8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Zune a good option to iPod
Date of Review: Dec 26, 2008
The Bottom Line: A nice option to the iPod - a good value with nice features and a bright future.
I recently purchased 2 Zune 8Gb mp3 players for my daughters. I was trying to get a good value and was not convinced that an iPod was the only way to go (I own an iPod Nano 8Mb). The Zune devices are easy to use and the PC software is decent enough on Windows-based PCs. The iPod currently (Dec '08) has a better interface to organize, sort and rate your selections. The Zune software at this time offers no rating systems and does not allow for easy editing or renaming of the library. It is hoped that this situation will be resolved in the next software update.
I did have trouble installing the Zune software on a laptop -- when the software kept failing to completely load. This also caused the Zune device to lock up (in the off-position) and I almost was ready to give it up for dead. But after a complete cold restart of the PC, the software and device were finally able to "reset" and all was well thereafter. I had no such issues on a workstartion install (both were XP Professional).
Now that I have both an iPod and some Zunes, do I like one better than the other?? Well, there iPod is built better - the Zune is a better value (it also has FM radio) -- so I guess it depends on your priorities and cash position. I am happy with both. but if offered one or the other, the iPod would still win by a small margin due to the better organizational ability of the iTunes software.
Microsoft
