I think it depends on what kind of value you want.
IPod is all about the name and style. It's the "in" right now and everyone wants one but like it's already been posted they have drawbacks
For your money you can get a lot of other MP3 players with more options and more legal song sources+Fm Tuner and Voice recorder.
IRiver, Rio, and Sansdisk all make great stuff with more bang for the buck. Yet, you sacrifice coolness.
