Sorry to necro but everytime I pull my Sansa clip out for yet another workout/run I think I should update this thread, so I finally am.
With so many people chiming in for the sansa clip, I got one around the time the thread died - say October 2010. I've had it ever since and can't be happier. II don't mean to shill for it, but it was $50 or so very well spent. Heck, it's even proved more water-resistant through Florida downpours than other 'sports' mp3 players I had in the past.
A very belated thanks to everyone who steered me right!