To Zune or iPod – That Is the Question
I’m really trying to determine if I want to replace my busted iPod Mini with a new 80GB Zune from Microsoft or a 160GB iPod Classic from Apple.
I think the biggest thing that’s a factor for me is that the iPod is twice the size of the Zune. Is 80GB really the largest Zune you can buy?
I know what you’re saying, “Come on Jason, 80GB is 20,000+ songs!” I know, I know, my response though is that I thought my 6GB Mini would have been enough for me, but it’s not even close. Sure, right now 80GB may seem like more than enough, but why not go ahead and get the largest available for the price difference.
I’m really interested in what everyone things about the Zune. Do you have one? I really don’t think I’ll miss iTunes. Podcasts would be the greatest disadvantage from what I’ve heard. I’m also a little bummed that my stereo has already been wired to control my iPod, the only caveat to that is the the control is pretty minimal from what I actually expected. It’s a Sony Xplod car stereo system.
So, lets review.
- iPod classic is twice the size
- Zune 80GB: $239.51
- 160GB iPod Classic: $319.97
- Sick of iTunes
- Love podcasts
- Car stereo wired for iPod
- Car stereo has aux input though
Let me know
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POSTED IN: Home User, Microsoft Hardware, Music & Entertainment
8 opinions for To Zune or iPod – That Is the Question
Chris Woodruff
Jul 14, 2008 at 11:45 am
I have both and enjoy them both. I have a hard time recommending the iPod to people if they are not going to get the iPhone or iTouch. The Zune 80 gives a great screen for watching video, can be used with more music services and has the Zune all-you-can-eat $15/month subscription so you can listen to anything. The iPod does have a bigger podcast catalog at this time but I think the Zune will catch up soon.
The one feature that makes me side with the iPod right now is the ability to work well with audio books and spoken content. The rumor is that Zune will get this by the end of the year. I really would like to have my audio books to work well in my Zune and use Audible.com to buy and listen to books.
In the end it comes down to if you want and need 2x of room in the device and if you like the iTunes method of getting songs. Also the ebook may be a big deal for some. Real toss up from my view.
Scott
Jul 14, 2008 at 12:57 pm
The Zune is absolutely superior to the iPod for Podcasts. You can control how each podcast is downloaded and sycned as opposed to one setting for all podcasts in iTunes. One thing the Zune lacks is putting podcasts into playlists.
The killer feature for me is just leaving my Zune plugged in in my car and never having to take it out. It syncs automatically wirelessly.
Jason Bean
Jul 14, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Scott, I’m assuming the Zune synchs wirelessly from within the car in your garage? Wondering if my network is powerful enough to reach my front driveway with dependability.
Scott
Jul 14, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Yeah, it works if my car is parked in the garage or at the top of my drive way. If my car is at the end of my 2.5 car length driveway, usually doesn’t work.
One thing I should mention is your car’s power ports needs to be on all the time because the Zune needs to be powered for the auto-sync to work. Not sure how standard that is.
Also, I had a lot of problems getting a Zune car charger. Tried a cheap-o one of eBay which didn’t work. Ended up spending the $30 for the Zune branded one. Works but always comes unplugged, not a tight fit.
Scott
Jul 14, 2008 at 1:49 pm
To expand on Chris’s post, even though the iTunes podcast library is larger, you can subscribe to any podcast in the Zune assuming you have the RSS feed.
Sometimes podcasters like to only give you a link to the iTunes store and hide the rss feed.
Jason Bean
Jul 14, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Hmmm, always on charger. Any risk of eventually draining the battery? Probably not, but thought I’d ask. Is there a way to quickly “see” the RSS feed for a podcast in iTunes?
Chris Woodruff
Jul 14, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I forgot to mention the wireless sync of the Zune. I do love that and I am hacking my car to handle just docking my Zune into the console and it syncing, playing and charging automatically. Also the FM tuner is a nice touch. I listen to NPR on it if I run out of podcasts to listen to.
Scott
Jul 14, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I’m pretty sure my car has some battery rundown protection. At least I hope so. :) Hasn’t been an issue yet.
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