What MP3 player do you train with?

I have this as well.  I like the size and the belt clip works great.  I prefer that to an armband personally.  512 mb vs. "I don't know how many" GB an IPOD holds, but I only use it for training.  Certainly gets me through 2+hour runs.  <$50 at Amazon.com.

Small, no USB cord (case comes open and it plugs directly into the USB port of the PC) and works well.

Dont' like to train with tunes, but use my nano when entertaining at home and on the boat.  I'm not very easy on my equipment and this nano has held up well.

Only complaint - ear buds won't stay in my right ear so I use different headphones.

iPod Mini. Not available for retail anymore, as it was replaced by the Nano, but I love it.

After I bought the boat I had the stereo upgraded.  The head unit has an aux. jack on the face as do a lot of models.  Simply bougth a 6' cable at Radio Shack and away we went.  I typically use the nano for short rides only.  When we stay on the boat for the weekend I use my laptop hooked up the same way.

Sorry about the highjack.

I use my iAudio x5 for lack of a better product to use.  I love the player for everything but working out, but since it is HDD based, it is heavy and not so good for exercise.  I take it on bike workouts, I can just stash it in my backpack, but for running it's out.

Make sure if you get a new mp3 player and are planning to use it for exercise, that its memory is FLASH-based.  An HDD player will not be nearly as nice for exercise.  Flash players are not only more reliable in shock conditions such as running, but are almost always lighter and smaller.  The tradeoff of course is smaller storage capacity.

Though I'm loathe to suggest purchasing a product from the company that has a completely ridiculous market share, there is something to be said for being able to find accessories for iPods over other brands.  For my iAudio, there are really no options.  You can buy iPod accessories at gas stations.  For exercise, being able to find a nice armband or something for your player will probably be beneficial.

If you are looking for an alternative to iPod, I recommend the Cowon U3 or T2.  I don't actually own either of these products, but I own a Cowon player and I am very happy with it.  It has all the features of an iPod, without the flashy brandname/advertising, for probably 66% of the cost.  Just realize that by purchasing a player from a manufacturer that does not have 80%+ market share, you are going to limit your options for accessories.

That said, I believe Cowon does sell their own line of accessories, which probably includes an armband for use with their flash products.  Also, you will probably get more features for your $$ than with an iPod...

 Food for thought..