1. this *is* the newest flashiest model for a while at least.. they just came out with the 4G line 2 weeks ago... which should be good for at least another year or 2 (although rumor has it they are coming out w/ a 60gb.. but thats just excessive)
2. im not sure exactly how much music he has... a month ago i casually mentioned that kind of stuff and he estimates having ~4000 songs on his comp, and maybe 80 cds... although he just bought 3 new cds this week! this boy buys lots of cds
3. ipod v. other brand? the ipods are lighter, a lot less complicated, nicer looking, and smaller... and i think hed prefer an ipod over another brand. (plus, the iriver ones which are comparable in memory are black, bulky and only about $50 less)