Help me pick a portable MP3 player...

[chesspain]

Given that I recently learned how to download music, I've decided to treat myself to an MP3 player. I already have a old, but still competent, home stereo system (i.e. Onkyo receiver, Techniques 5-disc changer, equalizer, 80 Watt speakers), so the MP3 player would most be mostly for when I take walks.

In choosing a player for me, the following are fairly salient issues/wants:

--FM receiver
--Compatibility with Realplayer10
--Ease of use
--Some type of display for song titles
--Price range of approx. $100 (+/- $25)
--Main storage for music will remain on desktop hard drive
--Durability

At this point, I am considering one of the IRiver 256mb/512mb units. I would like to hear from anyone with any IRiver experience, or with any recommendations for any other brands.

I don't have any experience with IRiver. I mostly have Creative Labs and they have been working great. I recently picked up a small flash memory player and am using that for walks and such. 1 GB of memory with built in FM. Very easy to use.

Here's a link to the description on Amazon:

Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0009F4OR6/sr=1-2/qid=1129484126/ref=sr_1_2/102-8622145-6088111?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance)

[lighterjobs]

i've been using this one. hardly no static and it rarely skips.

http://www.chip.pl/images/0079/str%2062%20walkman%20org.jpg

[cold_cash]

Hey Chess.

I got my brother in law an IRiver for his birthday and he loves it.

I have a Dell DJ and really like it, but it doesn't have an FM receiver and I'm not sure about the RealPlayer compatability, plus it was like $210.

From what it sounds like I think the IRiver would be a good choice for you.

[gildwulf]

Why not an ipod? The Nano looks pretty cool.

[mason55]

[ QUOTE ]
Why not an ipod? The Nano looks pretty cool.

[/ QUOTE ]

No FM radio. No RealPlayer compatibility (gotta use iTunes). Not in the price range. Not durable. Pretty much the only requirement it fits is that it's an MP3 player.

And the thing is tiny! I'm talking pack of chewing gum small. About the same size as the iPod Shuffle with more features.

[okayplayer]

I got the Cowon iAudio U2, and have been very pleased with it. I had similar wants as you, and did ALOT of research on them, and decided on the U2. The other 2 I were contemplating, which I am sure are also good were: Creative MuVo TX and the iRiver 790.