I don't like my iPod or my iPod shuffle, I hate iTunes and can't find an alternative. I recently downloaded the latest version of iTunes and it spat the dummy when I connected the shuffle saying that the firmware needed updating.

I went to download the firmware at 53MB! for a shuffle firmware update Apple get my bloatware 2005 nomination.

I am quite particular when it comes to arranging my MP3 collection and so I would like to be able to transfer files to a portable MP3 player using Windows explorer and preserve the tree structure, again with apple ipods this is a big no no.

That said they do look great.