I'd prefer an MP3 player. An MP3 can do just about the same thing for less than 100 bucks with the same space capacity or memory upgrading capabilities. Even if it does happen to copy Apple's style. It still happens to be a satisfying product worth half the price of your average iPod.
An iPod. They're easy to navigate on, have good memory, come from a good company, has establish many nifty features like Genius, songs can be purchased from the company through "iTunes", editing your music is easy and iPod's have cool designs.