Good video players cheaper than the new iPod?

Let me start by saying that I have never owned a portable video player.  Not because I didn't want one - in fact, I really do want one - but because I really didn't feel comfortable dropping the money for one.  However, I recently got a boatload of Christmas money, so I figured now's as good a time as any.

So I recently became interested in the new iPod after learning about its video playback capabilities.  Yes, it can only play certain video formats, but there IS software that allows you to convert from other formats - DivX, DVD, etc - to the iPod-video-compatible format.

However, there's one complaint I CONSTANTLY hear about iPods, and it's the price.  Overpricing is easily the most common complaint that I hear from friends, forums, etc...any yet I still can't seem to find a portable video player that is both priced more reasonably and has specs at the very least close to that of the iPod's specs - the cheapest non-iPod one I found was priced at $400!

So is the new iPod REALLY overpriced?  Are there better-priced players that are at the very least close to the quality of the iPod video?  If not, is there any reason I should save up money for a more expensive portable media player?

Other than to be trendy, I don't know why anyone would want a portable video player with such a small screen. I was able to get a laptop for around $400 and it plays any video format I want. In any case bigger screens are better for the eyes.

So is the new iPod REALLY overpriced?

It is not.

Are there better-priced players that are at the very least close to the quality of the iPod video?

There are better-quality (possibly) players that cost more.

You may want to buy a PSP, which plays .mp4 files as well. It might not have the exact file requirements the iPod does.

Get a 30gig iAudio from cowon.

get a psp

Psp + 1gb card you get to play games and listen to music and watch videos, a no brainer

Yes, 1/30th of the capacity and all for just $70 more! I'll take eight!