I'm starting a new desk job soon, so I'm looking at buying a new MP3 player.

I've been out of the loop with MP3 players for a while now (last one was a creative vision M in 2006) and I trust the opinions on this site (never steered me wrong before, except for maybe De blob...)

Basically, I'm looking at Ipod Nano and its competitors and the Ipod classic and it's competitors.

I've always known Ipod to be the leader due to popularity and marketability, but not out and out performance.

So I'm looking at either a compact (nano) or regular sized (classic) Mp3 player. All I'm concerned about is battery life, mp3 playback (obviously) and video playback. Price is not a (big) issue. Also, I'm looking at 8gb or above, but given the ipod's I've mentioned (and the fact they have colour screens), I think that's a given.

Also note, apparently Zune isn't available in Australia, so don't mention it (unless you can confirm that it's here at retail now, not looking to import).

Please Throw your suggestions in the ring and experiences with any Mp3 in either category that I can buy BRAND NEW at RETAIL right now.

Much appreciated.

Creative players tend to have the best sound quality, but iPods are the flashiest.

an Ipod touch is also very good, because of all the apps you can do so much with it

Here are the 2 I would reccommend.

Creative Zen X-Fi (I have the 32 GB version of this one)

http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=17811

Creative Zen MX

http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=18615

i have a 32 GB ipod touch. Those things rule. It's a little expensive though, but i love it.

I've got the touch too... 2nd Gen... and am absolutely satisfied with my purchase.

This. Creative are much, much better than iPods, but they lack the support iPods have. I remember all of them and can tell you - I am the iPod Whisperer and see a lot of iPods.

Thanks for the suggestions people.

About the Ipod Touch. I'm personally not a fan. I hate touch screens in general (only exceptions are PDA's and Nintendo DS's) and I think the price of admission and what you get (especially given I hate touch screens) is not worth it (for me).

I've had good experiences with creatives before and by the sounds of things it looks as if there hasn't been a drop in quality since.

Any other mp3's I should be looking at? (The Creative Zen 32gb is looking pretty tempting right now).

As stated, Zens are cool, however I'd recommend going to an Apple Store or Best Buy and find a Touch that's on and play around with it. I didn't really want one until one of my wife's cousins had an iPhone and I was like 'Let me see it.'

The thing about Creatives are - they don't work with iTunes. iTunes has tons of music vs. the Creative store. If you want to buy music, Creatives are very, very limited. Good machine, horrible support all around.