FWIW, use only mp3, recognised by just about everything, and you can choose size/quality.
Creative Zen knocks spots off Ipod.
Ipod not good, just a fashion accessory. And things break on them, if you search around, you'll see many complaints. I believe headphone socket breaking is main complaint.
I really don't understand the attraction, being as it's locked to one file format.
But. Ipod is somehow locked in culture as being a must have. Which just goes to prove mass opinion is total tosh.
I will concede, however, they do sound great.