iTouch or Zune HD?

[toronado97]

Hey all, my fiance is in the market for a new MP3 player for her Birthday in a week. She wants an iTouch, but I've also gotten her interested in a Zune HD. We're looking at the 8 and 16 GB versions respectively.

I'm posting to ask what the general opinion is on these two players? She wants to be able to watch videos and play games on it, which they both do. I feel like the iTouch has more functionality in the applications regard, but prefer the Zune for Zune Pass and general media playback, at least from what I've read thus far. Is there really a superior choice here or will she be pleased with either selection?

 

[secretanchitman]

if you want games, the ipod touch is your best bet. the itunes store is superb, but some people detest using itunes for whatever reason. also, some people swear by the zune store, which has the zunepass (amazing!).

either player she picks will be fine, but i think she will more than happy with the touch.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

I've owned a 1st gen iTouch, 3rd gen iTouch, and Zune 120GB, Zune 8GB, and Zune HD. The only one I own now is the 1st gen iTouch because they are all either gifts to the gf / other friends, or used for audio equipment tests.

In my years of owning them I can summarize it in two sections. (Because, like you, most of these media players exchanged hands with my gf, since she was the original receiver of them).

Anyways, if your fiance is of the type that ones to jump around doing all sorts of different things on their portable device, get the iTouch for sure.

If audio quality and video quality are paramount, then Zune HD without a doubt.

My girlfriend is of the type that she wants to be trying something new and excited every week or so. The iTouch was a perfect match for her. I get the iTunes receipt that shows 5-6 new free apps downloaded every week. If it weren't for the plethora of apps available, she probably would have gotten bored with it.

As for me, I own $500 headphones. Audio quality to me, even in portable devices, is paramount. The truth is that compared to Zune, Cowon, and other brands, iTouch audio quality SUCKS.

What I ended up with in the end is the 1st gen iTouch. The player with the worse audio quality with them all. This is only because the other was given to the gf, or given to other people cause its what they wanted.

I don't really like it anymore, but keep it because like many things I choose to settle, and don't often spend money on myself.

 

[randomlinh]

if you want games, the ipod touch is your best bet. the itunes store is superb, but some people detest using itunes for whatever reason.

It's mostly the Windows version. Apple did only an "OK" job in porting over iTunes to windows. It runs pretty crappily on a good number of computers I've seen, and loads services people don't want.

And it is OS X software in Windows, it doesn't fit in. iTunes is much better in OS X, which is a duh. I get my music from various different sources, so iTunes is out until I can tell it to monitor a directory OUTSIDE of iTunes.


To the OP, if games/apps is key, get the ipod touch.

 

[Gooberlx2]

keep in mind that it's likely there will be substantial expansion of available apps when the win7 phones are released. Dunno how many will be compatible with the zunehd...but I would expect a fair number.

 

[dwell]

If you're trying to break up with her, get the Zune.

 

[Anarchist420]

ZuneHD. It's more compatible.

 

[TheWart]

I say go for the ipod touch...the amount of fun games available for it is pretty amazing imo.

Both players do the music/video thing well, so I can't see her being upset with either in that regard, but I think the sheer number+quality of apps for the ipod touch seals the deal.

 

[Deeko]

If she wants more apps, go iPod Touch. If she wants more music, go ZuneHD (Zune Pass). Both are very good devices, but they appeal to different people.

 

[Pliablemoose]

If she wants more apps, go iPod Touch. If she wants more music, go ZuneHD (Zune Pass). Both are very good devices, but they appeal to different people.

this...

 

[toronado97]

Thanks for the help guys. I think I'll get her the iTouch simply because of the huge number of apps available coupled with our current lack of smartphones.