Question for iTalk users

I am considering buying an iPod, both to use as my personal jukebox as well as recording interviews with it (purchasing the iTalk attachment). In theory, I like the idea of having a recording device where I can easily synch the sound files into my computer and be able to listen to them on there, making it easier to relisten to certain parts of the interview w/o having to listen to the entire file all over again. I was wondering a few things:

-- How good is the recording quality compared to other recording devices?
-- How much of a beating does your iPod take with the additional use?
-- I read about the iTalk freezing the iPod, which isn't exactly comforting for deadline use; have you experienced that?
-- Any other comments, suggestions, smart remarks or non-sequitors are greatly appreciated.