so I assume the ipod has a line-in? with which you can record from an lp or tape. If you have to go through a computer its definitely not easier than the iriver.

(but hey if you are happy with it, great. I use mine to record sessions
and I know Id need add-ons to do it with an Ipod so its not for me)

the itunes site notes the following- which is definitely not an issue with iriver..
'Synchronization occurs only in one direction, from your computer to your iPod. This means you cannot transfer music, automatically or manually, from your iPod to a computer, and you cannot use iPod to copy a music library from one computer to another. But, if you legally are allowed to copy music files, you can configure your iPod as a hard disk to move music files.'