Then you'll likely never get another mp3 player of any kind....
I went to BB yesterday and was told the new 'pods were set to be delivered the 15th (that's the "meh" news). I was initially given a bit of static over "cashing in" my PSP, but eventually they saw it my way: I can come back anytime before 12/22 and exchange it for any other DAP for the original full purchase price of $299.99 + tax (the "good" news
).
They are totally out of 5.5 gens, as (cr)Apple stopped shipping them a few weeks back to make ready for the new(ish) wave. As to Archos--none will be stocked in stores, apparently. The only way for me to get on is the online store (same with Circuit City)........
Unless news leaks that the rumored Zune is forthcoming, it looks like I'm gonna drink some (cr)Apple-flavo(u)red Kool-Aid....
However, I'll need to test the sound Q beforehand, of course. I have a friend w/ a 5.5 gen and it sounded quite good w/flat settings on my Shures, so here's hopin'.
As I see it for my usage (and in comparison to my much-loved H320), the pros are: 4X storage capacity and battery life and a lossless codec (unsure how good gapless is in practice with the 'pod) with Rockbox being a likely development plus a more scratch-resistant all-metal casing and no FM radio (yes, I consider that a plus!). Cons: worries about battery life/replacement (though I'm getting a PSP/PRP for the new unit as well and have my Sansa as sturdy back-up); no custom EQ (eventually solved by RB, I'm sure); no remote, and; becoming a spammer-extraordinaire @ i(Zombie)Lounge! (And I will still refer to the co. as (cr)Apple and Jobs as Stevie.)
Mind yer nizzles, bizzles, cuz the BBD is a-comin' down Ye Olde Track, parenthetical whiz-bang and all.......