I want to learn how to do the Ipod thingy..........everyone has one nowadays and it looks so easy and compact to handle.

They are easy, my hubby and I and both the kids have mp3 players. I didn't shell out for the Ipod, instead found less expensive players that suited our needs. I use Rhapsody and it's as easy as clicking on what you want to buy and dragging it to your device. I've also downloaded audiobooks and podcasts of my soap, which I have finally stopped watching. Take the plunge!

Don't purchase the "iPod" brand, there are far too many restrictions on both the player, and the software you need to use it. Get an MP3 player from a reputable brand, you will have far more capabilities for less money.

I bought my wife a 2GB SanDisk Sansa Clip for Christmas last year. She absolutely positively loves it. I understand several places will be selling them at a huge discount on Black Friday.

I find audio forms of information and entertainment to be one of the most time efficient ways of connecting to the world around me. One can be busy working or playing and still listen to a radio, CD player or MP3 device and I think that's one of the reasons talk radio (hate radio if it's right-wing, love radio if it's Air America) is immensely popular among blue collar workers who generally work with their hands. So I for one am excited to see the library offering more material in audio formats.

That is the player my kids have. My son had that figured out in no time. It also features an FM radio as well, which I don't think the IPod does, but that was an important feature to me when I got mine. My husband and I have Creative Zens, which are great as well. The Sansas I got at Best Buy last year for $25 or $30 and they regularly sell for $60 I think.

The only thing that disappointed me with my Zen was having to buy the Creative charger for it. Normally they charge connected to the computer, but when you have 4 in the household a port isn't always available. I had gotten a universal charger thinking that would work, and it does for the sansas, but the zen requires a brand specific charger, which of course comes at a brand-name price. But that has been my only discontent.