Creative Zen announced its new Vision:M MP3/video player in the United States on Thursday, and it bears a striking resemblance to Apple's video capable iPod. Creative even touts it as an alternative to the fifth generation iPod.

Vision:M (left) and iPod (right)

The Vision:M includes a 30GB hard drive, 320x240 2.5-inch color screen, and a touch control system below the screen. The Vision:M uses an oval scroll bar, instead of a round one like Apple's Click Wheel. It also mimics other iPod features like the ability to display photos and album art, review calendars, schedules, and contacts, and an alarm clock.

Unlike the iPod, the Vision:M includes an FM radio tuner and built-in voice recording, and it is substantially thicker than Apple's iPod. It is available in green, pink, and blue, along with white and black. The Vision:M is .73-inches thick, the 30GB iPod is only .43-inches thick.

The Vision:M is only compatible with Windows XP, unlike the the iPods Mac OS X and Windows XP compatibility, and it costs more than the 30GB iPod's $299 by $31, coming in at $329.99.

Engadget has an article with additional images of the Vision:M.

Creative's iPod copy may be too close to the original for Apple's comfort. Not only does the Vision:M bear a striking resemblance to the iPod, it also sports menus and other display features that very closely mimic the iPod.

Apple has not commented on Creative's new product.