ok, after 3 posts, at least 2 years I have narrowed it down to two mp3 players i am looking to buy. the archos 400/402 and the cowon x5.
here are my thoughts and questions
archos:
my concerns are battery life, price, and the abbility to record directly to tv. i like the size of it (not being overly large) but i wish it had direct tv recording. and sigustions to simmilar ones that record on tv?
cowon
my concerns are screensize. its a little too small. and i have also heard that organizing music on it can be a hastle and it doesnt have the best graphics.
right now i am leaning twards the archos but i am still not sure. also, pricewise how different are they?

Chowhound
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GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic