You've heard it all over--Apple's iPod Video is the best video player there is. You don't question it anymore because a lot of people claim it is so. But is it, really? Not quite. That honor rightfully belongs to Zen Vision, a Creative Labs product. Zen Vision is every good thing iPod Video is, and more. The size of the screen for video playback in Zen vision is a whopping 3.7" high-resolution screen, which is a lot of steps ahead of the iPod Video's 2.5" screen. On paper, 1.2" may not seem to be such a huge difference, but it really does matter once you're in front of the screen.

Aside from that, Creative Lab players--in which the Zen Vision is included--have something very useful that iPod players don't have--a feature that allows listening to and recording FM radio. In this way, you can catch up on your favorite radio shows any time you want. Creative Lab players also have a built-in voice recorder which is great for taking notes in classes or work; it's also very helpful in giving yourself some reminders every now and then.

Of course, there are some areas wherein the iPod Video reigns supreme. In terms if battery life, iPod Video has 20 hours, while Creative Zen Vision only has 13 hours. To make up for this weakness, Creative Lab offers the option to purchase extended-life batteries, but this will cost you extra.

If you're torn between the Creative Zen Vision and the iPod Video, here's something to consider--the iPod's screen is smaller, but it offers better views even when looked at from different angles. The Creative screen, though larger, is best viewed straight on; when viewed from other angles, the pictures aren't as clear.

If your priority is storing music over video, get the iPod Video. However, if your main concern is storing video, and storing music is only a nice additional feature for you, then you’re better off buying Creative Zen Vision.