I wouldn't get an Ipod.
Get a Creative Zen Micro, or even a Sleek if you want a bit more memory.
If you by any chance want photos, theres a Creative Zen Micro Photo, or if you wnat videos as well, wait for the 30gb Creative Zen Vision: M, coming out sometime this month (which I'm getting). Only thing is, it doesnt have a removable battery, but 14hrs of audio should still be enough (12hrs real use) and 4hrs vids (approx) before you charge somewhere.
I mean, if your happy with getting an ipod, you wouldn't mind that would you, and the batteries bound to last longer on the Zen too after alot of charges
Plus, I dont like the fact that you have to use Itunes (unless you go through trouble) tgo port your tunes across to a format you can't copy anywhere else and play! AAC i think it is. And dont get me started on the fact of the video one where porting over photos and videos becomes a tedious affair.
And also, not to mention the naff control system (never liked the click wheel which is slow) and the slow to update screen when you play a song (the track names, etc), or try to access menus while a song is playing, which makes the menu system turn into a snail at best.
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I'm a little annoyed though at these type of threads. No offence to anyone, but its all your opinions when it comes to Ipod, etc and won't help the person asking, even if thye are asking which is best? When it comes down to it, a muisc player is yours. Your going to use it, so go to your nearest store or test location and have a go at both. Decide which you like and which you dont.
You of course going to find little niggles you don't like in every player, but just buy the all round one. In my opinion, this would make the Creative players the winners every time.