iPod question

[den]

Does anyone have any recommendations for mp3 players other than ipods?

I think I had one of the first generation 4GB minis and it worked fine for about a year, conveniently when the warranty had expired. I think the battery was going, but I had major problems trying to transfer songs. Even when they would transfer, the files wouldn't play. I tried all of the resetting and updating and restoring that I could. I even did some of the diagnostic tests and it gave some hard drive read error message. I went to the Apple store at the mall twice to see what the problem was.

Each time, those doucebags at the 'Genius Bar' or whatever the hell it's called, the first thing they asked, "Oh, well do you download illegal music from Kazaa?" Thanks. No, I don't. 90% of my music comes from cds and I was having trouble with those files too. "Well maybe your files are corrupt." How would that happen? "That's what data does. It corrupts." Well wouldn't my computer also be having problems? "Well the iPod is a very sensitive device." And you still live with you mom and work at the Apple store at the mall.

They'd restore it and I asked them to run the diagnostic test to make sure it was ok. He said it was fine. I went home and did the test myself and it gave the same error message.

I realized that when you send it in to get the battery replaced, they actually just send you a refurbished iPod. So theoretically I could pay $60 (warranty expired) and my problems should be solved. But I'd rather take a stand and my business elsewhere.

Bottom line, I've been using my discman for the past 8 months.

Recommendations?