Strengths: Fantastic Sound, Small Package, Long Battery Life, FM Tuner

Weaknesses: Plastic Package, Bland Styling, No Separate Podcast Bookmark

Summary: The sound of the S618 is incredible. I listen with a pair of Ultimate Ears super.fi 5 earphones which makes a huge difference for any MP3 player. Beyond just the earphones, the S618 produces great audio with a customizable equalizer. The cheap earbuds which came with the unit don't allow the audio capability of the S618 to be experienced.I use a Rhapsody subscription to load audio files from playlists or individual tracks. A Rhapsody subscription will let you use up to 3 MP3 players for a single account. It does not work with Rhapsody channels unless you purchase the BestBuy version which has customized firmware for Rhapsody channels. BestBuy must have a special deal with Sony.The battery life is very good and lasts for days of use before needing a charge. The video is very nice too. I just don't use it.The main disappointments are the lack of a podcast bookmark and the cheap package/styling. Podcasts are supported but the player does not have a separate bookmark for podcasts. So if you want to switch to music and then go back to a podcast, it won't remember the podcast stopping point. As for the styling, it is bland and the package is plastic. If I didn't want a built-in FM tuner, I would have purchased the Sony A818 instead which has a nice metal case. Apart from the FM tuner and case, the units are the same. The A818 offers better earphones in the package and generally costs more.I would recommend the S618 for its incredible audio, FM tuner, and battery life. If you don't need the FM tuner, pick the A818 (or its new replacement). The sound is truly amazing for these new Sony MP3 players and they are easy to use.

Strengths: Compact sizeSturdy builtGreat sound

Weaknesses: Somewhat clumsy navigation

Summary: A+ on size, sound, and functions. Audio files are no more DRM. Radio sounds great. Multilingual support displays my exotic music from all parts of the world. Drag-and-drop feature is a big plus. I do have an ipod nano, but I find myself reaching for this one more. Granted, navigation could be improved, but it does not bother me too much.