Thanks, Vaio. I'm a Sony fan, too, but their MP3 players don't get the same reviews as do most products from this manufacturer. The most useful post I found was a review written by an ordinary user just like most of us. Here it is for reference.

http://nytimes.com.com/4864-5_7-31398481.html...D=1515773&ctype=msgId

"Side by Side Comparison..Ipod Shuffle, Creative Zen Nano, IRiver T 30"
by Jimro - November 4, 2005

Full user opinion

I couldn't find any posting of side by side comparisons of these three units...so already owning a Ipod Shuffle, I purchased both a Creative Zen Nano Plus and an IRiver T30. I loaded the same song files into all three so that the comparison would be valid. I used only the earphones that came with each unit.

The Ipod is simple as can be to use: Partly good design and partly fewest features. The Creative Zen Nano has a decent LCD and a menu system that has a short learning curve. It is also the only one of the three to have a built in radio. [NOTE: The iRiver 800 & 900 series have an FM radio.] The IRiver has the greater learning curve partly because it has more customizable options.

Both the Creative and the IRiver have line in ability to copy directly from CDs. Of course only the Shuffle has a bulit in rechargable battery (not user replacable) while the other two use AAAs. [NOTE: The iRiver 900 series features a rechargeable lithium battery.] Of course you can purchase rechargable AAAs (Rayovac makes ones that take 15 minutes to recharge!).

Sound quality...my primary concern

All three have pleasant sound with plenty of volume (too much!). First of all the Ipod Shuffle has no controls at all to customize the sound. It does sound very good, however. the Creative Zen Nano has an equalizer. The IRiver T30 has both an equalizer and an entire set of other sound controls from the SRS WOW component.

A fair comparison requires us to set both the Creative and the IRiver to what I and my son believe to give the best combination of bass and treble response. Of course that is somewhat subjective. However we both agreed on the settings.

I know that some 'tests' /reviews say they leave the settings at 'neutral' to be fair. I beg to strongly disagree. After all why shouldn't the Creative Zen Nano and the IRiver benefit from a capability that they have built in?! Users would surely use those controls, so they should be evaluated. Each unit producing the best it can!

Again, all three sound very good.

Treble...The Apple Shuffle Ipod and the IRiver T30 had the best treble: Clear. The Creative was somewhat muddied in response, but not bad.

Bass...Here the IRiver shone above the others - definitively. The Creative was second, with the Ipod Shuffle not far behind.

I found the following SRS settings to be the 'best' on the IRiver:
SRS...08
Focus..Low
Trubass...10
Boost...60

Overall, the IRiver's sound was definitely the best of the three.

. . .

Thanks, Neil. I really appreciate the feedback.

A serious non-techie, still I have read enough to understand considerations such as ability to deal with multiple file formats; durability - thus a flash drive for working out, which limits storage to 1gig right now. Of course, the issue of user friendliness is critical (especially for individuals like myself).

As to connectivity, I belive you are referring to the BUS 2 connection (which I don't understand, except that it supposedly uploads faster). Transfer rate depends entirely on the web connection, correct?

I have read that often you need to make certain that the unit has a belt clip and/or case. Also, I understand that certain manufacturers produce units that require you to buy accessories at exhorbitant prices.

Having said that, I wonder if you could tell me what it is that makes the Mac player popular with your classmates? Frankly, sometimes knowing that a techie loves a product makes me instinctively want to run the other way. Usually, this is because the package is so powerful that you have to be pretty knowledgeable just to be able to use the Power botton or load the software.

Please feel free to respond, suggest or correct. Thanks again, Neil, for responding. And have a happy and safe Thanksgiving (even if you do not live in the U.S.)