[lattesurf]

Basically what you pay is what you get.

You pay peanuts, you get the nano-clones/chipods, with certain non-essential functions (eg file browsing while music is playing) missing.

You pay mid-range, you get a slightly better player like Meizu/Teclast, where they try to include as many non-essential functions as possible.

You pay the high-price, you get the ipod nano/video. Has all the non-essential functions included. But most of the money spent goes to the pockets of Steve Jobs.

Non-essential mentioned here defines features or functions which are not required to enable the player to perform its basic function (ie. play music).

I think it is all in the mindset and stereotyping. When the ipod has a certain function, we assume that all players must have this function. And any players which don't have this function, would not be considered a good player.