Here's my take:

I have both an iPod 5G and a flash mp3 player. I use my Pod when during those times when I'm relaxed and longing to hear good audio. On the other hand, I realize that the iPod doesn't like being jarred, as it is essentially a hard disc drive, so I bought an inexpensive SanDisk Sansa 2 GB. It's the Sansa I take when I am walking around, and I don't have to worry about it being jarred. But of course, the phonics are nothing compared to the Pod.