I have used the ipod , Ipod mini , the ibead (my past favourite) and the Creative Muvo NX - 1GB. IF you are talking about audio quality and the reproduction and you are an audiophile, then the ipod is awesome. I will go ahead and say none of the players come close to the ipod in audio reproduction. BUT I HATE IT. like the mac, you have to use itunes which is a pain. with the PC , the ipod sucks.
The closest i got to the ipod is the ibead - and had it for 3 years, till it got donated to a friend. I would advice you to stay away from the cheaper brands like transcend, umax, since the audio quality sucks.
It all depends on what is your primary use. and whether you appretiate high quality audio.
Another thing. I would never never use the shuffle, no display, so i can't select the songs or the order on what i want to listen to ..for a modder and a PC guys that is too restrictive. i like to do things my way.