Need Help With MP3. Novice Questions

[VolatileAgent]

I have some very basic questions I need help with.

1. I have been shop comparing varrious MP3 players. I'm interested in the iRiver iFP-395T and iPOD. The iRiver has 512MB and costs $299 while the iPOD with 10GB costs the same. What am I missing here?

2. Is there a noticable difference in sound quality between players? If so, how does one avoid a $300 disappointment.

3. Whats the best download service for windows machines? If I have an MP3 player from iRiver can I still download and play MP3s from iTunes, or will those only play on an iPOD.

Any help much appreciated. Thx in advance.

[Mac Medic]

get the ipod and use itunes on windows. The iPod continually wins awards for design and sound quality using the AAC format, but uses MP3 also, not to mention it now controls 75% of the MP3 player market (and that includes flash based players).

The iriver is just a rip off in my opinion.

[SonicVanguard]

I'll agree. The iPod is currently the best out there right now. I'm not impressed with it's mp3 playback, but iit's ACC playback is phenominal. And ACC seems to be a better codec anyway, so I've had no issues switching all my mp3s over to ACC.

Dave.

[Surge1243]

If they cost the same, it's really a no-brainer. Why spend 300 bucks on a unit with 512 MB of space when you can get one with 10 gigs?

[Ang88]

im ganna agree with these guys
my friend has a 10gb ipod, i listened to it on those crappy little earbud things they give you, it sounded great through them
i would get an ipod too but i don't listen to music enough to buy an ipod for $300