Nowt wrong with Ipods...I actually covet my eldest's Classic with it's 160 Gb.
I personally just wanted to go down an alternative path which allowed me to play with things like Ogg Vorbis (...which I still use). Also a device which has the features I actually find useful ( radio, voice recorder, micro-sd slot) & all for a fraction of the Ipod cost. And, they do sound good ! ( slightly better than my Creative, but again it's sooooo subjective).
If I want to do some more serious listening, I've an LP12 & Naim setup downstairs with all the rest of the paraphenalia which goes with it.
As for a traditional A -v- B style dem - it's a total Nightmare to try and get right ! ( I'd actually say pretty much impossible).
I can't really justify the Ultimate Ear 10's ( around £200 last time I looked), but have been pondering the £100 area as although the CX300 II's are stunning for the price, I'd like to get something a little better).
...slight thread hijack if CountZero's watching - any recommendations in the £100 IEM area as you seem to have a good knowledge of the earbud world.
Thanks,
Chris