Whether you go for an iPod or not, you shouldn't use that as the only source for your .mp3 files, you should back these up on your PC as well as onto an external hard disc.
I'd buy an external disc before you buy your .mp3 player.
I've had an 80gb iPod for a good few months now, it's in a sturdy hardened leather casing that fits the iPod perfectly and this has protected it on a few occassions when I have dropped it.