Comparing IPod and Zune

Apple's iPod and Microsoft's Zune are two of the best MP3 players available. Each has its benefits and problems, but which one is better? Maybe you've done a little looking around, maybe you haven't. In either case, I've done all the research for you and compiled it into a neat package. If you're torn between purchasing an iPod or a Zune, read on and make an informed decision.

Before I get into the pros and cons of each, let me illustrate what they have in common. Each one plays music, displays pictures and plays videos. They both use a USB connection to interact with your computer. The iPod and Zune can play JPG, MPG, MP3, MP4, M4A, M4B and MOV files. This means that on the surface, they both do the same thing, basically.

Here's where things may get a little confusing. There are a lot of different areas to compare so I'll list them as they come to me. The iPod has five different models, the Classic, Mini, Nano, Shuffle, and Touch. Each has a range of storage capabilities. The smallest of them, the Shuffle, has 512 MB of storage (about 120 songs), while the Classic has up to 160 GB (about 40,000 songs). Figure each GB of storage will hold around 250 songs. Each model has several generations of production behind it and comes with various amounts of storage. The Zune comes in 4, 8, 30 and 80 GB models. Apple gives you about a dozen different storage options while Microsoft only provides 4. When it comes to size and storage options, iPod wins easily.

Zune screen sizes range from 1.8" on the Zune 4 and 8 GB up to 3.2" on the Zune 80. iPod screens vary from 2inches with the Nano 3GB all the way up to 3.5" on the new Touch. All of the screens are LCD with a resolution of 320 x 240, except for the iPod Touch which has a resolution of 480 x 320. Every screen has 16-bit color and utilizes 30 frames per second. In this area, these two competitors are nearly equal, but the iPod Touch comes out slightly ahead with its larger screen and better resolution.

When it comes to syncing up with your computer and transferring music there are some subtle but important differences. Each can use USB 2.0 connections. Every Zune model can utilize a wireless connection while only the iPod Touch has that ability. Zune is not compatible with Linux, Mac OS-10, OS-9, Windows 2000 or earlier versions. iPods aren't compatible with Linux, Mac OS-9, or any Windows version prior to Win2000. This is important to know, especially if your computer uses an operating system that isn't compatible with the MP3 player you're considering. When it comes to operating systems compatibility, I have to lean towards iPod again, although Zune can also be used with the Xbox 360.

Apple has an on-line music and media store called iTunes Store. From here, you can purchase songs, videos, podcasts and movies. Most of these purchases can only be played using an iPod, but if you pay a little extra you can get un-encrypted materials as well. There are several technologies that iPod cannot play, including protected WMA files, like those used by Zune. Zune utilizes the Zune Marketplace. Like the iTunes Store, Marketplace is an on-line store offering songs videos. Although podcasts and movies aren't available, Marketplace offers a monthly subscription of $15 that allows you unlimited downloads. Unfortunately, these can't be burned to a CD and can't be accessed once your subscription lapses. Marketplace also offers something called Microsoft Points. This program allows you to buy points that can be put towards purchasing downloads. Each on-line store still gives you the option of purchasing on a by-song or by-album basis. The iTunes Store currently has over 6 million songs, 65,000 podcasts, 10,000 videos, nearly 400 television shows, 20,000 audio books, more than 500 movies and 14 games available for purchase and download. Right now, Zune Marketplace has about 3 million songs. It also has videos and podcasts, but much fewer than iTunes. As far as television shows and movies, Zune Marketplace still lags far behind its competition. This is another area that iPod excels over Zune.

Here is a quick breakdown of some other characteristics. Zune has a built-in FM tuner, but there are several accessories available to add FM to iPods. Speaking of accessories, iPod has a multitude of accessories from various companies while Zune has hardly any. iPods are available world-wide; Zune has no plans to expand beyond U.S. borders. You can play games on an iPod but not a Zune. In a pinch, iPods can function as hard drives while Zunes cannot. Several automobile manufacturers have added iPod interfaces to their vehicles, no such designs are in the works for Zune; the same holds true with stereo makers. Also, there are now a handful of airlines with iPod connections onboard, no such luck for Zune. There are also several governments that use iPods for communications and training devices.

It all boils down to this. Apple iPods have a much larger share of the market and are readily acceptable in most industries. They are compatible with more operating systems than Microsoft Zunes and can do more things. If you're giving an MP3 player as a gift this holiday season, consider this. It's much easier and cheaper to upgrade to another iPod than it is to switch over to a Zune. While prices for comparable products are similar, Apple offers a much wider selection to meet anyone's budget or needs. The Zune is a relative newcomer to the MP3 market, having come out only in the last couple of years while iPods have dominated the market since they emerged around 2001. Maybe one day Zune will be able to compete with iPod but as it stands they aren't much competition. If you're trying to decide between an iPod or a Zune, its better to go with the proven performer: iPod.