Originally Posted By: tfabris
And if they offered them in a file format that didn't require re-encoding before I could copy them to my non-apple devices, that would be even more awesome.

They do. AAC, aka MPEG 4 Part 3.

Just a shame that the newer MPEG audio formats never were added to the Rio line of products. I've got MS products, Sony products, and others around the house that support it without any issues.

I don't see Apple backing down to an earlier MPEG standard in their store anytime in the future.