Apple iPod Mini (6GB, green)

Pros: Size, Portability, Holding Capacity, Size, Look, Accessories

Cons: Malfunctions, Software Problems

Summary: After a couple days of intense research, I came down to the Zen Micro and the iPod Mini. I chose the Mini because I get a student discount and could get it for 179, whereas I could get the Micro for $229. Everything was beautiful, for 11 days. Then, today actually, my Mini started skipping a couple of songs, and then actually shut off and would not come on AT ALL. I was like, hmmm. So, I went to apple.com and tried to do a reset and a restore to no avail. I call the support line and they tell me to return the unit to the store (by the way, phone support is NOT 24 hours and is NOT free. You get 1 free phone support call, after that it is 49.99 a call if you don't sign up for their extended warranty--WOW!). Thank god for me, I was within my 14 day return or exchange limit, so I got a new Mini on the spot. But what if I wasn't??? Well, go check the iPod Mini forums on apple.com if you want to scare yourself. A guy at the apple store said, "But those are just the people that are mad and have problems and post--the happy people don't post." To a certain extent, I agree with him, but not when there are hundreds and hundreds of posts of different problems.

So, what's my advice? I am very nervous with my Mini right now. Have you ever driven a car you think might crap out on you on the road at any time? Or have you ever had a computer that crashes at the most inoportune times? Well, that's what it feels like to own a Mini right now. I would probably take the Creative, with an extra gig (I have the 4gb Mini), pay a little more, and feel safer. Hope this helps--good luck!