To answer your question, why Apple:   1) because it's what I have, i got it as a gift years ago and it's still in mint shape 2) i like the storage capacity, there aren't a lot of HDD players out there anymore, I like to have my whole library 3) say what you will about Apple's...

  Dang, you're right...mine is a 6th generation...

  I did mean RockBox, just debating whether going down that road or if it would be preferable to convert to another format.  Doesn't seem to be a lossless format that is "in the lead".

So,   I was reading some articles last night about file formats, mostly in regard to my iPod classic, and someone wrote that the FLAC format is "outdated" and recommended converting your files to Apple's lossless format to play nice with the iPod.    I just ripped my entire CD collection to...