For a truly ZEN-like experience, imagine the tranquility caused by not purchasing this device.

I further notice that this product is like an itouch without the [everything except mp3 player] for a remarkably similar price range. With any fewer features on this product, you would be back with the ZEN-like experience previously mentioned.

#1, I wouldn't call $100 difference on a $180 device "remarkably similar price range".

It does have two things the iPod touch doesn't have - better headphones and expandable storage.

My main objection to iPod touch is the requirement to use iTunes. But this one is no better (and possibly worse). Pass.

Wi-Fi is only for downloading or sharing tunes, no web browsing. Also whatever you put on the memory card is not part of the main library on the device, you have to access it through a different submenu. Creative used to make really great players, now, not so much.

Have a Zen, but only 4Gig. It is better than my iPod which I don't use much anymore. The stuff on the memory card is no big deal and you can swap out the cards. I like the flexibility of file types which lets you put on the Zen plenty of free stuff.

What is cool about this is the ability to mount CIFS shares and play music over your home network.

#2 Copy Trans Manager. Free no Itunes. You MAY need itunes for the initial boot of your Ipod, but just uninstall after that.. I am using LALA and copy trans manager with my Ipod touch and it fills all my music needs. It playes MP3's perfectly well. No need to be stuck with Apples m4a format.

I prefer anything over an ipod.