oft: stuck!

[darrenfinch]

ok, I currently own a 340 which I have used heavily (very) for the past 3 years.

The battery has finally given out on me and I am stuck as to what to do next.

I now have closer to 50GB of music now, so I think time for a HD upgrade too. So here is the problem :
either fix up my current iriver brick
battery + 60 GB HD - looking at about £60 + time to do a blue peter
job on the battery
I use the iRiver firmware - so this has a physical restriction on the number of songs I can have on the drive (I've not had time/chance to play with Rockbox)

Or - whats the alternative
I dont watch movies on my mp3 player (have a laptop for that).
I hate iTunes (my wife and daughter have Ipod's)
I need a large sized disc to store my current music on + any future music I buy.
Radio also not important
formats - as long as I have mp3, wma and possibly ogg then I am fine

Which leaves the only two manufacturers on the market

Apple - hate iTunes
Archos - good but I don't need a larger brick than I have already (but the removable battery also a good plus)

so, is it worth putting up with iTunes or get the other player of which I wont use all the functionality of?

Unless, anyone know of Iriver bringing out a 340 replacement (a 380 perhaps with extended fat32 partitioning)

Your thoughts

[caramelsoul]

Do the cheap option and install the battery and hard drive. Its not that hard and you can follow the guides on here. Also have a wee try of Rockbox. I promise it is easy to install and use.