The Sansa E2xx line of MP3 players are a nice alternative for those not wanting an Ipod. We've had a Sansa E260 for 2 years now and haven't had any problems with it.

The e200 series has been discontinued but is still a good player. I got this same model last week for $40. I think most refurbs are BIOS version 1 which means you can install RockBox on the player. Version 2 won't work with RockBox.

@#2 Version 2 is compatible with RockBox. Just some extra steps are needed to do so.

ordered one last week for 40. there's another Rapsody firmware version. rockbox 3 is out, may be compatible with v2, rapsody fw.

i have a c250 and it's a very good voice recorder. hope e270+rockbox is even better.

@#3: Those "extra steps" you refer to include learning to develop a new firmware for it. V2 models are NOT compatible and require significant development in order to get it to work at all.

got mine today. v1, rockboxed, wanted to add more themes but there aren't many Viewport compatible. without a case it's slippery, fingerprint magnet, even the back metal side scratched easily and attracts fingerprints. it has very good am radio and voice recorder picks up interference noise when lcd or scroll wheel light is on. otherwise it's very good. video needs improvement.