They are smaller than an Ipod and can hold a lot of music. It is easier to navigate now and has a seductive look to it. You get a warning when battery is low. This can be charged through computer usb as well as ac. I bought this because the software has been updated and the Sony sound that I am used to from my Walkman days is there. Transfered digital recordings (not analog) with good phones are better than Ipods any day. This is a status symbol I have arrived. It's not that expensive either. Because the music is compressed, I find it a blessing to have enough room for more when I need it. The 8 gb is big enough for the music I listen to. Of course, I update often. Any larger hard drive would take more time to defrag.

I upgraded the headphones that came with it to their better headphones. Music I have downloaded from the Internet is not sonic stage friendly. And with other mp3s that have large readouts, they are prone to scratches or broken screens. Too bad it did not come with a case but they fit wonderfully in a leather padded cellphone case.

This Sony is user friendly and despite the comments about the software, I've adapted and find the updates encouraging. The sound is outstanding. I have had this for 3 months and find it reliable. I am a person that does not want to hold any mp3 if I can help it and to keep it protected and out of sight.