I've been using a 5th Generation iPod video for years. I've never installed iTunes, and MC works beautifully with it. Plug it in, MC picks it up, performs the sync, then ejects it, leaving it charging up via USB. MC also manages a 39Gb mp3 cache for use in sync jobs with no intervention from me whatsoever....
Now, my trusty iPod is dying, albeit slowly, but it iis dying. The battery life is getting ever shorter. I'm having to charge twice a week now, when it used to go between 8 - 10 days.
In the not too distant future, I need a new portable.
I cannot plug anything into my car radio, so, my next player must have the ability to transmit FM, either natively, or by way of something like the iTrip I currently use with my iPod.
It must work as painlessly as my current iPod does with MC.
I would like that it sync play counts and last played data back to MC when connected.
You might want to take a look at the latest Sony Walkman players. They work well with MC. We're also getting good help from Sony.
I like their televisions, but have never really been struck by their handhelds. This is interesting though...
Do they sync play counts and last played back to MC when connected?
-marko.
Edit:
That NWZ-X1060 looks pretty nifty...