MP3 players: Need help deciding on mp3 player!!!!!

Bookmarking MP3 files (podcasts etc)

Based on the dates you might have already have something. But just in case not. I listen to a lot of podcasts and MP3 audio books (as well as music) so having bookmarking facilites (not just resume where you were when you turned the player off).

I have a Creative Zen Nano V+. It's excellent for listening to podcasts, audio books etc. You can save upto 10 different bookmarks. And. Also you can 'fast forward' through MP3 files. However, I haven't found the option so that I can resume listening from where I was when I turned the player off (unless I create a bookmark).

I had an iRiver Clix 2 as well. That doesn't support bookmarks. However, you can also 'fast forward' through MP3 (and video) files (I found that by accident; I don't remember it saying in the instruction manual). I like the iRiver click- it's very easy to use. In some ways the Zen Nano V Plus is a bit fiddly if you have large fingers (like me). And for some reason; when I transfer music from my Vista PC, the Zen takes ages (unlike the iRiver which is very quick). One thing I like about the iRiver is that you can view by mp3 tags (genre, album etc) as well as by file structure. The Zen only allows you to view by MP3 tags (which is fine if you have tagged stuff). The iRiver's larger screen makes it easier to see the full name of the file (and it's realistic to watch short videos on it- unlike the Zen Nano v+). I like to be able to wear my player round my neck. The Zen Nano V plus has a place to attach a cord so you can wear it round your neck. The iRiver clix doesn't (though you can buy a rubber sleeve to go round the player and put a cord through that).

The Archos players (I had the 504) are probably the best I've come across for bookmarking as you can book mark any file and when you select the file you can choose to resume at that bookmark (with the Zen Nano V plus, you go to a list of bookmarks and select which one you want. The Zen's small screen means it isn't always easy to know what the file is. However, the Archos 504 is rather large (and heavy)- it's more of a PMP. The Archos 204 is a smaller MP3 player (but hard disk not flash) and I believe it has the same book marking features as the 504 (not sure about that).

And, if you are thinking about a phone MP3 player I believe that the Sony W960 supports bookmarking of tracks (though not sure about that).

One day someone will make a player that is ideally suited to listening to podcasts! If anyone has found the perfect podcasting MP3 player with amazing battery life I'd be interested in knowing!