I have an iPod nano. Before I had a classic, but I gave it to a friend. It never broke... Neither as this one I have now.
I've only had ipods. First one my boyfriend stepped on... and the 16gig I have now I've had for a long time and it works great! =D
Some iPods really are made to break. The original iPod video got many a copy bricked when iTunes 7(or was it 8?) came out. But they are still a superior product overall.
My 80GB iPod "classic" (wasn't called "classic" when i got it) is now 6 years old and still going strong (and it gots a lot of use). Still good battery life on the original battery (like 9 or 10 hours or so). I'd easily go for another iPod over a Zune just due to the way larger accessory market. When mine finally does die I'll probably get a touch version.
I have a 5th generation 8 GB iPod nano--I've had it for almost a year, and I've never had any problems with it!
considering the abilities of each nowadays, i'd go with the ipod. like the current ipod nano or ipod touch, damn those are nifty! and considering you can jailbreak both devices, i'd wanna do it with a bomb device like an ipod. comparing a current ipod touch with a zune, i think the winner would hands down be the ipod.
I would get a Zune simply because they don't hold a monopoly over all of their files and equipment. Apple makes great products, but they make you buy things/attachments/add=onns that are specifically for their product. You get cheaper prices and better selection with a Zune
I don't always listen to music on the go.....but when I do, I prefer Walkman. Jokes aside, I am typing this on my IPhone 4, while listening to Pearl Jam.