Creative Zen

You can use it with linux. E.g. Amarok supports MTP devices.

Other points not really mentioned here:

* The files on your memory card do not become part of your library. The only way to play them is to browse the disk structure. Also while playing the files from the SD card you can't do anything else (you can with files in internal memory).
* You can only import everything or nothing from the memory card to internal memory. Not critical but an annoying limitation.
* The screen stays on (i.e. you can't get it to automatically turn off after a certain amount of time) unless you lock the player. This is pretty annoying, for example if you have the player on your desk where there is no chance of accidentally pressing keys you have to lock it otherwise the backlight quickly (well quicker...ly anyway) uses up your battery life.

Just to reiterate two of the main flaws:

* The screen really does scratch very easily! It is as soft or probably softer than CD jewel cases. Far from the iPod Touch's glass screen.

* The SD card integration is very disappointing. You can only browse by directory structure, not artist/album. When playing music if you leave the 'Now Playing' screen the music will stop.

I had this PMP (Portable Media Player) for over a year. It get phenomenal battery, a great screen, good sound quality and a great, clear, and easy-to-use interface. I have had about three other MP3 players before this one, and this one, by far has been the best.

The battery didn't get much worse over the period of time that I had it. I listened to it about 3-4 hours every day on the bus and I had to recharge it about once a week.

Videos on this PMP can't be beat. The screen is vibrant and colorful and has a screen larger than the iPod Nano. The screen does, however get scratched VERY easily, even when just placed in the same pocket as a cell phone. It also feels a little cheap in terms of material.

The music quality is overall clear and crisp. Although this isn't the X-Fi version, it delivers sound that isn't easily rivaled. The custom EQ doesn't change the music enough in my opinion and bass can come out wimpy in most cases, giving you that weak sound. It also depends mostly on the headphones, which with the headphones they include, it sounds very lame. The headphone also separated and frayed at the jack on me in less than a month.

The interface is very nice allowing you to customize exactly how you want things placed. Being able to set up the Main Menu can be very helpful and the shortcut button is very helpful, depending on what you use it for. This also is one of the few PMPs that let you change the background.

The reason I didn't write this for a year, is because I only write a product review after it is completely dead and unusable. In this case, it was my fault. I had a power cord that went to a fiber optic lamp that was very similar to the look and feel of a headphone jack. When attempting to plug the PMP into my stereo, I found that, indeed, it was the incorrect cord. The screen immediately went blank, I turned on the light, and I discovered a puff of visible smoke. I then proceeded to smell the burnt circuit. Granted, I did not have the cord plugged in long, but the battery began to get hotter during a very short amount of time. Rather than risk the battery exploding and dealing with battery acid leaking into the carpet, I threw it directly in the dumpster, realizing the death of one of the best PMP I've owned yet.

Long story short, I would recommend this player to just about anyone who is on a tight budget. I now look forward to receiving a Cowon S9 for Christmas, which I will be reviewing in the months to come.