I just bought an iPod (20gig) a week ago and so far I've been happy with it. I had similiar choices when I was choosing between players and I ended up going with the iPod. But if you are going to be using it for working out and want an armband I would suggest the iPod mini since its the only one with an armband and also is I think more shock resistance than the normal iPod. Is the iPod mini too small in physical size or amount of storage? The Creative Zen is way too bulky compared to the iPod, it just feels huge in your hand so that is probably out of the picture.