This would be one of those “get it while you can” items. The F series of the Toshiba Gigabeat was the first in the line of these great MP3 players. The Gigabeat eventually evolved into what is now the Microsoft Zune, but in this one of its earlier incarnations you can replace the firmware. The firmware of choice is Rockbox and there are great instructions on the website to help you thru the steps if you choose to go this route (read them all the way thru first).

I wish I could tell you how much better the Rockbox firmware is compared to the original, but mine didn’t get much past the initial charge before I hacked it. As far as I’m concerned, people would’nt take the time to write alternative firmwares unless there was something lacking from the original. The cross fade feature in Rockbox by its self is plenty enough reason to switch; It’s like having your own personal Dj with you where ever you go.

With the new 4-8 gig MP3 players in the 100$+ range it just seems silly not to get one. At 40 gigs (they don’t make the 40 gig size anymore) You will be hard pressed to even fill it up. I have been using mine for over a month and am not even close to hearing a song twice. I’m a little peeved too, cause I thought I got a bang up deal, and it appears you can get them even cheaper than what I paid You can check out the products history over at

Wikipedia

[tags]ipod, zune, mp3 player, music[/tags]