iPod vs. alternatives? It depends on what you're looking for in a player. Just music playback, or video too? Internet capability? Capacity? Physical size?
Give us some more details on what you want and then we can help you better.
I've had two IPOD's - one I drowned when my water bottle leaked in my gym bag. Last one sustained damage the same way but was repairable - cost $90, worked fine for a week, and now the battery is dead - can run it form the docking station but can't use it without. I don't watch video's, don't surf the web etc. I listen to music, want to be able to creat playlists, want to be able to see the print on the screen (I'm old), don't need zillions of gigabits. I have a cheap MP3 player - but I can't see the screen and can't make/have playlists. Is there a cheaper alternative to an ipod (classic) or do I just replace the one I've recked (again). Thanks