MP3 players forum: Ipod Touch vs. Zune 8gb/80gb vs. Ipod nano

The Touch isn't for you. It's too pricey. I have the Touch and I had no problem paying $300 for the 8GB - mainly because I wanted the iPhone without the phone - with the larger screen because I do like to watch videos. I rarely use the browser. I prefer my laptop and am looking into getting a basic ultra portable. I don't have the patience using the onscreen keyboard.

If it's Zune v. Nano, I think it's a toss up. If you really think the Nano is ugly, then maybe go for the Zune. I think the Nano is cute, but I don't like the colors. I really like the colors for the Zune 4/8GB. Too bad the 80GB is only in black.

I have the touch, the 8 gb zune and the nano! I prefer the zune! Touch and nano are a waste of money! Go for the zune! Best audio quality out of the 3! ZUNE!

I don't just mean whether you want to browse the web -- I also mean your habits. Will you go running with it? Are you the sort who tends to drop or lose devices easily?

The iPod touch is great (I own a 16GB model), but it's not great for the sort of listener that regularly goes on half-hour runs or tends to be rough on a device. I exercise with one, but it's usually safe in a sleeve case, which in turn goes inside my pocket. On the other hand, if you're either careful or are more concerned about video playback and the web than pure music, the touch is born for the job.

I would like to recommend the Zune, but I just can't. I've tried it extensively and liked it, but there are many limitations right now. You can't use anything but the official Zune software to sync (I'm not even sure if any 3rd-party apps exist for the new models). That also limits your choice of OS. There's no disk mode; no audiobooks; and no way to sync wirelessly without connecting to a power source.

The iPod nano may actually be the best bet, as long as you get a case that covers the back (the chrome tends to scratch easily). It's comfortable, it lasts a long time, and you'll have the most feature and accessory support of the bunch. FM radio is handy, but having used both the Zune and the newer iPod nano, I'd say the nano can overcome the lack of radio through judicious use of podcasts. Apple's podcast directory is larger, at least for now, and also more graceful in handling large lists.

bought the 8gb though.

don't plan on really carrying more than one movie if at all
and i have about 5-6gb of music that i listen to without having to spam "next next next"

It's only as expensive as it would be for anything else. If it's free for a computer, it's free for your iPod. That includes both a home network and the occasional free public spot. But if you have to pay to use it -- say, at a coffee shop -- it'll cost to use it for the iPod, too.

The one (partial) exception is the Apple/Starbucks deal. It's not at most locations yet, but if you bring an iPhone, iPod touch, or iTunes-equipped computer to the right Starbucks network you get free access to the iTunes Store. Apple posts the details here:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/starbucks/

ok im liking the ipod touch! if this is right then im gonna get one for my birthday.... this means that as long as i have free wi-fi near the ipod touch im gonna be able to go to the web for free??i have a router at home can i use it for my ipod touch??

wifi is internet from a router at your home,at a office, and some places have wifi, and it is free to use the signal and surf the web