try getting Glacier from
UXCell
it has a 2 inch 262k colour TFT Screen. it even has a nokia type battery which can be easily replaced.
- Is it simple to convert AVI files to chipod acceptable file?
Yes. the mp4 players come with a converter which will help you to convert to amv and also reduce the file size considerably
- Are the earphone the "standard" US size or do I need adapter?
Glacier comes with 3.5mm which is the standard worldwide one. some mp4 players comes with 2.5mm which is used in mobile phones
- Is video resolution worse, same, better than the nano?
nano doesnt play videos even if it did, the resolution would be about 128x96. Glacier plays videos at 208x176. if you get one of those 1.8 inch players you will be able to play videos at 120x160
- Do all players look like the nano?'
no they dont. the ones which look like nano are common. Glacier looks totally different and so does my nokia battery mp4 player
- Where can I find info about the different type of players, their pros, cons, etc...
If you go through this website, you will find the major complaints. i can tell you some
Pros
1. Excellent features which iPods dont have including Video, FM, Picture Viewer, eBook (txt) reader
2. Very low prices
3. Change the interface/UI through theming
Con
1. Some have hacked memory.
2. The ones with Li-Po (not nokia) battery will die after 2 yrs or less.
- Do these players have brands? or are they catalogued simply by the chipset and firmware?
There are branded ones like Teclast and Meizu but most are unbranded