You don't like it, don't buy it.
ipod appeals to some people cos its ergonomics and look and feel suits the way they engage with music. This side of things can be worth more to these people than battery life, storage space and absolute proce. If it doesn't suit you, don't buy it.
Same as with cars. You can buy a nicely sorted BMW, Audi etc to transport four people. Or you could get an asian no-brand which will "do the same job" for a lot less. You might miss what a Bimmer can give you, or you might not.
Personally I don't have an mp3 player. But I listen to radio four on my phone through its little headphones sometimes, and I'm thinking of getting a bigger memory card so I can chuck some mixes on there.