Re:DRM and the improved iPod alternatives (Score 1)

What it does have is gorgeous styling, a comfortable UI, and a brilliantly smooth end-to-end player-to-software-to-store arrangement. To me, that makes it a popular portable player, not necessarily a really good one.

Wait... isn't that what makes a really good digital music player? The pleasant user experience (looks, UI, and easy content) is the selling point to nearly all the users.

I haven't ever found a player that I would take with me anywhere that reproduces audiophile quality sound. But that's not what I want when I am walking down the street with my iPod. There are too many distractions in that scenario anyway. Seriously listening to music is done sitting in my living room where my receiver and large speakers are.