I have both the ipod and creative at the moment . A ipod classic 6th gen and the new zen , i still prefer my ipod anyday of the week . Itunes is a .e software but other than that the ipod is lighter , sleeker and has better features than the zen . Apple also offers a 2 year warranty plan which sadly creative do not have . Apple has better service centers than creative as well . Overall the ipod maybe slightly more costly but its worth every cent