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In my quest to find a suitable replacement for my iPod I plan on reviewing any device I purchase till I find a device that meets my needs 100%. My needs are defined below, but basically map to what I get today with my iPod plus some things I think I deserve.

In order to help you keep informed of my quest, I've created a category feed you can use (Technology | Digital Audio). For the meantime this category will be focused 100% of iPod replacements and related technology. I will try not to rehash existing reviews out there if I think they accurately reflect my opinions. In those cases I will point to the review and cover some of my thoughts.

As a primer, you may want to read my post about PlaysForSure to get some background.

Criteria

I have the following criteria in getting any new device. I will rate the device using a simple system.

• Kick Ass - better than iPod
• Good - pretty good in most areas, but missing some critical requirements. Feel free to spend money.
• Lame - fails in some areas. Do not hand over your money for this device.

Size: No more than 15% bigger/heavier than the 3G 20 GB iPod. Smaller & lighter is better.

User Interface: It does not suck/was not designed by monkeys. Provides the following (in addition to basic features like play, pause, ffwd, rewind etc):

• Browse/Play by Songs
• Browse/Play by Artist
• Browse/Play by Album
• Browse/Play by Genre
• Shuffle mode
• Now Playing mode that displays current track information
• Device can be Locked

Connectivity: Must support USB 2.0 for synchronization.

Charging: Must support charging via USB AND charging during Sync. Extra bonus points if the device has no other way to charge (no DC plug with a proprietary adapter). This is important for those of us that travel with Digital Cameras, Phones, an all sorts of other nonsense. The more devices that can just use a USB Type B to USB Type A plug have a special place in my heart.

Sync: Supports AutoSync with Windows Media Player 10 either via MTP or Mass Storage Device

Accessories:

• Remote
• USB cable
• AC->USB Type A adapter for charging via supplied USB cable.

Battery Life: Must be better than the iPod, but this is easy to beat since my 3G iPod battery sometimes lasts as long as 6 hours.

Software: No installation required with Windows XP SP2 + Windows Media Player 10. If you require me to install software to meet any of the requirements you fail.

Price: Less than $400

Storage: At least 5GB for the mini form factor and 20 GB for the iPod form factor.

PlaysForSure:

• Basic PlaysForSure support
• Support for Audio Download
• Support for Audio Subscription

Support: Manufacturer has a proven track record for supporting this device by shipping firmware updates that fix bugs.

Web Site: Manufacturer does not make false claims about the device's capabilities, or omit critical detail.

Optional Features:

• Device appears as a hard drive in Windows.
• Device supports FM Tuning.
   

Next up will be my review of the iRiver H320 and the Rio Carbon.