Not totally relevant because it is a Hard Disk version but my 5GB Creative Zen from almost 2 years ago is still working flawlessly but everyone I know who bought IPODs at the time either had to send them back for repairs or trashed them because they didn't want to send them away for repairs. I am not easy on portables
either. Constantly dropping and left in cold cars overnight.
Certainly, IPod quality may have improved since then.
Also, my battery is replaceable, while a battery replacement in the older IPODs meant yet another shipment back to the factory. Hopefully, that has changed as well. That one was a big factor in my decision.
I couldn't tell any difference in the sound of the units but we did think my ear buds sounded better than early ipods, but mine were also less comfortable for me. Again, this info is dated and this last one is certainly subjective.
Anyway, I'm a happy customer so unless reviews talk me out of it when it comes time, my next portable will be a creative product.
