I've gone through some of the more prominent threads on choosing a DAP but it seems I'm stuck with less-than-ideal solutions.

Requirements:
- Good sound quality
- Function as a USB storage without drivers/sw (don't mind cables)
- Portable (read as small/light as possible)
- Cost efficient

I usually listen to all my music with headphones attached to my M-Audio Revolution with FB & KS. This DAP will mostly be used out on the road & while working out. Therefore I don't need a lot of capacity - 512 (or even 256MB) will do. My entire collection is in MP3 format so I'm not after format-support.

Since I'll be using it outdoors, I'm not expecting perfect sound output but I'm still very picky about quality.

Most of the quality units discussed here are unavailable in my country. So I'll have to compromise on my requirements

So I'm left to choose among iPod (waaay too expensive for what it does), Muvo Slim (Zen series too expensive & heavy for work-out), Muvo Sport (C100 - no dependable reviews anywhere), other Creative offers (Muvo2 if it's worth it?) Samsung YPT7V (on the expensive side) maybe Sony (all models seem permanently out of stock but I may get lucky) and tons of noname junk.

With special emphasis on sound quality, which would you recommend?

Isnt the shuffle what you want? Yes its a bit overpriced but dam its still cheap!? very good sound quality and easy to use

I've read good things about the Sansung YP-MT6, a 512 mb flash player that also has an fm radio tuner and can record mp3's (albeit only at 128 kbps, I think). But I've not used it myself.

I recommend the newer Sony memory based DAPs. I own the NW-E507. It certainly is not perfect in every aspect, but it is the closest on the market. You need a driver to access the unit though. I believe Samsung is also coming with great units soon. Until then Samsung is my second choice but it could've been the first if I wasn't so picky on "small". It has Ogg Vorbis support which is great. Creative and Apple produce low quality hardware so I wouldn't go with either. It's your choice and good luck with it.

No 'buts'; it's still overpriced nevertheless.
U could get another player w/ more features than the Shuffle for the same price.
U can get randomness w/ every player, and style is out of the question since u'll be just putting it inside ur pocket.
Sony's and Creative's also have good sound quality.


@madscorpion

Try looking for Sony's players first.
U could get a Shuffle, but keep in mind that u could get other players like Creative's w/ more feature (like an FM tuner and/or voice recording) for the same price.
Dunno about Samsung's...though they do seem nice...

IPod shuffle, strongly recommended

I just posted a review of Sony NW-E507, in case it helps. I know you're looking for a cheaper and smaller unit, but maybe it answers some of your other questions.

I've found a few ancient sony models and they ALL look WAAAY better than anything else. The 507 still didn't make it into the country so I'll probably be waiting a bit more. Read the review, thanks alot.

Requirements:
- Good sound quality
- Function as a USB storage without drivers/sw (don't mind cables)
- Portable (read as small/light as possible)
- Cost efficient

Have you thought about the Nike/Philips PsaPlay? It is the best to workout.

I've finally located a Sony E507 (and E505, I'm assuming this is the 512MB version). I now need to do a cost/benefit. I'll be comparing 512MB versions.


Sony NW-E505 : 200$
Philips/Nike PSA250 : 310$
Samsung YP-T7X : 246$
I-River IHP-895 : 225$
Muvo Slim : 151$
Creative V200 : 148$
Creative N200 : $150 < x < $210 (not available yet)
iPod Shuffle : $122

and a surprise, the Rio 20GB for $249

On cost/benefit, the Philips/Nike is immediately out. What I read on the I-River says the other offerings are better. The iPod shuffle is the cheapest but it really doesn't meet my criteria (plus there's my standing statement that I wouldn't be caught dead with an apple product )

Muvo slim looks like the best bang for buck but the features aren't as complete as I'd like and it's not as beautiful as advertised. I couldn't find anything on the V200. The upcoming N200 looks perfect for my needs but the price isn't set.

Samsung looks too expensive, especially considering the sony alternative.

So I'll wait for the N200 (has FM, recording, is small, has armband, 15 hours playback, direct USB storage when plugged into XP system, etc) and compare it against the Sony.

Thanks for everyone who helped.

Oh and, I really wasn't thinking of a hdd-based player but the Rio pricing looks interesting. Should I keep it as an alternative? Never did much research on it...