Is the iPod Overrated?
In my, opinion, many people buy iPods, not because of capabilities, but because of the name. There are many equal, but under loved competitors.
Let’s talk about the biggest, but still relatively unknown competitor, Microsoft’s Zune. The Zune is a digital audio player produced by Microsoft. The line also includes Zune software and the Zune Marketplace services sold by Microsoft, which provide online music, video, and podcast downloads. The Zune 30, the first generation Zune music player, has a 30 GB hard drive, 3” screen, and simple directional pad for menu navigation. The second generation set of Zunes includes the Zune 4, 8, 16, 80 and 120. The Zune 4, 8 and 16 are smaller in size and hold 4, 8 and 16GB of flash memory, in the same order. The Zune 80 and 120 are replacements for the Zune 30, as they are thinner and lighter than the original. The Zune HD was confirmed for release in fall 2009 by Microsoft. This will be Microsoft’s version of the iPod touch.
One of the best features of the Zune is the Zune Marketplace. The Zune Marketplace is an online music, video and podcast store , equivalent to iTunes. Purchases are made through Microsoft Points, in which users prepay $5.00 for 400 points that can be applied to downloads at 79 points per song. As an alternative to Microsoft Points, the Zune Pass is a subscription service that allows users to pay a flat monthly fee of $14.99 . Zune Pass subscribers can download unlimited music from the Zune Marketplace, but this music will be lost when the pass runs out. However, you can keep ten songs a month. You can sync this info wirelessly. Unfortunately, you need Windows Vista or XP to use a Zune.
The Zune also can play music though an Xbox 360 and create play lists for gaming. More features supposedly are coming to the Xbox.
So, what are you waiting for? Think outside the box!
