iPod vs. iPod vs. Zune

Posted on January 21, 2008
Filed Under Music, Reviews, Technology |

AnandTech has a wonderful and detailed comparison of the iPod Classic, the iPod Touch and the Zune 80. I do mean detailed, at ten pages long you are not likely to find a more well thought out review or comparison and because the iPod Touch shares so much in common with the iPhone there is also more information available than just the 10 pages of the article. So if you were looking at getting a new mp3 player these are some important points to consider for the three devices.

iPod Classic:

  • Design: Nice size - the scroll wheel is the most perfect music control device ever. Chrome back is prone to scratches and fingerprints.
  • User Interface: Near perfect interface for music. Split screen design is not an improvement over previous generation.
  • Earbuds: Low Quality.
  • Music Store/Software: Very large store for both music and video. Does not have as large of a library of DRM free music as Amazon. Syncs very well with hardware and software. Does not follow windows UI design, but works on Windows, Mac and there are hacks for Linux.
  • Storage/Price: The 80GB version is similar to Zune option. Has a 160GB option also. Can be used as an USB drive.
  • Audio Quality: Player quality is about the same - Zune market place however has option for higher bit rate encoded music.
  • Video Quality: High pixel count but screen is to small to be usable.
  • Battery Life: Best battery life more music, with over 30 hours continuous play. Has 6 hour life for video.
  • Other Notes: After six generations is the most refined music player. Lacks in other areas.




iPod Touch:

  • Design: Very thin. Large screen. Chrome back is prone to scratches. Chrome Back and large touch screens are fingerprint magnets. Headphone Jack could be better placed. Touch screen is not ideal for fine controls.
  • User Interface: Touch screen means a slightly different interface. Not always better for navigation but does allow for superior PDA functions.
  • Earbuds: Low Quality
  • Music Store/Software: Very large store for both music and video. Does not have as large of a library of DRM free music as Amazon. Syncs very well with hardware and software. Does not follow windows UI design, but works on Windows, Mac no known Linux workarounds. iPod Touch has WiFi but no WiFi sync options.
  • Storage/Price: Uses flash storage - has the smallest storage space at the highest price tag (1/10th storage space of iPod Classic models with a higher pricetage). Can not be used as an USB storage drive.
  • Audio Quality: Player quality is about the same - Zune market place however has option for higher bit rate encoded music.
  • Video Quality: Largest screen of the group, however has lower contrast and brightness than other two options.
  • Battery Life: Over 20 hours for music on continuous play, over 5 hours for video.
  • Other Notes: Is more or less a media centric PDA. Has support for internet, email and calander that are all very functional thanks to large touch screen.

Zune 80:

  • Design: A little thicker than iPod Classic but thinner than previous generation zune. Touch squircle (square-circle) is not as responsive as scroll wheel. Screen is larger than iPod Classic. Brushed Aluminum back feels flimsy but isn’t. Not as prone to scratches and fingerprints as iPods.
  • User Interface: Very good, almost as easy to navigate as iPod classic. Works better after you are familiar with interface.
  • Earbuds: Much nicer and more comfortable than iPod earbuds - still not head phone quality.
  • Music Store/Software: Smaller catalog of Music. Almost non existent catalog of videos. Has a monthly music pass option. Software doesn’t follow all Windows UI design. Software could be easier to use. Only available for Windows. Has WiFi sync options.
  • Storage/Price: 80GB option similarly prices as iPod Classic. Has no 160GB option. Can not be used as an USB storage drive.
  • Audio Quality: Player quality is about the same - Zune market place however has option for higher bit rate encoded music. Includes better earbuds so out of the box audio experience might be better.
  • Video Quality: Nice sized screen with good contrast and brightness. Lower pixel density might cause noticeable banding.
  • Battery Life: Worst performer of the group. Less than 20 hours for audio on continuous play and less than four hours for video.
  • Other Notes: Fits between iPod Classic and Touch when it comes to the trade off of screen real estate and fine music control. Social features are not as impressive due to low adoption rate of technology.

If you are looking at buying one of these and don’t know which one you want, do yourself a huge favor and read the amazing Anadtech review and comparison.
http://www.anandtech.com/gadgets/showdoc.aspx?i=3204&p=1

Comments

2 Responses to “iPod vs. iPod vs. Zune”

  1. Meglet on April 29th, 2008 10:21 am

    I love the Zune and I had an I-pod and it broke twice and the Zune has not broke yet and its a lot more durable! Get a zune

  2. justin on May 22nd, 2008 4:15 pm

    i like the ipod more than the zune, but the zune is not as bad as some other portable media players. By the way the ipod touch can be used as a hard drive

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