256MB mp3 players with FM tuner

[groan]

i am looking for a decent MP# player with at least 256 MB with FM tuner.
I dont want to spend more than $$200-250 Cdn.

for reference, you can look here

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/subclass.asp?catid=10205&mfr=&search=&logon=&langid=EN&dept=19&WLBS=fsweb10&sort=3&page=2&list=

anyone have any suggestions? What brand is generally thought of as "The Best!"?

I'll have a look at the listing myself and post what I think is something that appeals to me...

Here are a few.

Panasonic SVMP30V
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=19&WLBS=fsweb10&sku_id=0665000FS10041406&catid=&newdeptid=19

Samsung YP-55i
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=19&WLBS=fsweb15&sku_id=0665000FS10029959&catid=&newdeptid=19

Wave X TS300 (has wma format compatability)
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=19&WLBS=fsweb5&sku_id=0665000FS10044082&catid=&newdeptid=19


MPIO FL100
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=19&WLBS=fsweb5&sku_id=0665000FS10036524&catid=&newdeptid=19

Rio Cali
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=19&WLBS=fsweb5&sku_id=0665000FS10039382&catid=&newdeptid=19

What about this one? I wasnt sure about the design...looks like a contender though...
Samsung YP-780V
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dept=19&WLBS=fsweb9&sku_id=0665000FS10042271&catid=&newdeptid=19

[groan]

actually, i think i decided on this one...at best buy for $250 (on sale)
http://www.iriveramerica.com/products/iFP-790.aspx

drooling...
is it my birthday yet?

DOH 15 days!

[ale_ers]

I think you will be happy with the Iriver. It received PC Mag’s award and I know many people who have one are very happy.

I chose the Rio Cali because it was on sale at Target (of all places) for $149 for the 256 mb model. I have been very happy with it, I use it to run with and it has done a great job. I have a 256 mb SD card that I put into it raising the storage to 512 mb (the ability to accept sd cards was the reason I chose the Rio over the Iriver). One other aspect I have been surprised by was the ‘weather proof’ feature. I recently ran in a 10K race and the Rio received a direct hit from a spectator who thought he was doing me a favor…it didn’t miss a beat.

[groan]

I must have missed that part of the description!
the ability to expand the unit to a gig is a definate bonus.
how is the radio quality?

damn, now i have to re-assess my decision...
being weatherproof is also a good thing cause i like to do kayaking, and sometimes it rains...

thanks for that, i may go Rio afterall.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

There's a new MPIO device, FD300 I think. Worth a look as well.

[groan]

read some rio reviews and many dont like the sound quality compared to the iriver.

i'll have to wait and try them out side by each!
off to do a search on the MPIO unit..thanks Lee,...

[groan]

i bought the iriver.
i have yet to hear it though, because my birthday is on the 1st...
oh well...I'll report back later.

[ale_ers]

I must have missed that part of the description!
the ability to expand the unit to a gig is a definate bonus.
how is the radio quality?

damn, now i have to re-assess my decision...
being weatherproof is also a good thing cause i like to do kayaking, and sometimes it rains...

thanks for that, i may go Rio afterall.

The radio works as well as any 'strap to your arm' radio. Not as good as a boom box or car, but it works fine.

As for the sound quality, I find the headphones make all the difference. I run with their headphones (because I can hear outside noises better), but when I switch to a better pair it sounds much better.