I just purchased an iPod 80 GB over the weekend and I must say... is it just me or are all MP3 players the same? When I say, same, this is what I meant:

In order to "sync/upload" a mp3 onto the player, iTunes needs to convert it and then upload? Is this the same with other players? I thought iPods support mp3 files so when I first got it, I plugged it into my computer. Since the iPod came up as a drive, I uploaded some of my cd (already in mp3 format) and to my surprise, none are showing up under the music list. Later I found I I MUST install iTunes and then have it prepare it for the iPod... and then upload. Why so many process here? Are all mp3 players the same or can you just perform a copy and paste? Any Creactive Lab Zen users here? Are those players any more user friendly?

Any input appreciated... I'm really thinking about returning this unit. Perhaps I should return it and see how the Zune is once it's out next month.