Aesthetic and technological alternatives to IPOD


I would like to get a feedback from people who might be using a hard drive based MP3 player that might equal the Ipod in its versatility as well as its sound. There are too many supporters that will advocate the Iking, but there are lingering doubts due not only its battery reliability, but also some defects that plague different generations of the 4 that have just recently been released.

Any commentaries about your choices would be appreciated.
bemopti123
I've been considering the iRiver 20GB model. Its feature sets matches up with more ofwhat i would like. jury is still out on the looks of the iriver, IMO.
The issues regarding the battery were not reliability but the duration of lifetime and the high cost of replacement. Now there are cheaper battery replacements (thanks to many people threatening to sue Apple); of which you can easily install yourself. Personally, I have a first generation 20GB IPOD (about 3 yrs old) which I've dropped & banged up but have had no problems with...and the battery still works! iPODs are not perfect solutions but they still seem to be the best option so far...(No, I don't work for Apple or any computer company!)
I own a PJB100 with a 60gig drive. It's great and has worked flawlessly. Unfortunately, it's no longer available. I bought it based on a recommendation from Headroom--these guys do headphones and headphone amps. Great site for road warriors that love music. They recommend current MP3 players, and the iRiver is one of them.

Headroom MP3 recommendations
I second Campbelr regarding the battery.
Regarding your question: there simply IS no alternative technical - and let alone Aesthetics (!!) to the iPod run under Apple Lossless which is far superior to MP3 regardless its sampling rate! See J. Atkinsons measurements which he did on this format in recent Stereophile issue.