The Washington Post has a review (registration required) of Apple's new iPod Mini. Their technology writer likes it.

In summary, the iPod Mini is a suitable replacement for just about any flash or hard drive-based player and if you are willing to pay the money for the size (a "real" iPod with 15GB costs only $50 more, but is quite a bit larger).

Also, probably in response to complaints about the battery life on the original iPod devices, Apple has understated the battery life for the mini, telling people that it lasts for 8 hours, when it appears to push closer to 10.