Either the older 605 or the newer Generation 5, both come in varying capacities. Not sure if they will meet your budget though.
As far as iPods are concerned, they do play mp3s just fine. However, without a little hacking (though not much, I've heard), they need iTunes to transfer music and the navigation isn't folder based. I would say the same thing about Microsoft Zune. It also needs specific software to transfer music and it's not Windows Media Player.
As far as video playback, practically all modern mp3 players have them. If you don't want to use it, just don't. If you do that and keep the brightness settings low you can maximize battery life.
Here's a quick history; I got my first mp3 player 5 years ago and it was a refurbished Iriver h320, I loved it and it lasted 3 years before the battery was too used and speaker plug was worn out. A year ago I got a refurbished Creative Zen Xtra updraded to 160gb and it was ok, tough cumbersome with low battery life and every track needed to be tagged perfectly and it wasn't folder-based. That one was stolen from me a week ago in a party; I should have took precautions regarding my stuff but was a bit drunk.
Anyway, here's what I'm looking for:
It needs:
- At least 120gb hard drive
- Folder-based (not tag)
- Appears as a hdd when plugged (can't remember the term...)
- No program or converting needed (like, say, ITunes and m4a??)
If possible, but not important:
- FM radio
- Good battery life
I don't care about:
- Video playback (don't need any big screen)
- Design (I don't care if it's big)
- Refurbished or new
I have a 300$ budget. Right now I'm looking at Classic Ipod (though I really hate m4a's and ITunes) and the Zune 120 (which looks interesting, never heard of it before except that it's made by MS).
Please feel free to give me advices and places to buy online. I'd like comments about the Zune.
Thanks a lot!

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