MP3 players forum: iPod Classic VS. Zune 80

Seriously, I have to wonder about some of these score rationales i.e. zune not having any way to scroll as fast as the scroll wheel(the touch pad can scroll just as fast, plus you can just fling it instead of continuously moving your finger), saying the zune is a better value outright and then giving it a lower score in that category, marking off the zune for having to convert tv shows from media center format but giving the ipod points for having to buy them, marking off zune for not being compatible with other services' files but not marking the ipod off when they do the same thing, not giving the zune credit for playing additional formats that the ipod can't(which should fall under compatibility right?), marking off the zune for slow software(say what? from my use of it, the software BLAZES compared to either the old zune software or itunes), not giving credit to the zune for coming with FAR superior headphones. Also, I was dissapointed to see only one of the reviewers mention the ipod classic's INCREDIBLY slow interface(as in slow for changing menus/using coverflow) which was the #1 reason I returned mine and went with a zune 80.

The Zune really seemed to get knocked for file format compatibility, which I can understand to some degree. But I do think that it deserves at least a couple more points (distributed among the judges) for having a wider variety of supported file formats. This is actually the main reason I went with the Zune over the iPod. My music is in WMA format (I ripped my 1000+ CDs before AAC started to catch on) which meant that an iPod wouldn't even work for me. Since the Zune supports it, it definitely wins out in that race.

Apple intentionally limits the file formats that the iPod will play (disabling WMA support for example) while Microsoft is trying to be more accepting of outside formats than they have in the past. Props to MS.

Apple IPOD - ITunes
Microsoft Zune - NO ITunes

Winner: Microsoft (No Itunes) Zune by a land slide

Before I switched to an iMac, I ran iTunes on a PC. Man, that program raised hell with my system. I thought I was crazy, but it seemed to me like I got more spyware, worms etc. when it was running...

Then, during a session on the phone with Microsoft support, the tech guy let slip that he would personally never run iTunes on Windows. When pressed, he admitted that the program did indeed create problems with the OS, although it wasn't widely publicized. He said you can run it and be fine, but you need to be vigilant with the sweeps and get a nice firewall. In other words, kind of a hassle.

I hate hassles. I love my iPod. I got a Mac. Now my brother who runs a PC? I've bought him a Zune for this Christmas...

Agreed

iTunes for windows SUCKS, it laggs!
And its dull to look at

also, either itunes or my ipod is ******* up!
I tried playing a children of bodom song and got a nightwish one
David coverdale -> got bruce springsteen
WTF!?

I have been anti-ipod for years. I'm not sure why. I didn;t like that the ACC format didn't work on other players and maybe i just like to be different. My first player was a Dell DJ. I've been witing for a high capacity player since I have tons of CDs. When Zune was announced I was excited for an alternative to ipod that i tought would be the player for me. I have to saw the actual hardware is great. the big widescreen is great and the interface is terrific. It sounds very good as well. BUT, the software. Where to even start. Without going into detail, i spent hour upon hour trying to fix what the Zune software did to my music library. I had Madonna songs show up in Dokken albums seemingly randomly. It was crazy. yet, in Microsoft Media Player, everything was fine. In addition, Zune software give the user little control in labeling songs and albums and often you would type a change in song title or to correct a misplelling, and nothing would change. It was maddening! I would rip a CD using the Zune software and it would literally leave off the 1st song and put it in an unknown artist folder. There is just no excuse for any of this to have happened.

I am not computer illiterate nor am I a computer god, but I can only imagine how someone less savvy might have fared. i know i am not alone as i read account after account of people ready to throw thier Zunes out the window. I finally took back the Zune and boiut the ipod classic. having reallt explored the ipod now, it is a fantastic machine and it's no wonder it is number one. I am not an ipod fanboy but I have been converted. I don;t think the reviewer have given enough weight to how bad the Zune software is. And, as mentioned there is really no content and what is the deal with Zune Pass units. Why not day something is $1 instead of inventing some new money system. it's silly and useless.

Anyone thinking about buying a Zune, i would suggest you do soem searches and read about the frustration experience by so many people. Again, the player itself is fine. I think i will go listen to my ipod now!

Although the Zune seems to have the advantage in a lot of areas- the built-in radio is a big plus- i am surprised the "sexiness" round went to the Zune. It is a hell of a lot thicker than the iPod, and uglier. It just looks like a big block that would be hard to strap on one's arm for a workout like people do with iPods.
And how exactly does the "multifunctional control pad" on the zune work?

If you are in the sun, it is very readable

Heres the thing I really want to get a new mp3 player and Ive always been more attracted to the zune but the problem is this... I HAVE A LOT OF MUSIC!!! so far 160 is the largest out there... my question is this.. is the zune coming out with a 160

The Zune 80 and Zune 120 are portable media player developed by Microsoft in its Zune series of media players. It was announced on October 2, 2007 and was released on November 13, 2007.[1] It, along with the Zune 4 and 8, is part of the second generation of Zune devices. It features music, video, and podcast support, and comes with Wi-Fi and FM Radio. The Zune 120 is part of the third generation of devices. Both Zune 80 and Zune 120 run the Zune 3.0 firmware.

The iPod Classic is a portable media player marketed by Apple Inc. To date, there have been six generations of the iPod Classic, as well as a spin-off (the iPod photo) that was later re-integrated into the main Classic line. All generations use a 1.8-inch hard drive for storage. The "Classic" retronym was introduced with the introduction of the sixth-generation iPod Classic on September 5, 2007 (styled as iPod classic);[1] prior to this, iPod Classics were simply referred to as "iPods".
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Gwen

Guaranteed ROI

to Headbusta ... I agree with what you said, but dude ... the $45.00 for 3 months of virtually any song .... I wouldn't trade it for ANY mp3 player that didn't have it. It's a deal breaker!

Hank

<<<and who really cares about a FM radio? >>>>

Lots and lots of people who work out at a gym where there are several TV's each with the sound off but each rebroadcasting the audio over FM. That's who.

Look I own an ipod. I hate the new classics. They lag so baddly because of this new interface. and watching videos on them is a strain on the eyes. I plan on replacing my ipod soon with the Gears of War 2 Zune 120. I have had the 80 gig zune but I have not been able to use it cause of the mac and my pc is gonna be replaced with a high end gaming laptop soon. I like the zune a-lot more for the fast interface the the unlimited subscription service. For what i plan on getting with the zune would cost me a ton through itunes. the zune is going to build up momentum in the mp3 world. just wait.

You're talking about dropping serious coin by the time you add the primo headphones and a docking station ... but with the Zune, you can get a Zune Pass for around $45.00 for 3 months. With that, you can pretty much ANYTHING you want at no extra cost! Compare that against the $0.99 per song at iTunes. Also, the iTunes software is a memory hog. Zune is no peach in the memory consumption arena, but my experience says it's better than iTunes.

I own a Zune 80 gb. I've got a LOT of stuff on it, and haven't filled it yet.

I'd rip that Zune 120 open right away, get the Zune pass and get crankin.

Hank

My two cents...

If you want the greatest selection of accessories, the iPod cannot be beat. Everybody who makes MP3 player accessories makes them for the iPod. It is much more difficult to find Zune accessories.

If you like the concept of renting unlimited music for a monthly subscription fee, the Zune is what you should buy. But, once you do not want to pay the monthly fee, your music is gone.

I prefer to own my music. I buy CD's and rip them. If there is a better format down the road, I re-rip them. Plus, I like to own the physical product with liner notes, etc. Although, I have purchased a few tracks in the iTunes store (some with, some without DRM) and a few others on the Amazon (DRM-free) MP3 store.

In the end though, they are both very good music players so there really is no bad decision.