Mp3 time again...

[Septih]

Right, i'm looking at getting a proper mp3 player for a christmas/own money present. And i need YOU( :O ) to help me out a bit in making a decision. I've looked at the couple of threads that have been around recently, but things seem to change pretty fast, so i thought more up to date opinions might be better.

• Budget seems to be up to around £160
  
• I currently have 6gb, but i hope to buy something that will last me years, so capacity needs to be bigger
  
• I've heard praises for the creative zen micro and more recently the iriver series, but if someone can convince me otherwise then i'd look at other stuff.
  
• I hate ipod and everything it stands for.
  
• I want good sound quality and something that actually takes the files as they are, rather then converting them to their own special format(cough sony cough)

Anyone able to help me choose?

 

[Cormeh]

Zen Microphoto is what I have, It does/is all of the above, except the price.

It has 8Gb (Not enough more from what you're expecting I suspect). It's all I have so I'll give it my lowest ever score, seven thumbs up. iPod? . Quality is good and it takes the files on board as they are, even .wma's.

EDIT: Sorry mate, this puppy weighs in at around £200.

 

[Revisedsoul]

i wouldnt sudjest anything your going to be carrying around from creative. worst warrenty ive seen on an mp3 player

 

[Dekstar]

Archos Gmini XS 202 from Overclockers.co.uk:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Archos.html

I just ordered me one of these. Cheapest 20gb (and smallest) Mp3 player out there. They look awesome. It also fits all your descriptions.

EDIT: Or, MPIO HD300 40GB (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/other_mp3.html - First one there). Under your range and 40gb. Seems to have a larger range of playable files too.
The company, however, may not be well known, so I don't know what their quality is.

 

[Fliko]

I love my iRiver MP3 player, though it is only 899 iF series.(1 GB) It is reliable. I don't know if it is different with the U10, but, the drivers seem to be a hassle to install, though, I have trouble with any sort of drivers to install for a plug and play.