The only negative thing I will say about iPod is that the older models had issues with their batteries, where they would die after a short period of time and no longer hold a charge, and the only thing you could do is mail the unit back to Apple and pay them a premium to fix it. However, after lots of consumer complaints, and a big lawsuit Apple lost, they fixed this problem. But that was a while back and I don't think there is anything wrong with them now. I have an iPod Shuffle and like it.

EDIT: Another choice might be a Creative Zen. My wife has one of those and likes it.