Connectivity
Both these players, as I stated earlier, have propriety USB connectors. Just in case you're not sure what that means – The companies viz. Creative and Apple, have chosen to keep their players exclusive when it comes to charging or PC connectivity. In other words, if you want to connect it to your PC or charger, you can’t use any other normal USB or charger cable except for the ones the company prescribes. It keeps it restricted in that context.
So as I was saying, the Creative comes with a special adapter that provides for a pretty standard sized DC charger port as well as mini USB connector and an AV out for your TV too. This adapter allows you to use standard USB, AV and DC charger cables. The iPod unfortunately has a few issues when it comes to charging the device without connecting it to the PC but on the plus side, the earphone socket doubles as the AV out. Special USB chargers (that aren't too cheap or small in size) and adapters have been designed by Apple for these purposes. Both players can be charged through the PC as well. So when it comes to connectivity, the Creative has the iPod beat.
PC Software
I Know that iTunes is hugely popular, and honestly, it's easy to transfer and convert music for the player. Even the creation of playlists and most other functions are a cinch to use. My only hitch is that the iPod doesn't accept most video formats and the conversion process is too slow. This is where the Creative's Media explorer is really handy. In case the video is supported by the player (and quite a few formats are), the software will let you know and simply transfer it the player. Plus you have the option of choosing the quality and also if you'd like to trim the screen to suite your preference. Conversion and transfer is also faster than iTunes.
Creative's Media Explorer plays audio and video only through the Browse media option but with no settings to adjust for the music like a normal player. There is a separate software called Audible Manager that does that. That's just a pain to have separate software for different purposes pertaining to a single device. So iTunes comes out on top in this category As it's all in one place.
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.. 
