Apple, Samsung, or SanDisk?

I was in the same boat as you. The things that won me over to the SanDisk e250 was the price ($169 at BB) and the features. It is a great product and in my opinion better than the iPod nano. The most notable feature, IMO, is the video playback. While it isn't stellar, it is suitable for the occasional music video. The scroll wheel makes navagation very easy, however not as easy as the clickwheel. It doesn't scratch as easy, but I have gotten some minor scratches, but nothing noticeable. I love the ability to expand via the MicroSD slot. While it is bigger than the nano, it is by no means big. Longer battery life and bigger screen make up for the extra thickness.

The Samsung YP-Z5 didn't suit me. It didn't have any extras like FM tuner, video playback, extra. I wasn't fond of the controls either. It is very hard to first use it, but you do get the hang of it. The one thing I don't like about the controls is that is all one speed which makes it harder to narrow in a choice.

I recently went through this exact process that you are going through right now. I ultimately chose the Z5 and I haven't regretted it since. Check out my review under the silver 4GB Z5 which is titled "Why I chose the Z5..." I go into considerable detail about how the Z5 compares to the Ipod and the Sansa E200 series... Hope it helps!

Also, CNET just awarded the Z5 as their top "Audiophile" recommendation out of all the current MP3 players that have been reviewed! Check out their MP3 buying guide for further details -- You'll find the Audiophile designation under the section called "What kind of (MP3) User Am I?"

IPOD sucks. scratch that.

Sandisk - more space, higher screen res for 1.8" display, FM Tuner, Voice recording?

Samsung - easily beats out he sandisk in terms of sound quality, READILY AVAILABLE LOL

the last point is why i chose the Z5.

I checked out the e250 at Best Buy on Monday. I was unimpressed. I had grown tired of waiting for the e270 to come out so I bought a Samsung YP-Z5 with the intent to "trade" it in for the Sansa.
After spending about 30 minutes w/ the Sansa I have decided to just stay with the Z5. While I did not notice any noise on the Sansa at any setting, the sound quality and volume on the Z5 is superior, hands down. In the end, that's what it's all about. Sound quality.
The video on the Sansa worked well but I found that watching it on such a small screen was less than thrilling. I find the screen on the Z5 to be brighter and crisper than the Sansa. The Sansa seems kinda "washed out" by comparison. One nice thing about the Sansa though is that the album art takes up the whole screen making it larger than the Z5.
The controls on the Z5 are fine, despite some reviews.
Since I am not really interested in video, voice recording, or FM radio, I am going to stick with the Z5.
I will miss the 2GB (potentially 3GB) extra storage though.

I almost forgot can you view lyrics on the e250 or the Z5?