Best HD-based MP3 Player?

I haven't checked out the iRiver HD player model(s), but their flash memory units look EXTREMELY slick. Way neat design, seem to be super high quality stuffs and compatibility with WMA, OGG etc is a huge plus. Usually I'm a Sony man all the way through (only good experiences), but if I was to go for a HD player, I'd consider iRiver first. :D
 
Both the iRiver the Cowon are too expensive for me at the moment. Plus, I've heard that long filenames are a pain in the butt on iRiver, and the Cowon has suffered from remote problems, (which are huge problems when the remote contains the only LCD on the system).

My choices now are between a Creative Zen Xtra 40 gb and the Dell DJ 20. The Dell has longer battery life, (20 hours to 14), an in-line remote, seemingly better navigation, and a better backlight. The Creative has twice as much space, and a replaceable battery. Both cost the same. I would have gotten the Dell were it not for the fact that I already have around 12-15 gb of MP3's, and would like to also use the device to store videos, photoshop and dreamweaver files, and other PC content for the trip, as my laptop only has a 4 gb HD.

To the person who asked what I'll be doing with my CD's when gone, they'll be going into storage at my parents' place. That said, don't take that as sympathy for the record industry. Most of the CD's I've bought I've found out about the bands through Kazaa or Napster, (when it was still free), and come from independent bands who have been helped as a result of file-sharing services. Personally, I look to P2P networks as a way to destroy the power of the major record companies, who in creating popular music as an industry have largely destroyed it as an art.

Thanks for all the input, everyone. I'll be making my final decision tonight or tomorrow. I'll make sure to let you know how it goes.
 
I have a Dell DJ 20. I bought it for $223 new from Dell.com (it was 20% off). I also got $25 credit for downloading music, leather case, inline remote, and MS Plus - Digital Media Ed. Overall I love my Dell DJ. I take it in the car and hook it up to my radio, I work out with it (run, lifting weights, and even bball), I take it to class, and to work. It is very sturdy and reliable. I have not had one problem with it yet.

The only con is the drivers/syncing software is average at best.

I would buy another one if I had to. ;)
 
Iriver H-1X0 is pretty good, surely the best player feature wise. There is also a firmware update coming out next month with lots of new features.
 
Well, I ended up going for size over style, and got the Creative 40 gb for 255, including a 1 year warranty extension, from NewEgg.com. I've spent the past day or so downloading my MP3's and other files onto it, (crappy USB 1 port. I just got a PCMCIA USB 2.0 card, but couldn't get it working until today. Things are going a little bit faster, now). It's easy enough to use, and in general I'm pretty pleased with it. The size is a bit bulkier than some of the others, but it still fits into my pocket fine, (I don't wear nut-huggers, so I can fit a fair amount into most pockets), and the amount of storage space for the price more than makes up for the inconveniences, in my opinion.
 
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