First. Don't get mad at me for stating my opinion
1. NO ONE. I SAY NO ONE. Can listen to 160gb of music in a full battery charge. It's impossible. With my 4tb worth of music, I can't even live long enough to listen to all of it.
2. Ipod is only for people who either got caught up into the fashion, have a wish for someone to steal it, or thinks every headphone needs a amp.
3. I will state the best match for you, then I will say healthy alternative given you preferences, then I will give you great alternatives after that.
Cowon j3/s9 - Because great audio, great screen, battery life, ui on j3 and design for j3. Buy a s9 if your strapped on money, the j3 is a update/upgrade in design. In the latest filmware update for the s9, the ui has sped up. s9 16gb-32 for $150-210, j3 for 8gb-32gb for $200-280
Sansa Clip+, DO NOT KNOCK THIS PLAYER. The clip is the BEST $30 I have spent in a LONG time. It cna be rockboxed, I didn't and it plays flac. Expandable memory and up to 40gb on it for around $120. 8gb + 32gb card for $120
Now to alternatives
Cowon x7. Pricey, yet tottaly worth it. $320 for 160gb, 100 hour battery, yes, 100 hours music, nice screen, still portable.
Zune HD, nto too much to say, if you like great ui, and it doesn't matter to you about eq, yet the sq is still great.
Now onto healthy alternatives:
Ipod classic, if that's your thing
Archos 32, like a ipod touch, yet cheaper, and android.
NOT TO BUY, imo.
Ipod Touch
Ipod nano/shuffle/swallows watever
Samsung (just never liked them, don't stone me to death)
Enjoy