Like Roadkill and RoadieFF, I have a Sansa. I agonized for quite a long time over which to get - iPod or Zune. After using both, I found things I didn't like about both of them. I then happened on the Sansa and I will NEVER look back. FM tuner, great sound (louder than the iPod), not the size of a cinder block like the Zune, you can replace the battery when you want to using a small Phillips screwdriver (good for us DIY types here on the RSC) and you don't have to use any proprietary software to move your songs from your PC to the player. I can't actually think of anything bad to say about it.

As for where to get mp3s online, I personally like http://www.mp3panda.com/ because it's been virus and malware free (unlike limewire or Kazaa or any of those other "pirate" sites) and it's CHEAP! You can get a whole album for the price of 2 tracks from iTunes... I also do what JMayton said. Go to the library and rip them to mp3.

On another note, IMHO the best way to make a CD into mp3s is to use iTunes to rip to mp3 and then use ID3Tagit ( http://www.id3-tagit.de ) to tweak the ID3 tags. If you tweak the tags you don't have to rely on someone else's opinion on how tracks should be named, etc. You will never again have to be stuck with Track 1, Track 2, etc.

Whatever you decide on, I hope you enjoy it! By the way, what oil do you recommend for my R*? LOL!!!! Just kidding!

oh and I use torrents to get my music

I don't know anything about the Zune but I have an iPod and a Phillips Go Gear. The sound on both is about the same but the Phillips is much more user friendly. I rip the music to my pc from my cd's. With the Phillips I hook it up to the pc, open Windows Media player, drag the music I want to add to the right hand column and add it. With the iPod you can only use one per pc or you have to add the same music to every iPod you connect to the pc plus it syncs all of the music library every time you can't just add new music to it. On the positive side the iPod is much more compact than some of the others and you can buy any accessory for it that you can imagine.

Kenny

KennyU wrote:
and you can buy any accessory for it that you can imagine.

Except the obligatory (at least for me) integrated FM tuner. I consider it a requirement, because if you spend any real time on a boring old treadmill, the TVs at the gym are a MUST. 'Course, for those of you that don't have below freezing temps for more than half the year like we do, that may not be such a big deal.

I have had Zune since they came out. They are bulky depending on which you get, but they are so much easier to use. Plus, you don't have to download itunes (hate it). Zune is made by microsoft, so everything pretty much works together with windows media (basically same program, just a different name.) I am a 100% Zune fan. My last ipod crashed my other computer. Also, the most powerfull docking system made works for the zune. it is a kicker docking kit, has a 6" subwoofer in the back and mids and highs in the front. that thing wale's.
good luck, and go zune!

I have 3 iPods and I use all 3 on my laptop. I have an older 30GB Classic, a 2nd generation Nano, and a Touch. When I plug them in, iTunes knows which one it is and syncs that iPod with the playlists/videos/apps I have designated for that iPod. I keep my music library on an external hard drive and I can then move it over to my desktop computer if I want to work from there. My brother in law swears by Limewire, but I've never used it. iTunes has some great old music. I love the iPod, but I haven't had the opportunity to use a Zune. For general use, music and portability, I think I would recommend the Nano. The Touch is cool, but it is a bit larger and all those features probably aren't needed for just a scooter ride or workout tunes.