Plan "B"

So, I got a new ThinkPad. A fancy new T41p with a 1600 lcd resolution (sweet). I downloaded the latest driver for my iRiver MP3 ripper and learned that my iRiver will now work with iTunes. (sweet).

So, off to iTunes I go. I was originally bummed because my iRiver didn't say it was compatible with iTunes format, but it worked with MP3, AVI, WAV, WMI and a few others, so it had the technological advantage over an iPod.

While I'm comparing/contrasting iPod and iRiver:
iRiver - built in mic recorder
iPod - no built in recording capabilities
iRiver - inline ripper (I/O ports)
iPod - will gladly make you interface with iTunes
iRiver - Plays about a dozen formats (including iTunes)
iPod - Plays iTunes, MP3 & WAV
iRiver - FM Tuner
iPod - Nope
iRiver - Works as USB storage device
iPod - No file storage
iRiver - holds 256 MB of songs (there are bigger ones)
iPod Shuffle - holds 512 MB of songs

And the #1 reason why I own an iRiver and not an iPod:
iRiver - 1 x AA battery
battery life = 24 hours
unit life = unlimited since battery is just a AA
iPod - sealed battery
battery life = <12 hours
unit life = 18 months since the battery is not changeable