Microsoft Zune HD

ZUNE VS. IPOD

Note: these are according to the technical specs released by the respective companies

Alright, first thing: most of the people who own iPods told me that when used with Windows computers, after a while their iPods start to crash (AND BURN). Apple definitely wants us to buy into their huge enterprise. While Zune might be less trendy, after reading this "article" you might think again about whether the trend factor really matters.And I know Zunes dont work with Macs- but only 5% of computer owners own a Mac.

Specifications Zune HD IPod Touch

Battery Life 33 hrs 30 hrs

Recharge Time Abt. 3h w/ PC, 2h w/ AV dock 4 hrs

Size (w/h/d) 52.7mm/102.1mm/8.9mm 110mm/61.8mm/8.5 mm

Radio HD Radio/FM Tuner Not listed on Apple site

Accessories

(Zune)Sync Cable, Earphones, 3 pairs foam earpiece covers (Ipod) Earphones with remote and mic, Dock connector to USB cable

Colors

(Zune)Platinum, Black, Blue, Red, Green, Purple, Magenta (IPod)Black

Computer Connection PC PC/Mac

Retail Price* Check link below chart 32gb-$299 64gb-$399

Weight 2.6 oz (74g) 4.05 oz (115g)

Display See below chart See below chart

Capacity** Op. 16, 32, 64 gb 32, 64 gb

Output HD,SD to TV thru dock 480/576p to TV thru dock

Wireless Sync*** Yes No

Zune-3.3 in OLED 16:9 aspect ratio, scratch resistant glass, 480 by 272 pixel resolution

IPod- 3.5 in widescreen, 480 by 320 pixel resolution

*16- http://bit.ly/bRscBR 32-http://bit.ly/MXaQV 64- $350

Zunes are available for abt. $100-300 thru sellers on ebay/Amazon. Auctions may vary. (I got mine barely used that was really like new for $120).

**Zune- 16-Up to 5 hours of high-definition video, or 22 hours of standard-definition video optimized for device, or 4,000 songs, or 25,000 pictures (Music estimates based on 128 Kbps WMA files with length of 4 minutes each. Pictures transferred to Zune will be optimized for Zune screen size; video estimates based on 500 Kbps WMV files with 128 Kbps WMA audio tracks)

32-8000 songs, 10 hrs HD video from Marketplace, 48 hrs SD video optimized for device, 25000 pictures

64- Up to 16,000 songs, or 20 hours of high definition video from Zune Marketplace, or 96 hours of video optimized for device, or 25,000 pictures

IPod- 32/64-Holds up to 7,000 or 14,000 songs in 128-Kbps AAC format, up to 40,000 or 90,000 iPod-viewable photos, 40 hours or 80 hours of video

***the ability to sync music and other files over a wireless connection

My Personal Review of the Zune HD

At first look, the Zune is sleek, thin and has a gorgeous screen. When you click on an artist, you can get pictures of the artist, biographies, related artists, and complete Zune Marketplace discography-all WITHOUT internet. It also has the ability to generate a Smart DJ Playlist, which takes a song or album and generates a playlist that groups songs together with like songs stored on your Zune (a feature you wont get from Ipod). Zune also allows you to pin your favorite music, pictures, or videos to the second welcome screen- which also displays new content and history. The software is equally sleek, and allows you to sync music from your device to your computer with one simple click and drag, much easier than iTunes. Apps are free, with beautiful and even 3D graphics, though there are not many. You can download free indie apps at your own risk at zhdapps.com. You can download things directly to the Zune from the Marketplace and delete files directly from the Zune. The device has the ability to display HD video if it is the proper resolution for the screen. The internet browser takes faster to load than the iPod, though it doesn't look as good. The keyboard is a bit too small for my fingers. Zune lets you listen to music while playing apps-a feature you won't get from the IPod Touch. One feature the iPod has over Zune is that it has a built-in speaker. To me this is not such a major loss because I personally do not want to make the rest of the world hear my rock music, and the speaker is pretty crappy, anyway. Also I am a high-quality sound fanatic. One other thing is that the Zune does not have a hole for inserting lanyards. I am not sure if the iPod has it.I feel that the Zune lets you experience your music rather than just listen to it. It also seems as if Apple only focuses on the stupid hits that always make a humongous profit for whatever reason. I like the fact that the Zune software showcases a different artist every week, and also gives out a free song, playlist or video nearly every week. Also Zune tends to showcase indie or new bands, which I don't think Apple does. I also forgot to mention the Zune Pass- which I don't use because I buy CDs anyway, or I use Amazon MP3. Anyway, the Zune Pass cost 15 bucks a month and you can get unlimited access to the Zune Marketplace plus 10 free song credits. The pass is not truly unlimited, though, because you cannot copy the music or burn it to a CD, and if you don't pay the subscription for every month, then you lose the music. All in all, I am more than satisfied with my cheaper Microsoft alternative to IPod and would like to spread the word about the Zune.