this is something I can actually say I know about given I'm 20! In the experience of my friends and I the Apple IPOD is a bit more expensive and doesn't have as agreat of a warantee if you buy it from Apple, however if you buy it from BestBuy and get the warentee there its worth it. It's quality as piece of equipment far surpasses the competition. It can work better in various temperatures (both extremes). The battery it comes with lasts 5 years before you need a new one usually, though this would be the downside to it, however on the internet you can buy a do-it-your-self kit w/ a new battery for 30 bucks, or pay someone to do it for 50-70. The non-IPODs (Zune especially) is always behind Apple and frankly the quality of the software for managing the music is 2nd rate b/c its new. I have been a IPOD user since they first came out, and because of it I've switched over to MAC when I got a new laptop for college! If your looking to buy for mass non close family go for the 40 buck ones, if its close family and want it to last a while go for the IPOD. It's an investment, but the quality in it is worth it.
