personally I would get a regular MP3 player, they are better value, and often better quality (see
ipod battery life )
Play almost any format, and you don't have any nonsense or problem if you want to change the battery or use a standard USB cable etc
Most of the reason to get an apple is a "lifestyle statement"
EDIT:
See how many question relate to "I can't sync my ipod" , Itunes has blocked this, etc with a standard MP3 player you do whatever you like with your files