Considering a Zune HD... or iPod Touch... What to Get?

[QueBert]

Hmm... still haven't been swayed, really, one way or another. Several good questions have been raised.

1. Are there any apps I should care about losing access to, if I select a Zune over an iPod Touch?

the official Marketplace apps are pretty poor, if apps are important you to look into the Home Brew scene. I like PGR a bit, chess is fun, but the rest are pretty shitty. This is a media player and works really well for music and movies, I haven't touched the home brew stuff yet so I can't really comment on it.

2. iTunes versus the Zune Software... is one being more actively, well, developed/enhanced by the developer than another?

They both do essentially the same thing, I'm use to iTunes so I like it better. Not saying it's better, but it's what I'm use to so I'm comfortable with it. Both do some things I really don't like. If you're going to be working with a lot of playlists I find iTunes to be much more powerful. But for basic playlists and everything else they both work pretty much identically.

3. For those who have Zunes, does the more cumbersome volume control remain that way, or does it become natural to control it once you're used to it?

It doesn't take long to adjust, even with physical buttons on my Touch, I used the Pocket Touch app to control my volume. Zune HD's volume control is very close to P.T. And with PT I could do my volume control without looking at the screen which was awesome. I flick up/down anywhere on the screen and the volume changes, same with right/left for tracks. Not sure how anyone wouldn't like this over physical buttons.

 

[simonizor]

It depends on what you're interested in. The iPod has a lot more potential when it comes to applications and functionality. After you jailbreak your iPod, you can do even more, like have multiple applications running at the same time. There are a lot of cool games for the Ipod touch (if you jailbreak it you can play snes, nes, etc); I'm not sure what the scene is like on the ZuneHD.

If you think you'd use HD radio a lot, and you're not really that interested in applications (there are still applications, just not the variety that the iPod touch has), then the ZuneHD might be for you.

 

[Rottie]

one more thing Steve Job said that ios 4.0 will have more new features for itouch so who knows it is far superior than zune hd?

 

[Eluros]

Well, I've been going back and forth. I downloaded and played with the Zune software; it's much better than iTunes, and I like it a lot. I would absolutely purchase a Zune, except for the fact that they have a closed-door policy about applications-- which is, ironically, the kind of behavior I normally expect from Apple. I use Windows computers (and even run a Ubuntu computer) because I see potential value in their openness; I don't have a Mac, because the proprietary nature of the software and hardware conflicts with, I guess, my values/beliefs about IT. However, the Zune and iPod Touch seem to be in reverse to the desktop/laptop computing philosophies of the companies. I'm leaning heavily toward the iPod Touch at this point. I'll continue hunting for bargains, though, and it's still possible that I could learn some vital information that will change/confirm my thoughts. Thanks for all the great feedback in this thread!

 

[QueBert]

Well, I've been going back and forth. I downloaded and played with the Zune software; it's much better than iTunes, and I like it a lot. I would absolutely purchase a Zune, except for the fact that they have a closed-door policy about applications-- which is, ironically, the kind of behavior I normally expect from Apple. I use Windows computers (and even run a Ubuntu computer) because I see potential value in their openness; I don't have a Mac, because the proprietary nature of the software and hardware conflicts with, I guess, my values/beliefs about IT. However, the Zune and iPod Touch seem to be in reverse to the desktop/laptop computing philosophies of the companies. I'm leaning heavily toward the iPod Touch at this point. I'll continue hunting for bargains, though, and it's still possible that I could learn some vital information that will change/confirm my thoughts. Thanks for all the great feedback in this thread!

Unless you're going to manually sync a ton of new songs all the time the software shouldn't be much of a selling point. With both my Touch & Zune HD I don't even touch the software any more. I set up smart playlists for both, and when I I hook up either BOOM it syncs. At best I might actually get into one or the other on a rare ossasion I want to make a change to one of my playlists. For playing music on my PC I use Winamp which kicks the crap out of both IMHO. I personally like iTunes much more, but still bought a Zune HD because I knew after a few days I'd never technically see the software again.

 

[Deeko]

I actually use the Zune software quite a bit. To be fair, I have a Zune Pass, so I'm using the marketplace a lot, and since I'm using the software as much as I am, I just use it as my main media player on my computer too.

Eluros - its a tough decision, but ultimately, i think you'll be happy with either device.

 

[Nebor]

I think the Zune 4.0 software is amazing, and totally blows away iTunes and WMP. It's SO pretty. Looks great on the HTPC in the living room too. The rating system does suck.

I've thought about getting a Zune HD, but I think I'll just hold out with my WM 6.5 phone for a WM 7 phone.

 

[tdawg]

Windows Media Center should sync the best with the Zune HD. I tried it with Vista and a Zune 30 and it didn't work that well, but of any device, the Zune will be the most compatible with Windows Media Center in Windows 7. Likely no ipod will be supported to sync with WMC and very few devices will sync with WMC.

Personally, I really want a Zune HD, but can't justify having both a Zune HD and a Nexus One (even though the N1 sucks at media playback).

 

[Eluros]

Well, the consensus I'm getting-- from this and other forums-- is that I would be happy with either type of device. I'll keep bargain-shopping, and will let you guys know when I make a purchase. Until then, I still really appreciate all the feedback!

 

[darkswordsman17]

I'm not sure about the Zune's sound quality, but I can't stand the ipod touch's sound. I've only used my brothers for a couple hours, but using the same good headphones I use on my mp3 player, the ipod touch sounds pretty awful IMO. I have yet to find an Apple device that actually sounds good to my ears. Of course, all ears are different.

The issue is that some people don't like the cleaner/drier sound they offer compared to some other players. They actually measure better than a lot of players too (I believe one of the few players that don't have a lot of bass roll-off with low impedance earphones, although since the sound is more balanced and there's not a mid-bass boost, most people have a perceived lack of bass when coming from other players).

I owned a second gen and thought it sounded great, but I have an affinity towards that type of sound.

If I'm not mistaken, and as Quebert pointed out, the ZuneHD tends towards a similar sound. Sound quality should be fine on both.

They're both a bit lacking in their standard players options (EQ, etc). Not sure if there are any good Apps that offer better options, so if you're used to using extras like that, you might not be happy with either.

Well, the consensus I'm getting-- from this and other forums-- is that I would be happy with either type of device. I'll keep bargain-shopping, and will let you guys know when I make a purchase. Until then, I still really appreciate all the feedback!

I would agree that you would likely enjoy either one, of course that doesn't help in making a decision on which one to go for.

 

[Pliablemoose]

http://www.cowboom.com/store/produc...gn=cb-6-8&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cowboom http://www.midnightbox.com/?dealboxtabs=0 http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC086LL/A?mco=MTcxMzIwNTM

 

[slackerinabox]

I bought my zune hd on launch day and it's a great media player but not much else. My wife misses apps and I'll be getting her an ipod touch shortly to replace the zune..

 

[Capt Caveman]

OP - do you game? I don't know about the Zune. But the iPod has lots of games available.

 

[Eluros]

I game quite a bit, but if I'm going to play, I'll likely just hop on my PC. I never ride as a passenger (I'm always the driver), so I don't need portable gaming.

Some of the other apps would be nice, but I've decided that they aren't dealbreakers.

I ended up purchasing a Zune from a link that Pliablemoose provided above. It is refurbished, but only $130, and should suit my needs quite nicely. However, it doesn't exclude me from getting an iPod Touch (or prevent this topic from being useful), as I might sell the Zune and make a profit to someone nearby, if I think I'm able. Entrepreneurship makes the world go 'round. ;-)

 

[Deeko]

Yea, that was a pretty killer deal.

 

[Eluros]

I know, I know... so, I cancelled my Cowboom purchase. It's only slightly cheaper than a new one of the same make/model, so I decided that, if I'm going to purchase one, it will either need to be new or have a really steep discount.

In other words, I'm still bargain hunting. Will update you all if I find something! I'm definitely leaning much more Zune-ish, since I love the software and doubt I'll be using many apps. We'll see how it works.

 

[slackerinabox]

I know, I know... so, I cancelled my Cowboom purchase. It's only slightly cheaper than a new one of the same make/model, so I decided that, if I'm going to purchase one, it will either need to be new or have a really steep discount.

In other words, I'm still bargain hunting. Will update you all if I find something! I'm definitely leaning much more Zune-ish, since I love the software and doubt I'll be using many apps. We'll see how it works.

Apple refurbs are great deals and include the full apple warranty