the Archos keeps the directory structure and if it's a supported audio format... just plays it. No "syncing" involved

Well, in my book that makes the Archos a better player than the iPod. Not because of the not having to sync issue (I have to do this to with my Empeg and it never bothered me) but because it keeps directory structure. That is one feature that I considered so normal that I never even thought that there would be a player around that didn't support it. It's a pain.

The iPod can be used as a portable hd though, but any (mp3) files you copy onto it through the normal copy procedure (and not sync) won't be played.