I spent $169 on mine and it is definitely NOT hardy! None of them are. They are sensitive to being dropped, sensitive to moisture, and since they need a computer to load music it also means you have to let the kids put their music on your computer. If you are sure you want to get them for kids then just get the cheapest and kiss the money goodbye! Don't even try to get on the kids to take care of their player, just close your eyes and commiserate with them when they tell you that they lost it, broke it, gave it away... whatever!