I have had a creative zen, zen xtra and an ipod 40g.
They are all great, you should be happy with any choice you end up making.
here's some advantages to both creative and ipods that I have found.
Creative:
-Much better battery life(my 3 year old zen killed my bran new 4th gen ipod for life)
-Better playlist options (especially on the go)
-Can move files directly from CD to zen(without storing on harddrive first)
-Can move files back to PC from MP3 player (great if you don't keep your entire mp3 player backed up on your harddrive)
-Can use in multiple computers (Ipod will only work with 1)
-Can use software with more than 1 mp3 player (If you have 2 ipods and only 1 computer you are fata'd)
-Avoids new copyright protection on many CD's that can't be put onto ipods.
-Seems to rip CD's faster than itunes
-More durable
-Amazing value
iPod:
-Smaller
-Looks nicer
-Nice bold display
-Better accesories(way more than any other player, but IMO most of them are crap anyway)
-itunes has many features such as store, podcasts, radio. (Don't use them much myself, but others seem to like them)
*Drawing Blanks for any more
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At the beginning of this post, I wasn't sure which I liked better, but now that I think about it, Creative wins!! :tup:
The only reason I bought and ipod was because I needed to upgrade from 20G to 40G. At the time they were clearing out 40G ipods for $420 and the 40g zen touch wasn't out yet. Knowing what I know now, I will probobly go back to Creative next time I need a new player. Ipods are cool, but over priced and over hyped.
Most people who tell you not to buy Creative, have never even used a creative mp3 player. They are really nice devices, and for the money I will have to say they are bargains.
Look at what's important to you, but don't write off creative just because everyone else has fallen for the hype.