And obviously it broked with water seeping into the internal components and all because I previously opened it up. I tried to fix it and almost had it until I broke one of the connecting copper strips. Now I need some kind of replacement player. Is there anyone here with good recommendations? I can't spring for a $200+ player but I need to music. Cheapest solution or best bang for buck?

um, well how much of your music is from itunes. If it is mostly from your own cds or other sites than there are many affordable players on the market that you can easily use. If you have mostly itunes music, then you can still use other players but you need to get rid of the DMR to use it on other players. One way is to burn the music to discs and then recopy it to your harddrive. I have never tried this, but I am told that it works. It is time consuming and takes a lot of discs. There are other ways but I know less about them. Rocketpig and some of the others who are great with technical specs should know more than me.

What feature do you want?
batterylife?
sd card slots?
what type of screen or menu?

 Nope, I only have 1 song from itunes so that's not really a problem.

Video playback is kinda nice but I never use that feature. But perhaps as an option.

I also want the battery life to be as long as possible which is why I kinda hated my old iPod. I replaced the batter 2 times over 2 years. About $250 down the drain now. I also might want large memory storage but anything over 1 GB is probably big enough. Otherwise, I just want to listen to music on the go. I'm thinking about a Zune but I don't know much about it. (Kinda like how I didn't know much about the iPod when I first bought it.) 

Well, honestly if you go Zune I would suggest last years model- the 30 gigs. Where I work they are only a few dollars more than the 8 gig. Still, unless you can get some special sale they are close to 200 with tax.

Several friends have Zunes and the device seems fine, they are all happy with them.

Depending on brand, you should be able to get a 2 Gb or 1GB for under a hundred. Most the ones we sell are in the 30-80 price range. Some are better than others and there are some brands I would recommend you avoid. Ilo and Durabrand are often not worth a purchase.

Personally, I like Samsung- but that is just brand loyalty. If you stop by the local electronic stores/departments you should be able to get a non-Ipod/Zune for a reasonable price. Note: I meant to say 80 GB Zune. We sell them for only slightly more than the 30. I didn't get much sleep and my brain hates me for it.

First, what kind of iPod is it? Second, how badly do you want it fixed? I've been repairing MP3 players, especially iPods, for a few years now, with a lot of success.

PM me and let's talk ... 

The cheapest I would recommend is a MyMusicsimple SD MP3 reader for about $20-$30, and a 1GB SD card for about $10.  Not all cheap MP3 players are created equal...

You can also get a player with just a small amount of flash built in that isn't expandable for $20-30.

Not that you will exactly be happy with that compared to an ipod... plus they eat AAA batteries.... but it is nice to have something a little more disposable in case it's lost/stolen/broke/etc... and it is decent bang for buck.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Insignia-NS-DA1G-1-GB-1GB-MP3-Player-w-FM-Tuner_W0QQitemZ230217690810QQihZ013QQcategoryZ73839QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Insignia NS-DA1G 1 GB

That is the best MP3 player you can get for under 30 bucks. Equal quality sound playback as your iPod had, nice tactile buttons, minimalist design, and only costs 20 bucks.

The sound quality is unbelievable, btw. I have one for on the go listening, sounds better than my iPod touch.

Also, 20 hour battery life, rechargable, included badass battery. Charges through USB.

Don't buy any other MP3 player for under I would say about 70 bucks, if its not this one. 1gb is decent size for the price, and the interface is just the windows explorer drag and drop.

The little screen is bright and vibrant, it's about stamp sized.

FM tuner, comes with a USB cord for recharging and synching the unit, 1CD, and a pair of really crappy earbuds. I can recommend some badass cheap replacements.

I researched this about a week. Everyone gives this player fantastic reviews, it is the best bang for your buck when it comes to MP3 player.

It's 17 bucks, and sounds as good/better than your iPod, got a 20 hour battery that you can change yourself, case you want to carry 2 for a 40 hour trip, comes with all the accessories you need, has a good interface, is VERY strudy, tactile buttons. You can throw this thing like 50 yards on cement and it ain't gonna break. It's little, thin, really well built, rubber grip, and tough as nails. Not gonna break it with regular use.

For the price, 10/10, imo, and I'm about as unbiased a consumer researcher as you'll find.

Oh yeah, also stores pics, and has FM tuner, though these features are kinda tacked on.

^Thanks man. Seems like a good deal and if it malfunctions, who cares, only $20.

You said it. If for some reason you hate it, just use it as a backup case you wash your Zune, lol.