In the UK, until recently I seldom saw MP3 players aside in general retailers aside from iPod and unbranded cheap stick players. However Sony and Sansa brands are starting to appear (and to a lesser extent Creative and Samsung).
I'd have a look at the Sony range -- notably for good sound and battery life.
im a tech novice, but when i usually see discussions on the internet regarding mp3 players, i see people recommend products out of the mainstream (ie: not ipod or zune) and say they are better but people just haven't heard of them because they aren't marketed like apple markets its products.
i am looking to buy a new mp3 player and am willing to spend over $200 if i like it enough. what would be my best bet? i am leaning towards the ipod touch right now but that is just because i don't know about anything else with those features. does anyone have any suggestions?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic