iPod iPod classic vs. other music devices

[Q2Air2Pro]

I love music, have around 80-100 GB of MP3's on an external harddrive.
Recently, my COWON (iAudio) M3 died (actually, the remote died; and w/o the remote this particular device is useless), and I'm looking for a replacement: so lots of storage and preferably huge battery life. I don't care about games, Facetime, or whatever you can do w/ an iPod Touch.

Should I buy a iPod classic ($209 @ Apple Refurbished)?
Or any other suggestions? Non-Apple devices that can match quality/price?
I actually hate the Apple music devices because it forces you to use iTunes. I strongly prefer drag-and-drop options, because it's easier and faster.

A previous generation iPod classic would do fine, I guess (80 or 120 GB), but I cannot seem to find any store where they are being sold at a reasonably lower price (~150 USD) than the latest generation.

Thanks for any suggestions...

 

[Rawkfist]

Hi-Fi Man. Never heard one but I understand they're pretty cool. Not nearly as cool as an iPod but probably OK. My other suggestion would be get over your hatred of iTunes and join the millions of other users. You don't have to buy anything. Load your CD collection into it and drag and drop to your hearts content.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HM602