I am with you. I have read both positive and negative reviews. I am getting married Oct 22, 2011 and I think I am going to do the I-Pod option. From the reviews I have read, people liked this option. You get a good speaker system, and they have someone who runs the I-Pod for you. I am just going to make a play list for each of the dances, (ie. First Dance, Father/Daughter, Mother/Son) The guy running the I-Pod will have a list and all he has to do is push play. You still get a microphone, so we will still have speeches. I think I am also going to put a section on my free website page for song request, and ask my guest to add favorite songs..and then at the reception they can tell everyone why they picked the song. For example...some of my girlfriends from college would request some of our favorite dance songs when we go out! Hope this helps...good luck with your decision. I know it was hard for me, but I am pretty sure that is the route I will go!