Unless one of the other players have a feature that you need, the iPod is probably the best way to go. Even if it is more expensive than most. I've been watching a friend who couldn't understand all of the fuss about Apple's user interface design and industrial design fall in love with his iPod. Now he can hardly stop talking about how cool it is.
The battery life is only a problem if you won't be able to recharge it every night (if you use it heavily during the day). With the dock you can just drop it in when you get home and you will be good to go the next day.
goates