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General discussion

iPod Classic VS. Zune 80

Dec 2, 2007 11:52PM PST

In my opinion the zune is the way to go for all non-mac users. Better and Big Screen, just as cool interface, radio, wireless syncing. All of these are things that are great about the zune and missing on the iPod. GO ZUNE!!!!!!!!!!!

Discussion is locked

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sorry for putting this here, can't find a "new post" button
Dec 4, 2007 4:27PM PST

Seriously, I have to wonder about some of these score rationales i.e. zune not having any way to scroll as fast as the scroll wheel(the touch pad can scroll just as fast, plus you can just fling it instead of continuously moving your finger), saying the zune is a better value outright and then giving it a lower score in that category, marking off the zune for having to convert tv shows from media center format but giving the ipod points for having to buy them, marking off zune for not being compatible with other services' files but not marking the ipod off when they do the same thing, not giving the zune credit for playing additional formats that the ipod can't(which should fall under compatibility right?), marking off the zune for slow software(say what? from my use of it, the software BLAZES compared to either the old zune software or itunes), not giving credit to the zune for coming with FAR superior headphones. Also, I was dissapointed to see only one of the reviewers mention the ipod classic's INCREDIBLY slow interface(as in slow for changing menus/using coverflow) which was the #1 reason I returned mine and went with a zune 80.

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i totally agree
Feb 26, 2008 11:39AM PST

i agree with all those things but the compatibility score really bothered me. i feel like the reviewers are so used to the ipod/itunes exclusive compatibility crap that they forgot how lame it actually is, such as the fact that after using an ipod with itunes you can't get another mp3 player because everything you have is in m4p but zunes don't have that problem

if the ipod/itunes system had just come out i feel like it definitely would have gotten a lower compatibility score. i still feel like the zune should have lost that round because it's only compatible on pc and not compatible with protected stuff but it shouldn't have lost by 4 points, i personally don't have a mac or protected music though so it's not an issue with me, but the fact that i can't use wmp to transfer is

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The Zune deserves at couple more points
Dec 5, 2007 1:01AM PST

The Zune really seemed to get knocked for file format compatibility, which I can understand to some degree. But I do think that it deserves at least a couple more points (distributed among the judges) for having a wider variety of supported file formats. This is actually the main reason I went with the Zune over the iPod. My music is in WMA format (I ripped my 1000+ CDs before AAC started to catch on) which meant that an iPod wouldn't even work for me. Since the Zune supports it, it definitely wins out in that race.

Apple intentionally limits the file formats that the iPod will play (disabling WMA support for example) while Microsoft is trying to be more accepting of outside formats than they have in the past. Props to MS.

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cnet breaks tie zune is winner
Dec 5, 2007 4:29AM PST

look up cnet reveiews on ipod classic and zune 80
ipod got 8.0 and zune got 8.3

CONTEST OVER

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Forgot one thing
Dec 5, 2007 3:00PM PST

Apple IPOD - ITunes
Microsoft Zune - NO ITunes

Winner: Microsoft (No Itunes) Zune by a land slide

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iTunes
May 15, 2008 8:01AM PDT

I see a lot of comments about iPods lack of compatibility with WMA but I don't think it's really a valid issue. When I was filling out my iTunes library in order to put my music onto my then new 4gb iPod (which I'm planning on replacing soon) it prompted me to automatically convert the wma and i believe even the midi files to a format which would work with iTunes and, more importantly, my iPod. I'm definitely considering the Zune80 for my upgrade, but I'm a sucker for the underdog (probably one of the biggest reasons I'm considering Zune) and this includes the big dog who is getting reamed, and I really don't like misinformation. That's why I wanted to throw out this clarification for why I think that particular compatibility issue is a non-issue.

-God bless
-Josh S.

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One thing to note...
Dec 12, 2007 6:48PM PST

Before I switched to an iMac, I ran iTunes on a PC. Man, that program raised hell with my system. I thought I was crazy, but it seemed to me like I got more spyware, worms etc. when it was running...

Then, during a session on the phone with Microsoft support, the tech guy let slip that he would personally never run iTunes on Windows. When pressed, he admitted that the program did indeed create problems with the OS, although it wasn't widely publicized. He said you can run it and be fine, but you need to be vigilant with the sweeps and get a nice firewall. In other words, kind of a hassle.

I hate hassles. I love my iPod. I got a Mac. Now my brother who runs a PC? I've bought him a Zune for this Christmas...

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that goes without saying
Dec 13, 2007 5:03AM PST

no matter what you run on a pc, you have to have all of that security stuff. I've ran iTunes on my pc for years and have yet to encounter problems. But I am vigilant about security. Still loving my iPods.

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lol
Jan 3, 2008 3:08AM PST

Agreed

iTunes for windows SUCKS, it laggs!
And its dull to look at

also, either itunes or my ipod is ******* up!
I tried playing a children of bodom song and got a nightwish one
David coverdale -> got bruce springsteen
***!?

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Zune vs Ipoop
Feb 2, 2008 2:58PM PST

Ok... I will state this straight out, I have not owned and probably never will own an Apple product. I have used them, but have never liked them or the company, due to the interfaces and the company philosophy.
Now, that being said, as an owner of a Zune 80, there are things that I am not overly pleased with in the software for it. The hardware is great and I am very please with my purchase. I never considered an Ipod (see above), so I don't know all that much about the Itunes software. But with the Zune software there are a couple of annoying idiosyncrasies that I do hope that MS will fix in future updates.

As far as the argument of, would the Zune even exist if the Ipod wasn't invented first? The Ipod was a rip-off of the first MP3 player, the Creative Labs Rio back in the late 90's when the MP3 format was first introduced. Messenger came about after AIM, which came out in response to ICQ, which was in response to the popularity of the IRC. In todays techno world that we live in, everything is based on and developed based on what has come before. Soon, these 80GB hard drive units will be obsolete, they will have +100 GB solid state (flash)drives with voice activated menus.

The thing is that none of this stuff really matters, this brand new Zune that I just bought 2 weeks ago is already on the verge of being obsolete. If I get 2 years use out of it, I will be happy, then I will look at upgrading to something else.

There are those loyal Ipod users out there, because they have always had an Ipod. There are loyal Mac users out there, and that is fine. I personally don't like Apple products and was just waiting for a high capacity quality MP3 player to come out that was in a reasonable price range that didn't have a half eaten apple on it, I got it in the Zune.

Inane post that this is, you have to forgive me, it is late and I tend to ramble when I am tired.

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my experience with Zune
Feb 28, 2008 4:16AM PST

I have been anti-ipod for years. I'm not sure why. I didn;t like that the ACC format didn't work on other players and maybe i just like to be different. My first player was a Dell DJ. I've been witing for a high capacity player since I have tons of CDs. When Zune was announced I was excited for an alternative to ipod that i tought would be the player for me. I have to saw the actual hardware is great. the big widescreen is great and the interface is terrific. It sounds very good as well. BUT, the software. Where to even start. Without going into detail, i spent hour upon hour trying to fix what the Zune software did to my music library. I had Madonna songs show up in Dokken albums seemingly randomly. It was crazy. yet, in Microsoft Media Player, everything was fine. In addition, Zune software give the user little control in labeling songs and albums and often you would type a change in song title or to correct a misplelling, and nothing would change. It was maddening! I would rip a CD using the Zune software and it would literally leave off the 1st song and put it in an unknown artist folder. There is just no excuse for any of this to have happened.

I am not computer illiterate nor am I a computer god, but I can only imagine how someone less savvy might have fared. i know i am not alone as i read account after account of people ready to throw thier Zunes out the window. I finally took back the Zune and boiut the ipod classic. having reallt explored the ipod now, it is a fantastic machine and it's no wonder it is number one. I am not an ipod fanboy but I have been converted. I don;t think the reviewer have given enough weight to how bad the Zune software is. And, as mentioned there is really no content and what is the deal with Zune Pass units. Why not day something is $1 instead of inventing some new money system. it's silly and useless.

Anyone thinking about buying a Zune, i would suggest you do soem searches and read about the frustration experience by so many people. Again, the player itself is fine. I think i will go listen to my ipod now!

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Zune
Feb 26, 2008 4:35PM PST
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ipod vs. zune
Jun 6, 2008 1:22PM PDT

Although the Zune seems to have the advantage in a lot of areas- the built-in radio is a big plus- i am surprised the "sexiness" round went to the Zune. It is a hell of a lot thicker than the iPod, and uglier. It just looks like a big block that would be hard to strap on one's arm for a workout like people do with iPods.
And how exactly does the "multifunctional control pad" on the zune work?

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Zune under the sun?
Jun 7, 2008 11:44AM PDT

i was just wondering how the Zune 80's display was under the sun. Like if it is readable or not.

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Very readable
Jun 8, 2008 12:23AM PDT

If you are in the sun, it is very readable

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iPod vs. Zune
Jun 21, 2008 8:32AM PDT

I had a Creative Zen Micro. When it died last weekend, I ran out and bought an iPod Classic 80 gb. When I tried to download & install iTunes, it wouldn't install. I tried EVERYTHING I could think of, to no avail. After about 4 hours I cried "UNCLE", went back to BestBuy & swapped it out for a Zune 80. I'm happy as a clam!

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160gb
Jul 27, 2008 4:14PM PDT

Heres the thing I really want to get a new mp3 player and Ive always been more attracted to the zune but the problem is this... I HAVE A LOT OF MUSIC!!! so far 160 is the largest out there... my question is this.. is the zune coming out with a 160

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Comparison table
Sep 11, 2008 2:21AM PDT

Hi, I have made a dynamic comparison table of the zune 80, zune 4, ipod and ipod nano. The comparison includes around 70 criterias. It's one of the most complete comparison table available on the internet.
Here's the link http://www.witeria.com/compare/4/

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iPod Classic VS. Zune 80
Sep 12, 2008 4:08PM PDT

The Zune 80 and Zune 120 are portable media player developed by Microsoft in its Zune series of media players. It was announced on October 2, 2007 and was released on November 13, 2007.[1] It, along with the Zune 4 and 8, is part of the second generation of Zune devices. It features music, video, and podcast support, and comes with Wi-Fi and FM Radio. The Zune 120 is part of the third generation of devices. Both Zune 80 and Zune 120 run the Zune 3.0 firmware.

The iPod Classic is a portable media player marketed by Apple Inc. To date, there have been six generations of the iPod Classic, as well as a spin-off (the iPod photo) that was later re-integrated into the main Classic line. All generations use a 1.8-inch hard drive for storage. The "Classic" retronym was introduced with the introduction of the sixth-generation iPod Classic on September 5, 2007 (styled as iPod classic)Sad1] prior to this, iPod Classics were simply referred to as "iPods".
--------------------
Gwen

Guaranteed ROI

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re, iPod Classic VS. Zune 80
Sep 13, 2008 7:37PM PDT

Nup, i just decided to by a large mp3 player, and yes the Zune player has a bigger screen and the wireless syncing if you want those fetures, all I want is a player/storage device with the bare requirements, (by the way I'm not an Apple fan boy I run a PC with Vista) after checking out both I'm going with the 120 gig Ipod classic, why?, here's my reasoning, it's estabished , it's easy to use, the softwares generaly bug free, its got the largest market share for online music, and the final kicker, no way am I buying into a player that "Zune guy" tattoed the logo on his sholder.

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iPod vs Zune
Sep 13, 2008 9:49PM PDT

to Headbusta ... I agree with what you said, but dude ... the $45.00 for 3 months of virtually any song .... I wouldn't trade it for ANY mp3 player that didn't have it. It's a deal breaker!

Hank

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Definately the iPod
Sep 28, 2008 6:37AM PDT

I think the compatability of the iPod is unmatched, and its understated look is much better that the brick of a Zune. Plus the Zune is made by Microsoft, a disaster waiting to happen. It should be no match, for the iPod to destroy the Zune, and who really cares about a FM radio... who listens to the radio anymore anyway? I think that the iPod Classic is far from perfect, but the Zune isn't even close to the iPod's superior design and compatability factor.

An iPod touch HD (hard drive) would be unbeatable, the storage, and the interface... Microsoft would be too ashamed to ever make another Zune against that....

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And the answer is..
Oct 6, 2008 11:11AM PDT

<<<and who really cares about a FM radio? >>>>

Lots and lots of people who work out at a gym where there are several TV's each with the sound off but each rebroadcasting the audio over FM. That's who.

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Use an FM tuner accessory
Oct 6, 2008 12:26PM PDT

Apple makes it's own FM radio accessory, as well as many third party makers. The lack of compatibility is far more important than the loss of a FM radio, which itself is slowly dying to satellite radio.

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zune vs ipod
Oct 13, 2008 5:45AM PDT

Look I own an ipod. I hate the new classics. They lag so baddly because of this new interface. and watching videos on them is a strain on the eyes. I plan on replacing my ipod soon with the Gears of War 2 Zune 120. I have had the 80 gig zune but I have not been able to use it cause of the mac and my pc is gonna be replaced with a high end gaming laptop soon. I like the zune a-lot more for the fast interface the the unlimited subscription service. For what i plan on getting with the zune would cost me a ton through itunes. the zune is going to build up momentum in the mp3 world. just wait.

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Zune 120 or 08
Oct 26, 2008 3:00PM PDT

Hello all,

I am new to the MP3 Scene and purchased a 120 Zune yesterday. I haven't opened it yet because I was trying to decide if I should return it. I see and hear so much about Ipods and everyone in the stores tell me that I should get an ipod because they are easier to use and have more accessories and that the itunes is easier to download music.

Question:
Should I keep the 120 or return it and get the 80? I know that you get the premium headphones with the 80 gig and with the 120 you don't. I priced them out and they cost about $50.00. So now I am already at $300 if I get the premium headphones which I hear you should get.

Also, is there any big difference between the 120 and 80 other than increased memory? The 80 gigs are on sale at alot of places to clear room for the 120's.

Also, where can you go for accessories? I went to several stores and could only find one radio/docking station which cost $99.00.

Lastly, should I get the ipod instead. I am not a mac fan and really want the best product for the value.

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ZUNE
Oct 26, 2008 9:29PM PDT

You're talking about dropping serious coin by the time you add the primo headphones and a docking station ... but with the Zune, you can get a Zune Pass for around $45.00 for 3 months. With that, you can pretty much ANYTHING you want at no extra cost! Compare that against the $0.99 per song at iTunes. Also, the iTunes software is a memory hog. Zune is no peach in the memory consumption arena, but my experience says it's better than iTunes.

I own a Zune 80 gb. I've got a LOT of stuff on it, and haven't filled it yet.

I'd rip that Zune 120 open right away, get the Zune pass and get crankin.

Hank

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Ipod v. ZUne
Oct 27, 2008 4:11AM PDT

Thanks so much for the response. I am so torn between following my better judgment and just following what everyone else says and getting the Ipod. I was thinking that if I get the 80 gig I save more money since I get the fancy headphones with that. What do you think?

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Zune vs. iPod
Oct 27, 2008 5:16AM PDT

My two cents...

If you want the greatest selection of accessories, the iPod cannot be beat. Everybody who makes MP3 player accessories makes them for the iPod. It is much more difficult to find Zune accessories.

If you like the concept of renting unlimited music for a monthly subscription fee, the Zune is what you should buy. But, once you do not want to pay the monthly fee, your music is gone.

I prefer to own my music. I buy CD's and rip them. If there is a better format down the road, I re-rip them. Plus, I like to own the physical product with liner notes, etc. Although, I have purchased a few tracks in the iTunes store (some with, some without DRM) and a few others on the Amazon (DRM-free) MP3 store.

In the end though, they are both very good music players so there really is no bad decision.

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Zune 120
Oct 27, 2008 12:54PM PDT

I think I am just going to keep in and do the same thing in terms of ripping the music from my cd's. I don't want to have to pay every month to listen to music some of which I actually have the cd's for. I do find that Microsoft is not very helpful thus far. I also have Microsoft Sync in my car and called today to ask if the Zune will be compatible and they couldn't answer me. I read somewhere online that the ipod works better with Synch then the Zune. I don't know if that is true, but I guess I will see. I wish there was somewhere to get good advice on the differences between the 120 and the 80. Also, what about getting music from Limewire can you use that on the Zune? I know my niece gets most of her music from Limewire.