There *are* other hard drive based MP3 players out there, but as has been noted in many threads throughout this BBS, they pale in comparison for one reason or another. If you can muster the cash, I would look for a good deal on a 10GB RioCar and stretch the budget a little to get it, rather than blowing a similar amount of money on one of the other offerings that doesn't measure up.

But as with all technologies, if you wait long enough, something better WILL come around. It just hasn't yet, and if there's no market/demand, it'll take a lot longer. Depends on your timetable.