And no, you don't need a docking thing or anything
I have it plugged into my computer whenever I'm at home with the USB cord so I can play my music through iTunes, and I just take it out whenever I take it with me.
Anyway, if you're not going to be fussy about lossless etc., I have to admit the Zen is a great option..the iPod used to (seem to
As I said, the only main difference I see here is lossless support, which could be 'easily' fixed if there were some new (third-party) firmware.
What I do suggest though, regardless of what you're buying: please buy new headphones.
Most people hardly know how music can sound because they're used to those shitty standard headphones you get with your audio-players.
Looking for suggestions on cheap but worthwile replacements, I found this page, which should be perfect for you:
http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-appli ... eadphones/
Seriously..I would worry more about that than about choosing between a Zen and an iPod