I can't really comment on the ones you're deciding between. All I can say is I've always been a fan of Samsung's MP3 players. The first one I had as the YP-E64, massive 64mb circa 1999-2000 for $200. I bought my wife a 512mb T7 about 4 years ago and it was solid. I've used my T9 for about 2 years now (4gb). Of course I don't care my entire collection with me all the time (as I prefer it that way). All of their products have been rock solid quality for me, but not of their current line offers the capacity you seek.
I'm just glad you never hopped on the Ipod bandwagon, there are a lot better choices out there.