i just bought one yesterday.. specifically for use while riding! but i'm listening to it here at work! lol!

i bought rio carbon.. 5 GB $249.

i debated for the longest time between an ipod (40 GB) and the carbon (the mini wasn't in the running cuz it was bigger and less gig's... only 4.. for the same money.. PLUS the proprietary itunes)

anyways... i've only had it since last night. and i'm pleased as punch with it!.. it's SMALL!!!! LIGHT! so perfect for the jersey pocket.. however i'm gonna "geek" out.. cuz i don't want to wear ear buds.. i bought the creative travel speakers... and i plan to put the speakers and carbon in my little handlebar bag! (told you i was geeking out!!!! lol! that way my ears are still "free" to hear cars.. but i'll have tunes!

reasons i chose the carbon over either ipod:

carbon small and light, 5 GB, hubby has had 2 previous rio mp3 players and never had a problem, does mp3, wma, etc (not proprietary), long battery life (20 hours)

cons for carbon: not too many accessories i... "only" 5 GB (if you are considering, batteries are not replaceable (well.. i assume you can send it in)

ipod 40: it's HUGE compared to the carbon. costs a lot more.. but when you consider the storage.. it's not that bad!

TONS of accessories!

however.. can only use itunes format

it would be bad enough losing/breaking my carbon at 250... but he ipod.. at 400??? EEK!!!! only 12 hours batterly life.

ipod mini.. only 4 gb for same money as carbon.. larger.. poorer batterly life

rio also has several sport models.. up to 256 mb.. and i believe you can add cards to make them hold more songs.. hubby has/had the red one .. S25 i think and used it a LOT but battery life wasn't so great.. (but they are changeable so you can just carry some if you need them on a long ride!)

hope that wasn't TMI!