Look for yourself:
epod specs. Main difference here is that it's the ePod has a MIPS cpu as opposed to a RISC processor in the Hitachi. ePod has a larger screen (8.2" vs 7.5" -- and despite what the website says, the ePod
can do 16bit graphics).
ePod has all the inputs/outputs of the Hitachi, but it also has a mic input (in addition to the built-in one). ePod doesn't have the monitor output (which the Hitachi appears to have) nor does it have a built-in modem (you'd have to use a PCMCIA modem).
ePod only has 16meg internal unless you hack it to 32. It appears to be easier to upgrade the Hitachi to 32.
The ePod battery is NiMH while the Hitachi is Li-ion.
For installing apps, you either use a null modem cable (a serial cable with 2 wires swapped) and Microsoft's free ActiveSync software (similar to the Hotsync software from Palm) and that installs the apps. Or you can put the cabs onto a CompactFlash card (use a CompactFlash reader on your PC) and then double click the cab on the ePod (or Hitachi)....the cab auto installs all files to the correct location and creates the shortcut(s). Very simple.
I have no experience with the Hitachi, so I can't compare them, but I do know that there is a large and active ePod community, if support is something that you're looking for.
After reviewing everything, i'd probably stay with my ePod. An internal modem isn't worth the lost screen real-estate (.7" is noticeable with the sizes we're talking about). The only thing I wish was different about the ePod was that it had a Li-ion battery...
Hope that helps anyone that was wondering...
BTW: ePods are pretty hard to find now. You can find them occasionally on the fs/ft forum here (that's how i got mine) or maybe on the
Linux Hacker I-Appliance board. I doubt you'll find any new ones around anymore.