The 770 is a low end model and is very cheap for this kind of a device. This explains some of the performance issues. You also have to cut Nokia some extra slack as they have just introduced the first version of this very new platform and product line. Of course they are working hard to improve it and soon there will be a software upgrade that might fix some of the above issues. FWIW, I've tried mp3 playback a few times, also from the mem card and I've heard no popping sounds.

Depends. I think it's a great feature. The stylus stays securely in place. But it's still very easy to remove if you would like to do that.