.0 cable (also works for 1.1), and WOW is that fast. A bit faster than firewire. Only problem is that I only have one computer here at work that has USB 2.0 -- all my others have firewire There's supposedly a firewire cable coming soon as well. I haven't had it long enough to encode any videos or anything, but I'll try that tonight. I'm especially looking forward to encoding episodes of Frasier and Family Guy so I can take them on the road. The interface is good. Not GREAT. Frankly, if I just wanted to hear music, I'd have gone with the Ipod. And if that's what you want, then I'd go with the ipod instead. It's got such an awesome and easy to use interface. Personally, I wanted the extra features, and I also wanted its durability. It has rubber corners, and a strong, durable case. Seeing as how I tend to really abuse these kinds of things, I wanted one that could hold up through everything. It seemed to me that the Archos Multimedia Jukebox was a bit tougher than the ipod. They both are great though. If you are a fairly tech-savvy person, the Archos will be easy to use. If not, it's a bit of a chore compared to the ipod. IMO, it takes a bit more up front thought about playlists and such, but the payoff is great!
Most new motherboards are coming with USB 2.0 and if you don't have one, you can get an add-on card with 2-4 USB 2.0 ports pretty cheap.
The Ipod uses a lithium polymer rechargable battery. When you plug it into a computer using a firewire cable, it also charges the battery. Battery life is rated around 10 hours.
http://www.nike.com/nikegoddess/index.jhtml?ref=http://www.nike.com/usa/index.html This is the Nike PSA 128 it somewhat waterproof if you like running outside, smaller then a Ipod and comes with a beltclip and a armband holster.
