[Neil @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

My earlier comments on the Creative Zen Touch were simply meant to highlight that sometimes other (and better) options exist, but I'll respond to a couple of issues raised. Firstly, iPods's are not $300 where I live, there are more like $450. With a little shopping around and a competitive price-match, it is indeed possible to get the Creative Zen for a significantly cheaper than the iPod (in my case about 50% cheaper).

Secondly, Craig raised the issue of the larger size of the Zen versus the iPod. Yes, the Zen is slightly larger, but having held both in my hands at the same time, I can tell you that the difference is meaningless, unless you have particularly restrictive pockets. My son has no problems whatsoever slipping (not cramming) the Zen into whatever pocket he wants. But whatever helps to justify the extra money spent on an iPod.

In fact, the slightly larger size of the Zen is caused by a much better battery, which translates into an incredible battery life between charges. This feature alone would be reason enough to buy the Zen over the iPod.

None of this really has anything to do with the iPod Shuffle except to illustrate the point that I was trying to make earlier...that iPod fanatics (yes, fanatics) seem completely oblivious to other options, which may be much better and less expensive. An Apple / iPod fanatic will always find some way to vehemently justify their spending more and getting less.

That's not smart, that's just very impressive marketing.

I'm simply suggesting that it's wisest to keep an open mind, and respect the opinions of those that see beyond the white plastic.