I've gotten a lot of mixed answers on this. I want to shop for the best mp3 player I can find. 300 dollars is a big deal for me to spend. I've heard that Ipods freeze up/break easily.

Yes a creative is better than an Ipod i have one of my own its the 40 GB one

The reason ipods are so popular is user-friendliness. Getting music onto it quickly is infinitely easy on an ipod than other players. If you can handle a challenge though, Zens are supposedly cheaper.

I personally would rather have a Zen because they are a better buy as wear and tear. They last so much longer and still offer about the same quality as an Ipod. PLus I hate Apple.

Also keep in mind that the Zen has a built in FM Radio, while you'd have to spend money for an extra accessory for the iPod.

First, the Zen is a portable hard drive and doesn't manage what computers you synchronize files with, so you can manage multiple collections from multiple locations. Can't do that with an Ipod without significant modifications. My creative zen sounds great, is easy to manage, and has taken a lot of abuse.

Ipod is better i got 1 in my cellphone

definately, all of the industry insiders say so. you don't want to become trapped in the apple "mining town" where you have to buy everything from them. Another MP3 to consider is the iRiver.

I've have an iPod, and honestly, I love it. Mine hasn't frozen or broken, and neither have any of my friends that have owned theirs for 2 years or more. Zen's are also very great MP3 players, but I believe that iTunes is the best software, and it's obviously only avaliable for iPod users. In the end, I'd go with the iPod, but a Zen can be a decent cheaper alternative. Good luck!

I have a Creative Zen Touch...have had it for well over a year...played constantly and never had a problem with it. Do an internet search for a price comparison site and you may be able to get whichever you decide upon for a better price.I got mine through: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/b...23-1010233

Yes I have a 40gb one.