It doesn’t get much more epic than this. The Apple iPod Classic has been the undisputed titan of high-capacity MP3players, with a rich legacy dating back to 2001. Its adversary, the Microsoft Zune, stepped on the scene only a year ago and was promptly cast as an ugly
duckling. In its latest embodiment, the Zune 80, Microsoft has finally presented a worthy challenger to the iPod family. Unlike the original 30GB Zune, which had the aesthetic charm of a bar of soap, the Zune 80 is capable of competing not just on features, but design as well. Of course, there’s more to an MP3 player than stunning good looks. To be a truly feared and respected MP3 player in this day and age, you need first-rate software, superior video playback, podcast support, a drool-worthy graphic user interface, first-class sound quality, and an affordable price. It also doesn’t hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve, such as games, or a Wi-Fi connection.
The only thing certain about this fight is that it will inevitably stir up a monsoon of disgust from both sides, no matter who wins. So let’s stop being polite, take off the gloves, and pit Apple against Microsoft in a battle of MP3 supremacy!
ROUND ONE
The first-generation Zune was repelling so many people, Microsoft would have had better luck marketing the thing as birth control. Apple’s iPod, on the other hand, has been celebrated as one of the greatest design products of the decade. Will the Zune 80 be able to hold its own against one of the icons of the 21st century? In round 2, we focus on the players’ size and design, as well as any additional pimp factor that makes the user feel extra cool.
There’s no doubt that the Zune’s wide screen is far better for movie enjoyment than the iPod classic. And the Zune’s scratch resistant glass screen is more aesthetically pleasing to your eyeballs, than the smaller screen of the iPod. The new Zunes are a definite improvement over the old ones, but the device could still lose some thickness and clean up the antennae up top. Also good job Microsoft for giving the new 80GB a glass screen, which should make it a little less scratch-prone. It still feels a little breakable compared to some other device’s optical glass screens, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Sure the iPod Classic is slim, slick and metal, but its also boring! The chrome metal backing and scratch-magnet screen haven’t changed since the first generation. I want cool, not classic. Due to the lack of creativity on Apple’s part, the Zune wins round 1!
ROUND 2
You can cram all the features in the world into a gadget, but if no one can afford it, what does it matter? Which device is the better value?
$250 for an 80 GB zune is a great value, especially when it comes with free custom etching, Wi-Fi, FM, and other cool perks. Also The Zune Marketplace, gives you a pretty stellar collection of all-you-can-eat music for a very reasonable $15 a month.
When you buy an iPod, you also buy into the huge marketplace of iPod accessories everything from iPod-ready car stereos to boom boxes, to voice recorders. These types of accessories just aren’t there yet for the Zune,
At the same price as the Zune, the 80GB iPod Classic is also a good value but not quite so much so, given the comparative lack of desired features. Plus, you always hope that eventually the prices for the iPod will go down, but alas they never do. However, if you’re willing to throw down money on the 160GB, you’re getting a better deal per gigabyte. But because its slightly cheaper, Zune wins!
ROUND 3
Unfortunately, both the iPod and the Zune both have their own upsetting set of restrictions. I’m taking away points for the Zune on compatibility, mainly because it doesn’t even play nice with Microsoft’s own ecosystem of entertainment services. There’s no album artwork shown on the Xbox 360, and it needs to convert the DVR-ms files (videos) from Windows Media Center just to get them onto the player. There’s also the lack of support for these files unless you’re running Vista. Also, worth noting is the Zune software, which, despite being improved, has actually become more limited in terms of features. For example, the Zune isn’t compatible with Macs or iTunes.
The iPod isn’t much of a team player either, but at least it’s Mac/PC compatible and can be used with an endless amount of iPod-ready gizmos. The ability to easily purchase and download TV shows, movies, and audio books through iTunes is a big plus. The iPod takes round 3!
ZUNE WINS 2 OUT OF 3
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The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’s. It works well, but isn’t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’s not an issue, but if you’re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’s larger screen and better browser may be important.
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