Microsoft Zune 30 GB

Advantages iPod Ecosystem, New Interface, anodised case. Zune larger screen, Fm Radio
Disadvantages iPod smaller Screen, easily scratched case. Zune basic funionality, poor software

...'s. This could be until now!! Back on November 14th 2006 Microsoft brought out a brand of digital music players called ZUNE. The players came in 3 colours, Black, Pearl White and Rich Brown, had a 30gb HDD, 3" LCD Screen and offered the playback of music and videos, the ability to view pictures, FM radio and also on a limited bases share files wirelessly with the Xbox 360 and other Zune players. Cases are made from silicone rubber and feature what is known as a doubleshot effect. This is produced by painting the inside of the case a different colour then the outside. The two-tone look is quite impressive and looks great. Controls are not touch-sensitive like the iPod but offer a circular controller with four buttons for direction as well as a middle button to select a song etc. The user interface is definitely the Zune's strong point. intuitive... Read review

Advantages Cheap, durable, High quality music, not an iPod
Disadvantages A bit big, some people may not like the nav buttons

...This is a very good choice for a very good value, top end video / mp3 player. Can I also say, once you update the Zune with the official microsoft update, the software of the Zune is updated so it is exatley the same as the new one, along with the PC software. My decision After I broke my Creative Zen Vision: M I was faced with a choice of getting an iPod or a Zune. In the end I settled for a Zune and I'll tell you why. How it looks The looks of the Zune may not be its strong point, however I like its simple design. There are some interesting colours, I've got a brown sort of colour which goes green at the edges in light. It has almost a rubbery feel to it, its does not have a glossy / shiny surface like the ipod. This is a good point as it is difficult to scratch, and easier to keep clean - so it still looks like it is in mint... Read review

Advantages Easy to use, great headphones, Fantastic build quality and screen
Disadvantages Only a 30gb hard drive, slightly buggy PC software.

...pass subscription. On the subject of the Zune Pass, I believe it is a great way to collect music. You can download as much music as you can handle, and can play it as often as you like (Until your Pass runs out, that is. Once you have built up a collection of music you wish to add to your Zune, you will need to synchronize to it. If you do not specify a bit-rate that your Zune will use, it puts the media straight on. This takes a normal length of time - about an hour to fill it up. However, if you do run out of space on the mere 30 GB hard drive, you will need to convert songs to a lower bit rate. Conversion can take some time, but is reduced by the ZMP converting 2 songs at a time. If converting the maximum amount of songs possible on your Zune, it can take a full day to convert everything. So the Zune is finally filled up with music... Read review