Mutch, This has been touched upon in a few previous threads (such as http://www.cluas.com/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3117 ) I'm myself big into my iRiver. Although my 7 month old iRiver H140 is now the previous generation (the latest version has a colour LCD screen and display photos and - I think - movies). My advice would be that if you want loadsa storage space go for the iRiver H140 (40GB of disc space) which now retails for UK 245 pounds from AdvancedMP3players.co.uk (http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?products_id=72). Check out a review of this iRiver on PC Pro magazine who gave it a full 5 outta 5 in a comprehensive review 5 months ago. If you want a groovy MP3 player with a colour screen player I’d say go for the new iRiver "H320 lite" (20GB of space) which retails for 259 UK pounds from them same AdvancedMP3players.co.uk fellas. The iPod is of course a darling but as a piece of kit is not as sophisticated as what iRiver provides (although it is way sexier). But even that comes with a disadvantage of its own - it's a highly visible bit of kit and iPod owners are consequently getting mugged every day of the week for their iPod. Us unglamorous iRver owners are however not getting mugged at all. eoghan

While the iRiver is good, I have to recommend the iPod. I've had one for two years and no trouble of this reported poor battery life. I just invested in a brand new 40GB one and basically I can't live without it (it helps that I'm constantly on the bus going to college, work or football)(oh and the fact that I'm obsessed with music). Yes it is sexier and slicker and easy to use and great quality with nice features. The battery life could be better but you learn not to go flicking about with it all the time and using the backlight so much. Can't really complain when I have over 6500 songs in my pocket. The major problem nowadays with the ipod though is that its fashionable to have one. I've always stressed that the white earphones are a beacon for muggers, even mentioned it in my HWCH review. That's down to the person though. Personally, I have big enough headphones and for all everyone knows I have a crappy old walkman. Not too sure about the price range but defintely well worth the purchase. An ipod mini is cheap enough, attractive to the eye and is suitable for someone who isn't a music fantic.

ok people, what's the best mp3 player which has the facility to record a direct line in? ie: to record a gig of the mixing board in a venue?

There is a mic you can buy for the ipod which is meant to be of good quality. I haven't ordered mine yet but when I get it, I will let you know just how good or bad it is.

I river has a built in mic and line in facilities.

Ive had an iRiver iHp 140 for the last 6 months now and im extremly happy with mine. Very easy to use. Its software is upgradeable ( when they are made available ) It is very easy to use as a portable hard drive. It appears on your machine the same as any other hard drive. It has optical line in and out. Built in microphone although recording time is limited. It can play Mp3, wma, ogg and i think wav. The remote control is extremely functional, everything that can be done on the unit itself can be done through the remote I recommed looking at the reviews/specs of the machine on the following site http://www.mp3players.co.uk/site/uk/ihp140.html I also purchased from this site and it worked out at around 400 euro