Thanks for the suggestions--I'll be checking those out.
Maybe I should specify that my dad mostly listens to ball games, which is AM radio, so whatever I get needs to get AM radio. I assumed radio was radio, but seeing mentioned that one has only mp3 and FM capabilities . . . I guess I hadn't thought about that an emphasis on music would mean a de-emphasis on the AM side of things.
Cost is somewhat of a factor, so we'll probably steer clear of the iPod Touch. We do have some room to work with, my mom didn't specify an exact limit, but I think we need to keep it pretty low.
Yeah, I'm back in Washington state. Renton isn't that far away for a trip like that, and I definitely could make it. Might have to see if I can get my mom to come with me sometime--and not arouse my dad's suspicions . . . on the other hand, that might be tricky. *g*