So far, there doesn't seem to be that " middle ground" you mentioned. You either get " throwaway cheap" or, according to you, overpriced. Personally, I'm not a fan of the cheap things currently available. In particular, you mention Coby, who has a reputation for the lowest prices and the shortest lifespans of their electronic products.

To me, quality trumps low price almost every time; but that doesn't mean I'm going to buy the most expensive thing on the market, either.