a quick update: i got together all my paperwork/receipts/etc for the insurance claim, and to post the serial number here. as i pull out this morning on my way to work, i see my precious empeg on the street corner about a block away from my house. looks like someone couldn't figure out how to get the cd's into it or something, and decided to smash it instead. the unit also got stormed on last night, but i'm going to give it some love and see if anything about the unit is salvageable. i will also still make the insurance claim, of course, so i can continue my love affair with this gadget.