Anyone here have a Zune?
 

I'm considering getting an MP3 player for my new MazdaSpeed3 and wanted to know if anyone here has any experience with the Microsoft Zune. Yes, I know MS is evil, but I really don't like the iPod and my local appliance store has a sale going on the Zune right now. What do you think? 30GB for MP3s attached to my car stereo via an accessory jack...

Despite being a certified MAC hater, I like my iPods. What don't you like about them?

-Z

Every iPod I've ever seen is scratched up and mine will only be used in the car and I don't want a scratched display. I only have MP3s, no other formats and I don't like the iPod software (iTunes). I would really prefer the Zune, but I'm still in the "pre-purchase research mode". Thanks!

Get a good iPod travel/carry case. My 10 yr old son got a nano for christmas and it still looks new. I freely admit the iPod UI is by far the best. Can't help you with iTunes - it CRASHES constantly on our Windoz box...

I don't have any personal experince, but my Dad works for the company that Microsoft outsourced their online music purchase site to. They have tons of Zunes sitting around that are available for long term borrow (for testing purposes of course). My Dad bought an iPod rather then using a free Zune, and he says very few of the employees use the free Zunes.

Good luck with your purchase.

Get the iPod. If you hate iTunes get Anapod.

http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/ctable.php

Spend $5 and get the clear protective film for the face.

I am very tempted by the Zune myself. I have an old 20GB 2nd generation iPod and want to upgrade, but the postage stamp size video screen on the current iPods seems silly to me. I was hoping they would announce a new iPod video at MacWorld, but we got the iPhone instead, and even that isn't available until summer.

When is the iPod going to catch up to the Zune's screen size? I'm getting tired of waiting...

I've got a 20 gig iPod that is 3 years old. I've beat it to death in the car, run through the PA in my band for break music, played it at work, etc. It's a serious piece of equipment that keeps on going. I'm impressed with it after 3 hard years of service.

There is a reason the iPods are popular...yes, they do scratch (the back of mine scratches just from looking at it), but they are reliable machines.

Yeah, mines been dropped on concrete and severely abused. It's amazingly tough. That's why I'd rather buy another iPod instead of the unproven Zune.

Guys, thanks for the advice, it looks like I'll get the iPod since there are some aftermarket kits to interface it to my Mazda/Bose stereo. I'm going to my local CompUSA (that's closing it's doors soon) to see if I can get a deal on one tomorrow.

there is a reason that MS can't give the Zunes away...

well a lot of reasons. But the main one is that it isn't an iPod. And iPods *are* that good...

I have played with a Zune for couple days and I will say it is as good or better then the Ipod! That being said I would buy a Ipod because the gabillion compatible things that work with it. I think MS was late to the race with the Zune!

Well, the Zune's screen is only a half an inch larger than the iPod.

http://homepage.mac.com/drew1/.Pictu...screensize.jpg

Not to mention that they both share the same aspect ratio (4:3) And even though the Zune's screen is depicted in press photos as being sharper than the iPod's, both have a resolution of 320x240.

I wouldn't buy a Zune or an iPod for the video feature, just like I didn't buy my cell phone because of the camera it has.

Want video, get a portable DVD player or use your laptop. Want music, use an iPod or Zune

My additional $0.42
-Z-man

I use the MP3 player on my Cingular 2125 Smartphone.

I really only care about MP3s. so I am leaning toward the iPod because of all the aftermarket stuff...

I went to the local CompUSA and got 10% off the iPod Video because they are going out of business. I got the Belkin cable that connects the iPod to my car stereo in the MazdaSpeed3, leather case and I should be all set.

I agree, but my wife is a video/techie freak and loves her iPod Video. When the kids are at activities and she has down time while waiting, the iPod Video comes out of her purse and she can watch all the TV she missed during the week or a favorite movie. She's got the 80 GB one and there is plenty of space. On the way home, she plugs the same unit into the car stereo and can listen to it as well.

Very handy for a mom that is running a bit for kid activities. Great little screen to and it's SOOOO portable.

Just my $.02.

Jay