COWON I9 16GB Black

Pros: *Just works, no software required. Back to the bear essentials.
*Small, light, and sexy.
*File support.
*Compatible with Linux.
*It is not an iPod.

Cons: *Almost too light, wish it had a little more substance.
*The navigation is not the best, but like all things you eventually get used it.

Summary: I am an experienced user, have owned many different MP3 players (including the Touch) and finally feel free again. For me MP3 players have gotten way too complicated, too reliant on proprietary software, and just fat off trying to control everybody's choices--why do I have to use iTunes to put music on my iPod?. Like other Cowon products this goes back to the basics with simple drag and drop folders. I can put any kind of file on there and put it on any computer I want. I don't need to inform Apple that I will be listening to music on my work computer. Freedom. (side note: my beef with Apple is not with the quality of their product...my iPod Touch served me well, it is the dictatorship-like model they run).