Comparing the Zune and the iPod

Brought to by the iPod Broken Screen Repair experts at Podimus.com

Say hello to the days when you can start enjoying unlimited access to music. Microsoft has already confirmed that its next generation Zune player is due for release in September 2009. Geared up to challenge Apple's iPod Touch, Microsoft zune-s touch screen, Web surfing, high-definition movie and digital radio features are bound to make waves this fall.

The next generation of Microsoft's Zune line has made just the kind of multi-media player tripped out of our dreams. With the basic pre-released features such as 3.3-inch 480x272 oled capacitive touch screen display, built-in radio receiver, HD output via a new dock, and a famed squicircle to complement this multi-touch device, Microsoft Zune HD presents a plethora of touch-friendly applications and games. Boasting an IE based customized browser, it is bound to surprise all tech enthusiasts with its software features.

For instance, Microsoft Zune-s extends its video service to Xbox live. Hence, this will mark a milestone in Zune strategy to bring the Zune brand effectively to more than 17 million international Xbox live subscribers and enthusiasts. Add up its next generation portable media player features, it will be the very first portable media player to include built-in hd radio receiver, organic light emitting diode (oled) touch screen, wi-fi, high-definition video output capabilities and internet browser capabilities. Since the music player is an integral part of the Microsoft Zune HD experience, the product proudly marks a turning point of next generation portable multimedia players in offering cross-platform experiences and premium video content to customers all over the world.

Talking about storage capacities, crucial numbers are yet to be unveiled. However, it seems like such information will be a big piece of news.

Zune vs. iPod: At first look, Microsoft Zune-s gives you a solid, sexy and expensive look, thanks to its slim and sleek appearance. Its angular enclosure perfect compared to the curvy chrome body of iPod Touch, which did not have ergonomic advantage as it is wider and is quite a handful to hold on to. Now let's take a look at Zune oled display. Zune's touch screen is covered with glass; every single button behaves like a normal button. On its top edge, you will find its power button, which also triggers lock screen. An iPhone-like volume rocker is placed on the left edge, which carries a headphone jock and the Zune dock. Actually, it used the same Wolfson dac that is popularized by the previous Zune models.

On the output specs, Zune is designed to support 720p video content, with software that can directly be purchased at the Zune marketplace software. It also ushers the return of eq, running an Nvedia tegra chip. Though nothing is fancy in this regard, knowing that your portable media player can face a few of presets, such as acoustic, rock, hip-hop and so more, with no user setting is sure good news.

Now let's talk about value. Some stores have leaked the pre-order pricing of Microsoft zune-s to be $220 for 16GB Zune hd and $290 for 32 GB Zune hd. This gives about a $79 value on its 16GB model and about $109 for its 32 GB model. These make Zune cheaper than iPod Touch. Feature by feature, iPod Touch may closely compete with Microsoft zun hd but Zune's pricing advantage sets the big difference.

Phineas Duru is a distinguished consumer advocate on numerous consumer products including Microsoft Zune-s . He has helped many consumers save money by being better informed about their options. For his most recent recommendations visit Microsoft Zune-s.

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