I have owned the Rio Karma MP3 player for 18 months, and for the first 12 it worked absolutely perfectly. Then as SOON as the warranty ran out, the wheel broke. Infuriating. Now, the battery has run out and there's nothing I can do about it, so I've been looking for a new player. The problem is that the entire set-up of the Rio Karma is just too perfect, but I went onto some other review sites and EVERYBODY had problems with the wheel. And once it's broken, that's it. You CAN use the middle button instead, but it's much slower. So I got into a bit of difficulty with the ratings below, because everything about it is brilliant apart from the stupid wheel. I advise you to get this player if you don't mind risking the inevitable crash.

Rio Karma: I had a Sony Mp3 and also a Nike Phillips unit, both with small memories but both sufficient. I bought the Karma thinking I would never fill it, but the fact that insted of picking my favorite 10 or 20 albums at a time to listen I can carry my entire collection is awesome, I've only got 4 gig to fill. The menu system and ease of use really is an asset and the battery life is also very good. Also only cost me £99 in my local Dixons, bargain.

I have owned the Rio Karma now for about 6 months and had one freeze (of the disc) resetable by the paperclip hole.
I am really satisfied by the quality of the music, also the menu offers a great deal of flexibility regarding playlists etc.
The karma stick looks a bit plastic. That is because it is made of plastic. However the construction is pretty good because under the cover there is a wider superficies that takes care of the action required, so it is in fact pretty sturdy. But above all: astounding playback quality.