The iPod is the best selling digital audio player in the world, and for good reason. It’s flat-out cool. It has a nice feature set. It’s easy to use. However, other companies such as Dell sell MP3 players like the iPod, often for less. This begs the question: which is really the better value? Can such a thing even be measured, since everyone’s definition of a good value is different?

Although I own an iPod, I started this comparison open to the possibility that another player may have a better value. Please note that by “value,” I do not mean price alone, but what you get for the money. This article takes into account included hardware and software (and I’ll do a breif rundown on available accessories for each, because some may take that into account when making a purchase. Also note that I do not own any of these products aside from an iPod, so I must go off of other sources (manufacturer web sites, online reviews, etc...) for information. This is not a definitive guide; it is only intended to give you an idea how various players stack up. Also, I will not say one is a better value than the other. Deciding that is your job. With that said, let’s get this party started.

First, here’s what a base iPod 20 GB gets you:

• Storage: 20 GB hard drive; 25 minutes of skip protection
• Battery:Up to 12 hour battery life
• Works with:Firewire and USB 2.0 compatible
• Size: 4.1” tall, 2.4” wide, .57” thick, 5.6 ounces; 2” LCD screen
• Supported formats (7 of them): AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, VBR, WAV, AIFF, Audible; iTunes for Windows will convert unprotected WMA files into AAC
• Goodies:Allows for storage and viewing of contacts, calendars, to-do lists, and text notes. Includes a clock, alarm clock, and sleep timer function. Audible playback speed can be changed. Includes a 22-preset qualizer, customizable menu. Works as an external hard drive. Ships with 4 games (Brick, Parachute, Music Quiz, Solitaire). Supports “on-the-go playlists”. Autosync your computer’s music library with your iPod.
• Software: iTunes for Mac OS X and Windows XP/2000
• CNet says: 9 out of 10: Excellent; 71% of 802 users polled give it a positive rating.
• What’s cool: Slick, easy-to-use interface and hardware design. Games are a nice time-killer and makes the DMV somewhat bearable. Contact viewer means I don’t need to learn how to operate my cell phone.
• What’s not: Some minor issues; nothing too significant.
• Missing? No FM radio. Battery is not replacable. Does not directly allow WMA playback; you must convert it to AAC first. No Dock.
• Price:$299 for 20 GB; $399 for 40 GB; $499 for 40 GB with color screen, $599 for 60 GB with color screen
• The Verdict: You get a fair ammount for the money in terms of capabilities. It isn’t just an MP3 player, but also a lightweight PDA! WMA support would be a welcome addition for PC users.

Now, the Dell DJ:

• Storage: 20 GB hard drive
• Battery:Up to 12 hour battery life
• Works with:Windows, USB 2.0 compatible
• Size: 4” tall, 2.5” wide, .74” thick, 6.8 ounces; 1.92” LCD screen
• Supported formats (3 of them): MP3, WMA, WAV
• Goodies: Comes with a calendar and clock. Includes 8-preset equalizer. Includes Dock and remote control.Can be used as external hard drive.
• Software: Musicmatch jukebox software; compatible with WMP 10
• CNet says: 8.3 out of 10; Very Good; 82% of 418 users give it a positive rating.
• What’s cool: Support for more music stores. Includes dock and remote. Lower price than iPod.
• What’s not: Heavier and thicker than a comparable iPod.
• Missing? No FM radio. Battery is not replacable. Supports fewer formats than iPod. Lacks many of the software goodies that the iPod has.
• Price:$249 for 20 GB
• The verdict: If you’re looking for a simple MP3 player, the DJ is worth looking at.

Onto perhaps one of the most legitimate contenders with the iPod, the Creative Zen Touch:

• Storage: 20 GB hard drive
• Battery: An insane 24 hours maximum
• Works with:Windows, USB 2.0 compatible
• Size: 4.12” tall, 2.7” wide, .866” thick, 7.05 ounces
• Supported formats (3 of them): MP3, WMA, WAV
• Goodies: On-the-go playlist support. Search function. Autosyncs with your computer. Serves as an external hard drive. Optional FM radio and voice recorder.
• Software: Windows Media Player
• CNet says: “Neither the sleeker design nor the minor feature enhancements will be enough to take a big bite out of the iPod’s empire. But the trade-off in battery life for a sleeker design seems reasonable, and the new version should cement the Dell DJ-20’s reputation as a solid, simple, and well-priced player for WMA fans.” (link) 72% of 88 users polled give it a positive rating.
• What’s cool: Crazy long battery life! Good value.
• What’s not: Bulkier than iPod and Dell DJ.
• Missing? Supports fewer formats than iPod. Seems to lack some of the software goodies that the iPod has. No Dock.
• Price:$249 for 20 GB, $329 for 40 GB
• The verdict: This is by far the iPod’s biggest competitor in terms of features, design, and price. If only it wasn’t so bulky…

And last for today, The NOMAD Zen Xtra 40 GB:

• Storage: 40 GB hard drive
• Battery: 14 hours max.
• Works with:Windows, USB 2.0 compatible
• Size: 4.4” tall, 3” wide, .86” thick, 7.052 ounces
• Supported formats (3 of them): MP3, WMA, WAV
• Goodies: On-the-go playlist support. Sleep and wake function. Clock and timer. Icon-driven UI. Search function. Autosyncs with your computer. Serves as an external hard drive. Additional audio effects.
• Software: Windows Media Player
• CNet says: 7.7 out of 10: Good; 81% of 134 users polled give it a positive rating.
• What’s cool: Lots of space for lots of music. Advanced audio effects.
• What’s not: Bulkier than all three others.
• Missing? No FM radio or recording. Supports fewer formats than iPod. Seems to lack some of the software goodies that the iPod has. No Dock.
• Price:$249 for 40 GB, $219 for 30 GB, $299 for 60 GB
• The verdict: The least expensive of all. A good value in terms of disk space and some advanced features. If you’re looking for dirt cheap, this is it. If you’re looking for something smaller and more feature-packed, the Zen Touch and iPod are your best bets.

There may be things I am missing here. Am I missing a feature? Please leave a comment if I am. Stay tuned for part 2 next week, where I’ll compare models from Sony, Archos, and Rio to the iPod; and part 3, where I’ll wrap it up and suggest who would be best served by which model and link to some useful resources for more information. I feel the key is not getting the player that has every feature under the sun and costs the least; it is getting the one you are happiest with. Peace!