Its better to get a harddrive player rather than go for a CD Player. IPod is one of the leaders in this. Iriver also good. The biggest drawback with the ipod is that we cannot replace the battery. Look out for Ipod mini. Think launching in April.
I am using Iriver IMP-350 and i am quite happy with it. If budget permits, i will go for ipod or iriver harddrive player. Also creative is catching up now.