Ipod or Zune?

The 30gb Zune and 30gb Ipod are the same price.

Around $240, I current have a 2gb Ipod Nano which is filled, i've had for a year, no problems with it and still works great except the capacity.

I would get another Nano but I cant justify paying $250 for 8gigs when I can get 30gigs for that price.

My Nano was sturdy and other Ipods I have felt also feel very sturdy and well built.

I have never held a Zune before but can safley say it has a bitter better battery life and bigger screen, I dont really care about the screen though because I dont watch videos on a mobile. But the Zune still has more features like wireless and an FM tuner.

So, im stuck, which one should I buy?

 

I've yet to hear anything good about the Zune software for your computer. I think the general consensus is that hte iPod is the better piece of hardware, but both are supposed to be good anyhow.

 

Yeah, I like the simplicity of Itunes and the Ipod itself but im afraid i'll be getting less for more.

I have tried the Zune software and it isnt horrible, but its not that great.

 

i somehow dont like i-tunes
one thing that really attracted me about the zune is its 100% compatibility with windows media player and i am very comfortable with wmp

 

Is navigation with a Zune easy as it is with an Ipod?

 

While the iPods are very nicely built, I have a couple of issues with them. (My wife just got an ipod nano from me for xmas, but it was her selection. I knew she really wanted an iPod)

Minor issues:
No FM Tuner on the iPod Nano (not sure about the iPods...) Apple, come ON! I have an mp3 player from Samsung, cost half what the nano costs, and it has FM tuner AND a voice recorder!

Major issue:
It you use Windows Media Player, and sign up for Urge, which is integrated into WMP, for $9.95 a month, you can have a smorgasborg of music downloaded to your PC for your listening pleasure! Almost ALL of their library can be downloaded for this low, monthly fee.

You do need to pay the $9.95 each month, but in my opinion, that's cheap to be able to download and listen to an extensive selection of music! Hey, a single CD costs you more.

Here's the key point... for another 5 bucks, $14.95 a month, you can transfer ALL of that music to almost any mp3 player! Hey, what's the point of having a 30 GB device, if you only have 6 or 8 GB's of music on CD's or on your computer!

All Apple devices will NOT work with WMP and Urge... you need to use iTunes, and iTunes doesn't offer the all you can eat (listen to???) format that Urge (and several other music services, such as Napster) offers.

Apple... get with the program and add this business model to iTunes, and you'll totally own the mp3 market! (Alright... they already DO own the MP3 market, but you get what I'm saying.)

 

creative zen vision m is my top suggestions. the archos 404 is also freaking amazing. if cowon ever releases their x5 refresh, be it the x6 or x7 that will be a beast. if u really like the zune though i suggest u look into one of the recent toshiba models, similar design, but sleeker, better build, and doesnt have all the silly crap, plus m$ didnt get to disable all the features on those (the zune was made by toshiba, if u look at their models it will be obvious)

edit: the zune doesnt work with urge either, for some reason the zune seems to have been built in a bubble and doesnt play nicely with any of microsofts other entries into DAP world. the zune is really just a fat ipod. lots of marketing very few features. If you want the best in sound and video quality in adition to some extra features id suggest the vision M. however personally i prefer the 404, as its just amazingly sexy, and has a very nice build, plus the archos models are the only players on the market outside of the trekstor vibes that currently do gapless playback properly. also the archos players are full drag and drop compatible. both archos or the creative player will also play nicely with WMP

 

just wait for the iphone to come out. It is pricy, but still it is awesome!!!

 

I like the Zune but its soo bulky, darn.

 

The iPod gets my vote. iTunes, the music store, and the build quality (eg, the iPod has actual metal under there somewhere) are all superior to the Zune's equivalents. And you can't use Urge, or any of the other "Plays for Sure" stuff, with the Zune, either - which for anyone who knows MS that shouldn't really be a surprise at all (remember the Works-Word format compatibility disaster that's still going on?).

The Zune's controls, while cleverly disguised to look like the iPod's, are not - it's a simple d-pad, basically. The added directions might be useful in theory, but in practice, are not. Neither is the WiFi - all it can do is that pointless "squirting" thing, which wraps up even free content like podcasts in the "3-plays-only" DRM scheme. And if the FM tuner really sticks in your craw, I just don't know what to say, really. Why you would buy a $250 MP3 player, fill it with CD-quality audio of your choosing, and then instead listen to staticy, low-quality radio that's 90% commercials escapes me.

The other major advantages to the iPod: Smaller (by a huge margin on the 30GB models, but still noticeably so on the 80GB), the mere existence of the 80GB model, a higher-resolution screen (the 5.5G is 640x480), and, of course, you aren't handing more money to Microsoft.

Small expository is finished.

 

basically ill just say this, if your looking to spend 250+ on a piece of electronics and you only have looked at the ipod and zune, you need to do alot more research unless your very rich. the zune is essentially and joke, and is not the ipods top competitor. look around there is better stuff out there but you have to find whats best for YOU. I suggest dapreview.net for a really good place to research DAP's and just find out whats out there.

 

Ipod all da wayz, Zune is just not original enuf.
BUT if u wanna be unique, then get the Zune.

 

What can I compare to the Ipod for around $250?

Your right about the Zune and FM Tuner and all the DRM BS.

Its just I wanted something a little different from an Ipod, I mean I dont mind getting it if its the best thing for $250 but if theres something thats around the same and also around $250 im all in.

 

i say stick with the ipod. they work well, and you probably have all of your songs on itunes, and TRUST ME it is a pain in the a** converting all of your library from ACC to mp3 or wav or w/e. i have a 4 gig nano, and i recently bought the samsung k5. it is amazing, and it has speakers built in. the only flaw is that it is only 4 gigs, but im not on the go too often. also, ipod has a nice interface, and its simple to use. zune may not be.

 

I don't think you should let software usability make your decision here; after all, how much time will you spend on the software?

 

Ok, well thanks guys, im probably gonna get the 30gig Ipod.


Well I will use the software when im on my laptop to play music.

 

I only own a crappy iRiver right now. For flash based players, if you haven't bought music over itunes and don't plan to, I would recommend the Sansa. It's amazing. Otherwise, the nano.
For HDD based units, iPod all the way. I could also suggest trying out creatives units.
BTW, the Zune does not have real wireless. It only supports wireless transfers from Zune to Zune (I think it's a dumb idea). Plus there are issues with it supporting DRM protected videos. I tried using one, and found it akward to use. Definently not as intuitive as the iPod, Creative unit, or Sansa.

There are also more accesories for the ipod. Who cares about FM? Not useful to me at all.

A simple hack will enable drag and drop for the ipod.

 

Its gonna be an Ipod then.

 

Creative Zen Vision:M
Not as sexy, but a lot better in my opinion. You can drag and drop items into it. It supports a lot of formats, most importantly to me, avi, xvid, divx, so I can often times dl and drag right into the Zen without having to convert. Has a much more colorful screen. Can use it as a portable usb hard drive.
$.02

 

Creative Zen vision M. No other choice imho. Screen is way better than ipods, ipods only has 60k sumthin colors, zvm has 250k sumthin colors. ZVM has 2 hours more battery life while playing videos than ipod does. Supports TONS more formats. Fm radio/fm recorder built in. Built in microphone. Drag and drop capability. PlayForSure capable. 200$ if you find the 30gb in the right place. Is a little bit thicker than ipod but it feels much more sturdy and better built. Comes in 30 gb and 60 gb models.

 

Does the vision:M support iTunes DRM? I'm not impressed at all by rhapsody, playforsure/napster, and umm... there was one more out there.
I woudl recommend going to a store and trying them out. The interface was what killed me on the Vision:M and the zune. But I'll probably try creatives line out before I make my choice.

But again, you CAN use the ipod as a portable hard drive as well. Very easy to do. When they were making Lord of the Rings, they were using ipods to store hte movie/dailies. Either one you get, you probably won't be disapointed. Also see if you can try your headphones with each unit, get an idea of the different sound quality with the set you prefer.

 

If I were to spend more then $200 on a player I'd get the Cowon A2. It might not have as large of a hard drive as some of the others but it sure does look nice and comes with many great features. I own a Cowon iAUDIO U2 and its got some of the same sound drivers as the A2 and its the best sounding mp3 player I've ever used.

 

I'm not sure I understand you regarding the interface. The Zen interface is fantastic if you ask me. I use Window Media Player to sync. It's plug and play as they say.

As for it playing itunes drm stuff, I don't know. All of my music are ripped from cds. But the Zen plays several formats of audio.

 

No Zune in Canada

I think the second Microsoft call it a Zune, it was over!

 

I prefer Nokia!
Read my other thread (Nokia Vs Apple!)
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1084845
(HERE)

Nokia N93-N95 has it all!
3.2MpxCam,VGAVid-Cam,MusicPlayer,Speaker,VideoPlayer,Wi-Fi,Internet,BT2.0,USB2.0,3rdPartyApps,ETCs...
+ All in a single small gadget
What can beat it??

 

Get the Zen Vision M from Creative. It has a 30 gb and 60 gb version. I just got it and it's great.

 

me 2
vision M is the best
if u r not sure how is it go see it's review

 

Oh man I saw the Vision W and it looked amazing. I think it also supports Divx huh. The only draw back was that it was kinda big.

I own both a 4g ipod and Zune. I love iTunes simplicity, it is very easy to use. I don't think I ever looked up any information online on how to use it. But Zune's Marketplace really sucks. It is hard to use, the first time it sync all my music, and it is complicated. But I love the Zune hardware.

 

Which iRiver do you have, Hollow? I own a H300, and still love it after two years. Pity they haven't made a HDD based player to equal it since.

Another vote for the Sana E200 series if you're after a flash based player... it whoops the Nano in nearly every respect.

For HDD based players, I'd also suggest the Creative ZVM.

If you're set on the iPod, I suggest you have a look at Rockbox, although I'm not sure on the status of the iPod 5.5G port at the moment.

 

Okay this isn't fair.

I have an iPod 5.5. I am far from impressed. I have filled it to capacity.

My friend bought a Zune, again nothing really spectaular aside from the magnetic headphones and fm tuner. wifi don't bother.

Okay here's my experiences wiht both machines.

iPod - I bought the original 60 gig Video 1 1/2 year ago. I had to take it back after a month. The **** hard drive failed. So I get a free replacement. After a month the hard drive fails. So I get another one. Yay it lasts me until the 80 gig comes in. I get the 80 gig and sell the 60 to this girl I was seeing. Haha guess what. It failed on her after two months, warranty is done. Big argument, cockblock, and failed relationship. So... to this day the 80 gig has been fine for me. Not enough, but fine. I never watch videos on it, and the plastic screen stuff is easily scratched. On occasion when I pull it out of my computer, it crashes my computer. The failure of the first two initial iPods I found out through my friend who works at an Apple store was probably because the hard drives were refurbished hard drives from previously returned 4th gen iPods. Furthermore from what I have read is that it may have been the battery. Great job Apple. I spent nearly 60 bucks trying to get stuff resolved. Aside from this the iPod has been nothing but average to me. Dull, though useful, as I never wear to school, but instead keep it plugged into my car stereo. It is important to note, do not ever leave alone and running so that the battery dies, because often times when they die (this coming from friends of mine) they don't come back. Warranty has recently been extended to 1 full year. Unlike what I had to go through.

Zune - Dull looking, the buttons are a bit odd to get used too initially if you were raised on the iPod. Widescreen for videos is nice, but again most people use a tv or monitor to watch something. Battery life, nothing special seems on par with iPod (when an iPod is working properly). Radio is kinda cool, but I don't listen to radio. Wifi seems useless until more Zunes are available. However, after two months of off and on playing with it, I can say that I haven't had any troubles with it, and neither has my friend. Interestingly this friend has had 3 iPods all of which have failed and he currently uses them as doorstops.

Zune Software - Okay basically a slightly better version of Media Player 11.

iTunes - Memory hog, but very clean cut and easy to manipulate. Also there is a slight freezing of the computer when I plug in my iPod (I have a Pentium D 820 and 2 gigs of 533 Ram...this shouldn't happen).

If you want to feel trendy and unique (even though you're not) go with the iPod...or if you need a lot of storage space. Trust me the novelty wears off after some time. Also get the iPod a case. A good case.

If you want to be practical and don't need so much space get the Zune. I felt slightly better holding the Zune in my hand than I did with my iPod. It's not a bad machine so far, a bit dull, but in my opinion I like sorta going back to being not trendy.

Whatever, the choice is yours. Both come from evil companies and both are average products.

 

I would get a Toshiba GigaBeat S. It seems to offer the easy navigation and ergonomics of the Zune, plus simple syncing with WMP11, all kinds of codec support, and also a form factor smaller than the iPod.
If iTunes didnt screw over all of my songs into .m4a format, I would have already switched to a GBS, but I havent had the time to convert my songs back into .mp3 files.

Apocalypse: pretty bad experiences with the 5G iPod, I see. I was thinking about the 5.5G, but I still hate the iPod 5G. Theres too much wasted space, whoever designed it should be fired. The screen should be situated in the same way as the Zune and the Tosh GB S, the click wheel should be smaller, the front and back should be rounded in the same way like in the 4G, the middle button should be raised from the click wheel surface like in the 4G. But hardware problems are bad....iPod quality has gone way down from what it was a few years ago. My friends' nanos are all falling apart now, but my 4G is still staying strong. I got a nano 2G (for free) and while it seems to be better than the 1G nanos, it still isnt anywhere near the old ones. Shame on Apple....

 

@Apocalypse

Nice review, but dang you are bad luck. How many Ipods? 3?!?! You must be doing something wrong or not taking a good care of it. But as for Apple's idea for usiing refurbished HDs that sucks. I want a new product! I have mine for almost 2-3 years and it is working fine. I do admit, it is scratched up, but still...thats crazy.

 

I think if your going for a PMP(video and music) then you really should look at the Cowon A2. Some one mentioned earlier that one of the players does DiVx codecs, the A2 does that also, I haven't purchased one yet, I'm a school boy without extra cash, but from what I've seen about this player and experiences with Cowon's other products I don't think I'd buy anything but it.

 

iPod + Podzilla Linux Ipod OS

http://ipodlinux.org/Main_Page

My friend managed to run the orginial Doom on his Ipod video...

 

The iFP-795 512mb player. It sucks. I should have returned it while it was still in warranty.
BTW, I've heard good things about Cowon too.

 

Very few Cowon (aka iAudio) players available down here. And again, I haven't seen much from them to beat the X5... which is still freakin' expensive.

 

I'd get a creative just to stick it to Microsoft and Apple.

 

CREATIVE MicroPorno

 

creative zen vision M. best choice.

 

Um there's a reason why the iPod is the bestselling and the most popular MP3 player in the world while the zune is a complete flop. And that's because ipods are awesome and zunes are, well, not.

I'd go with the iPod. iTunes is a blast to use even on windows.

 

iPods work like charms on mac-based computers, I can guarentee that. I have a Gen2 Nano 4GB (green) that I bought like a week after they came out and not only does it look great next to my macbook pro, but it works wonderfully with my mac. Maybe because Apple made both the ipod and the mac, so obviously ipods work best on apple computers.

Anyway besides, microsoft can't do anything right.

 

Yeah, there is a reason that ipods are the best selling in the world. Its call marketing. I can think of plenty of players that I would take over ipod because they just work better, but none of them have the marketing like the ipod does. When you buy an ipod your not just buying an mp3 player... your practically buying a life style, your making a statement... its simply just awesome marketing(The only thing Apple has done an amazing job at with the ipod).

 

Preach Preacher!
I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

from my opinion zune is better
its unscratchable
with wifi
and its fully supported from windows vista

on the other hand the apple's ipod is covered with aluminium or whatever is, its not comfort and it is scratchable
and i think they only but this thingy to say that they have the best build quality

 

Zune have wifi that is... quite useless...

 

We just have to wait until somebody comes out with a 3rd party firmware that is better than what Microsoft has right now. Right now there are only tips and tricks to play around with the Zune.

 

basically as i have said before, you're gonna end up buying a pos from either company, is there a significant difference to either one of them?

no.

wifi! scroll wheel! macintosh! windows!

holy **** here's a concept.

they both do the same thing. and they are both good at doing it.

amenities or style really shouldn't be that important, really those should be taken with a grain of salt.

 

I believe style is ur way to live. WOuldnt it be so boring when style doesnt come into play nowadays....

 

I ain't touching the Zune until there's a Rockbox port for it. RB is the only reason I'd consider buying an iPod, considering my entire music collection is encoded in Ogg Vorbis.

 

ipod gets my vote too, they are surely ahead of the pack. I cant wait for their "iphone" like widescreen ipod...