I hate Apple too (more for their zealot like users, holier than thou attitude and empty promises), but I love my Nano and wouldn't give it up except maybe for a newer model nano.
I tried some sony noise canceling headphones a few months ago, couldn't stand them as there was a constant background buzz that was described as a "normal part of the noise canceling". Normal my ass, if I want to listen to buzzing static I'll load up a sine wave generator. I went with a pair of DJ style sony's for office use instead
MDR V500DJ.
I've got a pair of Koss earbuds for the gym/cycling that aren't noise canceling, but with their soft foam ear pieces seal tight enough to block out most background noise. The thing I really love about them is they have actual bass rather than being flat like most earbuds.