Audio Quality
What I also like about the Vision:M is the fact that it has a graphic EQ that can be customized to your preference manually as well as plenty of presets to choose from. It also has an option for Bass boost and a Smart volume function that adjusts the quality to a decent out level even if the volume is full. The Earphones provided are clear and handle full volume quite well.
Now the iPod on the other hand, only has presets. Although I'll admit, the sound quality is quite good as is; you don't get the flexibility of adjusting the various levels of the track to your personal preference. The iPod also has a bass boost function and the earphones handle the full volume almost as well as the Vision:M. If not better. The earphones of both the devices are pretty much the same in design or quality and they'll both sit better in your ears if you use the cotton covers.
So the sound quality of the iPod is better but I prefer the customizable EQ and Smart Volume of the Vision:M. Neither of the players’ earphones thrill me any; I'd sooner get my own. So this round is definitely a tie.
Image and Video
When it comes to the picture quality of the photos, only on really close examination will you notice that the iPod's clarity is actually better. I say this even though the creative actually displays more colors. The reason is the contrast and colors seem just a tiny tiny bit less impressive on the Creative. The difference, although negligible is nevertheless present.
Although I prefer the ease of transferring and converting videos for the Creative and the fact that you can adjust the size on the screen itself, with regards to quality, the iPod still has the creative beat. Even though most of the videos you have, will have to be converted and the conversion takes awfully long. Chalk another one up for the iPod.
I'm really an apple fan and i have bought devices. I have to say that the creative's battery life is much longer then the ipod's.. 
