Pleeeeeessse don't buy an Ipod!
I work for Creative Lab's, have you checked out the MuVo 2 (Squared) it uses EXACTLY the same technology as Mini Ipod, but you can get it now!
We do a 4GB version, otherwise go for the Zen Xtra with 30GB / 60GB! All for far far less than an Ipod, and much much less than the devices mentioned above (which for the technology are complete rip off's...we manage to scale this technoogy down to pocket size and charge a third of the price)
Creative players support both MP3 and WMA file's.
All of the legit download site's offer files in WMA format (since the record industry HATES MP3 becuase of it's link's with piracy, see Kazaa, Napster etc).
This mean's if you own an Ipod you must convert any legit download's to MP3 from WMA (hassle) or you won't be able to play them!
Oh, and our's have removeable batteries too so no fear about it going belly up on you afer a month or two.
Finally sound quality is superior on our player's....why not read some review site's and see what you think.
When you buy an Ipod, you're buying into a massive marketing campaign (OK and good styling) but Creative IMHO are much more the informed choice!
Check them out at
www.europe.creative.com
Sorry if this post get's anyone's back up just offering my two pennies.
Toby