Go to the store/website you're gonna buy from, find a cheap one that doesn't look like shit or is from a good brand, enjoy?

Can't help too much, I just use my PSP.

http://anythingbutipod.com/

One of the cheaper ones that they seem to like there: http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Sansa-Clip-Player-Black/dp/B002MAPT7U/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1295578477&sr=1-1
Here's the review: http://anythingbutipod.com/2009/08/sandisk-sansa-clip-plus-review/

How much space is too much space? Conversely, how much is not enough?

Do you care if there are moving parts (i.e., hard drive, not flash) in it?

Are you OK with browsing your music by tags or are folder views a must?

Do you care if there is proprietary software or connectors?

What is your price limit?

Do you want touch support or tactile buttons (or a mix)?

Does it need to be available in a local store or are you fine ordering online?

>>2797
>Do you care if there are moving parts (i.e., hard drive, not flash) in it?
Not really pertinent. Nothing that small or subject to that much abuse is going to have anything but an SSD of some kind.

And I will actually come out and say iPod. As music players go they're basically the standard and support for them has arisen across multiple platforms and programs out of necessity. If choking on Apples' dick (and their warranties) isn't your thing, I'd give your local craigslist a quick browse to see if anyone has any they're trying to get rid of.

I've had a sandisk myself and... they function but they really don't compare to that tiny ass LCD screen, or the playlist support. Granted it was a cheaper model than the one discussed but just looking at this newer one it seems to have the same design principles. I've had my iPod going on 6 years now and I only now need to get it replaced, and only because the scroll wheel is fucked up and won't play.

Also, for your average channer I'd recommend no less than 4 gigs. 2 can fill up faster than you'd think.

>>2796
This is the exact MP3 player I have right now. I like it, but I'm wondering if there's anything better.

>>2797
>How much space is too much space? Conversely, how much is not enough?
Don't know about too much, but I'd like at least 10GB. That's pretty much my entire music collection.
>Do you care if there are moving parts (i.e., hard drive, not flash) in it?
Either one's fine.
>Are you OK with browsing your music by tags or are folder views a must?
Tags are just fine by me, though folder view's nice too.
>Do you care if there is proprietary software or connectors?
I'd prefer there be none, though I can live with them.
>What is your price limit?
Let's say $150.
>Do you want touch support or tactile buttons (or a mix)?
Tactile buttons, preferably.
>Does it need to be available in a local store or are you fine ordering online?
Ordering online is just peachy.

>>2799
http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/

http://us.store.creative.com/ZEN-Style-300-16GB-Black/M/B003D7IIPQ.htm

>>2798
>If choking on Apples' dick (and their warranties) isn't your thing, I'd give your local craigslist a quick browse to see if anyone has any they're trying to get rid of.
Ended up doing this, got an 80GB Zune for $80 and it works fine. Thank you, Craigslist.

>>2811
lol always good to hear some bit of advice was helpful