What I'm looking for here is a player that you can transfer mp3 files onto from your computer (ones that you have already downloaded or ripped from a CD, NOT just itunes downloads; I have a lot of music that I know I won't be able to find on itunes), make arbitrary, non-rating-based playlists on, and which is not easily damaged.
I'm considering spending a year in Italy and want a way to be able to listen to my music library on the go without having to drag around a bunch of cds or a laptop everywhere I go. I don't care about TV or photos or music download programs; I already have music, I just want a portable way to store/listen to it.
So far the reviews on this site have not been encouraging. Does what I am looking for even exist?

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