[Maritime Q-Scout]

I have 2 iPods and really like them. The only problem I run into is once in a blue moon when I disconnect my FM Transmitter from my iPod without turning my iPod off first, it will freeze up on me.

That's an easy fix of holding the menu (centre) and play (top) buttons together until the iPod turns itself off, then you see the Apple logo, then turn it back on and voila, away you go!

I bounced back and forth between iPod, or other brand. Some of the other brands are cheaper (in fact most if not all are), and some are rated highly, even better (I do believe the Creative Zen's get slightly better customer reviews). However the biggest thing to keep in mind is that if iPod has 80% of the market, they have 95% of the accessories.

Good luck finding an FM transmitter that will charge your mp3 player if you don't buy iPod.

Good luck getting a docking station if you don't buy iPod

Good luck getting a case if you don't buy iPod

Good luck getting a skin if you don't buy iPod

Good luck getting an armband if you don't buy iPod

Basically if you walk into any electronics store, look at the accessories available. Even with the new generation iPod nano's out on the market, you'll find more stuff for those than any of the Creative Zen's that have been out for a while now.

That said, good luck with your purchase mp3 players are a great gift idea.