Software support for one. If you're going to have something that's somewhat proprietary then we can at least hope for a software release plan with some longevity.

Platform longevity. Creative (Rio had the same problem) completely re-invent the wheel each time they come out with a new product. This leads to brand confusion and doesn't do anything to foster third party support in terms of accessories and enhancements. At the most basic level it also means support for previous products starts to fade. They don't seem to offer incremental product releases. With the iPod, it's almost safe to assume that every new release bests the old one in every way. And certainly since the introduction of the dock connector, forward compatibility has been a huge concern for Apple.

The Zen:M is positioned as a Silver Bullet, do-all. But it doesn't do any one thing extremely well. Storage is also light for a product that is supposed to be so multi-media oriented.

Specific and recent example of the first point: Soundblaster Wireless Music. I think they released a total of 1 software update. Completely proprietary and still buggy - enough to not be able to use the product full-time.

Bruno