Essential difference (Score 1)

The big, obvious difference between the Nomad Zen NX and the iPod comes down to two subjects: listening time and aesthetics. The Zen NX Has longer battery life (14 hours on a full charge, compared to the iPod's 8 hours) and more room for your money (30gb for $300, compared to the iPod's $500 price tag for comparable room). Coupled with Zen NX's removable battery (though there aren't extra ones on sale as of yet), this amounts to much more listening time between recharges than the iPod. With the iPod, though, you get a much much much better interface. It is said that the bulk of the iPod's price tag is due to its OS. It's much easier to use than the the Zens. The controls are also much easier to use.