Thanks for the detailed yet concise review. Someone recently asked me for a Christmas suggestion for a gift for someone who will also be getting a first MP3 player. Will definitely put this one on the list I will be emailing shortly.
Suspect the difference in sound quality won't matter as much to someone getting their very first player. Most people are so thrilled with the capacity and portability of their first MP3 player that their reaction is a little like discovering fire for the first time.
Great idea to not only buy your Dad his first MP3 but also set it up for him. I did the same a few months ago for someone's birthday present, bought the person an iRiver T10 and filled it with his favorite tunes. He was thrilled with the gift as I'm sure your Dad will be as well! Don't forget podcasts if you think your Dad might be interested. Soooo many podcasts that you're bound to find some in subjects that interest him.