Mp3 experts come here

[Skydragon]

I am planning on getting one and I don't know if this is a good stat for Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N Ratio) 85db?

Thanks.

[S!X]

the higher the better. so 90 or so and getting somethin with a built in rechargeable battery might be better then buying batteries all the times unless you get rechargeables..

[harrycary]

S/N ration can be important, depending on the source material.

This ratio is the difference between noise(unwanted sound) and the actual music. So, the larger the difference, the less "noise" you will hear.

90db or higher should be your goal, but listening is the best method since everyones' hearing varies.

But I would look at the functionality of the player. Are the controls intuitive?
How much info is shown on the display? How easy is it to navigate through all your songs? Etc.

These things can only be answered by you, in the store, hands-on.

My .02¢

[Jibbler]

Don't waste your time with junky, cheap knockoff versions of the Ipod. The Ipod is amazing with ease of use and functionality. The Rio, the Dell Jukebox, the Nomad, they are all ok, but for the extra money, the Ipod is well worth it.