Ipod vs. Zune

Joshua312 · 11-14-06, 10:41

So today is the official release date of the Zune media player from Microsoft. I knew nothing about this until a minute ago when I was watching CNN. And stupid me I just purchased a video Ipod yesterday and the car kit.

The thing about Zune is for $15 a month you can download as much as you want vs. paying for each song. Any insights as to how much music is available off the Zune software, or if one can use the iTunes software to download the music/videos then sync it to a Zune? Thanks for the help!

Edit: I guess it really doesnt matter if I can sync iTunes songs/videos to the Zune bc then I can just stick with my iPod. Just curious on the amount of music/videos Microsoft has in their library

01bluecls · 11-14-06, 11:11

Dont know much about it but CNET did a small review.

MSN video

Joshua312 · 11-14-06, 11:16

Thanks for the link, will check it out.

Been doing some searching and Im not getting much info on the Zune software itself. I do like the screen however, that it can go in both landscape and portrait mode.

Sherman8r44 · 11-14-06, 02:10

...I stand corrected

01bluecls · 11-14-06, 02:18

I dont think that is legal either. Anytime you make copies without permission you are technically stealing. That would be the same as me renting movies and burning them to dvd's. Even though you may not be selling or distributing its steal illegal. But i dont really care i guess since i download music and burn rental dvds all the time

Plus I dont think the local library is going to carry the new Jay-Z album!

and yes I like hip hop

Joshua312 · 11-14-06, 02:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherman8r44

Sorry for bringing this slightly off topic, but I don't pay for music anymore. I just take CD's out from the local library (and they have TONS of good music, don't kid yourself) and copy them onto my computer. It's not quite as easy as just downloading, but it's free, legal, and high-quality.

Yea I work at the Library (through a small business) and that isn't legal either. I did the whole download illegal music through Limewire for 2 years. After writing a research paper on it I just dont feel right doing it anymore. To each his own tho

The ipod I purchased comes with 1,500 songs pre-loaded so maybe I'll get lucky and like some of them. lol

SpoiledMan · 11-14-06, 04:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherman8r44

Sorry for bringing this slightly off topic, but I don't pay for music anymore. I just take CD's out from the local library (and they have TONS of good music, don't kid yourself) and copy them onto my computer. It's not quite as easy as just downloading, but it's free, legal, and high-quality.

Completely illegal!

paul34 · 11-14-06, 05:56

I'm not sure. If you forced me to choose between them (which I really wouldn't, as the iPod definitely doesn't do everything it should in an acceptable and efficient manner), then right now I'd get the iPod. The Zune is just ridiculously buggy, which is to be expected at this time (well, the software is buggy). We'll have to give it a few months.

Give me a hard-drive based player that has plenty of space, nice design, can play MP3's, FLAC's, OGG's, and WAV, and then I'll be all over it. Currently I own a Zen Micro, and it doesn't have enough space for me anymore. Plus, the battery life is quite poor and it crashes often... and I think the amp on the thing is on its way out! I never listened to that thing on more than 1/4 volume, except with the car where I had to pump the volume to max so it'd work with the AUX input.

It works ok now, but the battery does seem to disappear in just a few hours... poo =(

Joshua312 · 11-14-06, 05:58

Can you elaborate a little more on this statement. Just want to see what other people think of it and it's flaws/pros.

"The iPod definitely doesn't do everything it should in an acceptable and efficient manner"

Thanks

Frugle · 11-14-06, 06:05

If done a lot of research on the Zune, and have owned 6 iPods (every generation basically.. ) and at this point, I really don't like the zune. It doesn't seem practicle. I also have a vast hatered for WMP.

I am an apple fanboy I know, but I do give everything a fair chance. as of right now, I prefer the ipod.

The screen looks gorgeous though!

but I am expecting something from the macworld expo

Joshua312 · 11-14-06, 06:08

Frugle,

Thanks for the insight - - Do you have the video ipod currently? Do you have any opinions on the Logitech AudioStation Express?

Thank you!

Frugle · 11-14-06, 06:12

Yeah, currently I am using a black 60, and a black 2GB nano (came with my MacBook Pro)
(and a new shuffle

)
I have not used the logitech audio station, out of all the ipod speakers i have heard I have never been impressed except for ONE, the JBL radial... All the other ones I have listened to have been been very uneven frequency wise, either boosted in the low end to act like it has a lot of bass or just a weird EQ. but the JBL radial (when I listened to it in the apple store) was clean and even...If I bought any of them it would be the radial..

As for the zune, I don't like the menu layout, (most likely because I am SO used to the ipods) and the controls are irratating. I have not seen something as simple and perfect as the scroll wheel.

I know the mere fact that I am such apple fanboy makes my opinion worthless... but I am not an apple fanboy for no reason. I like their philosphy, I agree with where they are going as a company, and their products are top notch. I have never had any major problems with anything.

These are just my opinions, I'm not close minded. I'm sure the zune is the perfect player for a lot of people.