Zune 80GB or iPod Classic 80GB

[Mikee99]

I am probably the only 21 year old without an MP3 player.

I'm interested in either an iPod Classic 80GB, or a Zune 80GB. I have been leaning on getting a Zune for a while now, mostly because of the great things I read about the hardware. Mostly, people praise the Zune's hardware for being durable, and well-built. That is important for a device that you will be carrying around everywhere. With iPods, I have personally seen them become very scratched and damaged easily. For this reason, I was leaning on the Zune. In addition, I like the built-in FM radio feature, and I'm not a fan of iTunes.

However, in many Zune reviews I've read, people have always complained about the Zune software. Today, I have decided to download the Zune software, and give it a try.

My impression of the software: The Zune software is, IMO, one of the worst software applications I have ever used! It looks nice, but man, this software has the usability equivalent of taking a giant dump in your hand and pretending it's a mouse!

This software makes absolutely no sense at all. No drag and drop support, and very confusing menus really break it. I've read that people have lots of syncing issues with it. After using it, I am completely unsurprised. An absolute shame -- great hardware that is completely gimped because of idiotic software. And, of course they won't let you use Windows Media Player, an application which actually WORKS WELL! Honestly, WHAT WHERE THEY THINKING?!?

I don't like iTunes, but at least it works well and is very functional. So, here is my main question about iPod Classics: Are they durable? I know they don't have a built-in radio, which is a shame, but I think at this point I would be willing to sacrifice that feature for actual usability of the software. Also, how are the headphones on the iPods compared to the Zune? From what I read, the Zune's headphones are a lot better.

Is a Zune software update in the works to, you know, actually make it usable? Is it easy to hack a Zune to work with Windows Media Player 11?

I really appreciate the advice!

Edited July 24, 2008 by John S.
poll added

[Mikee99]

Anybody?

C'mon, there HAS to be someone who uses a Zune or an iPod that can comment on this.

[gaabrysz]

Get Zune and forget about Ipod. I have a Zune 80gb and i love it. The software... well maybe it is not perfect but it's a lot better then Itunes. The headphones that come with Zune are great. I dont know if u can hack Zune to work with WMP. I use Zune software and it's enough for me :)

[Smigit]

I haven't used a Zune so I can't tell you which is better really...but keep in mind iTunes on Windows isn't exactly fantastic either so don't get too hung up on which has the better PC software. I use iTunes to copy files and beyond that I use a seperate media player for everything.

[tsupersonic]

I have used the Zune software before, and while I haven't used it with a Zune, I found the software to be okay for music playback. I hate (absolutely hate) iTunes. It is one of the WORST programs written for Windows. However, with an iPod, there are tons of 3rd party applications you can use to manage your music on your iPod. If you don't use the iTunes music store, I'd go with one of these 3rd party apps.

Wikipedia has a great list of these 3rd party iPod managers. I recommend Sharepod myself, it's free and works great.

So, I guess I'm recommending an iPod to you :)

My personal preference is neither of these, but Archos, but of course, that's in a league of its own.

[MMaster23]

Hmmm ... * remembers a post long long ago...

Ah gots it: http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/21/zaltern...11-itunes-sync/

There you are my friend

[bidel]

Hi dear Mikee99;

I have a 80GB Zune and I'm very happy with it,

My suggestion: Go for It ;)

pros:

- stylish

- wide screen

- high quality of ear-phones

- good enough playback quality

- believe it or not, Zune Software grew on me, but it took time

- Zune pad is more efficient than it shows (I really don't like to do silly round circles in iPod)

- a possible game device in the future!

- configurable desktop image

cons:

- lack of equalizer

although I think the joy of music can be achieved with both of them :cool:

Cheers,

Bidel

[darkmanx21]

I am probably the only 21 year old without an MP3 player.

I'm interested in either an iPod Classic 80GB, or a Zune 80GB. I have been leaning on getting a Zune for a while now, mostly because of the great things I read about the hardware. Mostly, people praise the Zune's hardware for being durable, and well-built. That is important for a device that you will be carrying around everywhere. With iPods, I have personally seen them become very scratched and damaged easily. For this reason, I was leaning on the Zune. In addition, I like the built-in FM radio feature, and I'm not a fan of iTunes.

However, in many Zune reviews I've read, people have always complained about the Zune software. Today, I have decided to download the Zune software, and give it a try.

My impression of the software: The Zune software is, IMO, one of the worst software applications I have ever used! It looks nice, but man, this software has the usability equivalent of taking a giant dump in your hand and pretending it's a mouse!

This software makes absolutely no sense at all. No drag and drop support, and very confusing menus really break it. I've read that people have lots of syncing issues with it. After using it, I am completely unsurprised. An absolute shame -- great hardware that is completely gimped because of idiotic software. And, of course they won't let you use Windows Media Player, an application which actually WORKS WELL! Honestly, WHAT WHERE THEY THINKING?!?

I don't like iTunes, but at least it works well and is very functional. So, here is my main question about iPod Classics: Are they durable? I know they don't have a built-in radio, which is a shame, but I think at this point I would be willing to sacrifice that feature for actual usability of the software. Also, how are the headphones on the iPods compared to the Zune? From what I read, the Zune's headphones are a lot better.

Is a Zune software update in the works to, you know, actually make it usable? Is it easy to hack a Zune to work with Windows Media Player 11?

I really appreciate the advice!

I went through all the same motions as you. I had an iPod before, needed a new player to stay on point with my ever growing library.

I decided on the Zune for these reasons: 1. It felt better in my hands. 2. The bigger screen is really useful (think video podcasts also). 3. Radio (for tuning into the TV at the gym). 4. Bigger font and easier menus. 5. The premium headphones (these are really, really good in comparison to anything Apple includes). They are even magnetized on the ear buds so they don't tangle as easy. 6. Scratch and scuff free (on the back).

The iPod is a proven device, but it doesn't mean it can't improven. The Zune is as good or even better as the iPod 80 on so many levels. The device itself is ****ing fantastic. Has never stalled, crashed, or any of the other things you expect at times. The only thing I "wish" I had more of? Battery life. I can only get 24 hours of play time for mp3's and 4 to 4.5 hours for video (usually around 4). The iPod can do 30 plus, and I heard some people getting 40+ hours out of it. It's not an issue, but 24 vs. 40 hours is something that just makes me scratch my head. The Zune will improve with firmware and what not; they have everytime.

The "squiricle" is pretty good with the touch thing, but it can hit or miss at times.

Now for the software. It's pretty good once you start using it. The only 2 sync issues I have are: 1. Can't read from device. Please try removing it and plugging it again (or something like that). All I do is un-plug it, and plug it back in. Solved. 2. It doesn't sync your Quick List with the software for some odd reason. Those songs have to be manually managed on the device. It's REALLY the only pain I have, but I solved it by making an auto-play list for only the past 2 days. That works perfect, so it's ok.

The software has drag and drop support, just not on EVERY screen. You can't drop pictures if you are browsing music. You can't add music if you are looking for Podcasts. See what I mean? If you are browsing your music and drop a mp3 into the music stack, it shows pretty quick. The software does have issues with tagging and messing up album art, but I've found solutions to all these via mp3tag (this program solved everthing), so it's really a non-issue.

It took me about 4 or 5 days of thinking and trying before I bought my Zune, along with the pros and cons listed above, the iTunes thing kind of killed it for me. I just never caught on with it. People rave about how simple it is, but..well, it didn't really suite me. The Zune software, while maybe not the best, is still a very good software. Just go to Best Buy or whatever and try them both out. Hope this helps.

The guy above beat me to it. Shucks! The EQ is not a problem with the premium ear buds I think.

[Mikee99]

Hi Guys,

Thank you all for the feedback. The Zune's hardware is really enticing me to get one. The thing that I just hated most about the software was the inability to drag and drop from outside into the application. I love Windows Media Player, and I felt completely lost in the Zune application. I really need to play around with it. I feel like I can't find anything while using it.

Did they fix the syncing issues where it would duplicate the files already stored on there?

Apparently, neither the Zune NOR the iPod come with AC adapters. Like WTF? So to charge them, they have to be plugged into a PC while it's on? I have an external USB self-powered Hub, I wonder if that would work.

I do know that Apple may be upgrading the iPods soon, so if I go that route, I would definitely want to wait for the next revision.

[+BeLGaRaTh Subscriber¹]

If I had a preference, I would love get my hands on a Zune, but unfortunately you cannot get them (legally) here in the UK/EU :( Probably why iPods sell so well over here :( I believe they are now on the 2nd generation Zune's everywhere else?

[PL_ Veteran]

I think you'd be happy either way, but I'd go for the iPod as it's supported by more products and Operating Systems. I did have a Zune and had syncing issues a few times, but other than that the extra screen space does make a difference.

[notuptome2004]

Hi Guys,

T

I do know that Apple may be upgrading the iPods soon, so if I go that route, I would definitely want to wait for the next revision.

Well they have already released the next version of the iPod it is called the iPod Touch far and more vastly feature rich then any other MP3 player on the market and far more elegant

[Mikee99]

Well they have already released the next version of the iPod it is called the iPod Touch far and more vastly feature rich then any other MP3 player on the market and far more elegant

If they release an iPod touch with an 80GB HDD, I would be very tempted to go for it.

[BajiRav]

Hi Guys,

Thank you all for the feedback. The Zune's hardware is really enticing me to get one. The thing that I just hated most about the software was the inability to drag and drop from outside into the application. I love Windows Media Player, and I felt completely lost in the Zune application. I really need to play around with it. I feel like I can't find anything while using it.

Did they fix the syncing issues where it would duplicate the files already stored on there?

Apparently, neither the Zune NOR the iPod come with AC adapters. Like WTF? So to charge them, they have to be plugged into a PC while it's on? I have an external USB self-powered Hub, I wonder if that would work.

I do know that Apple may be upgrading the iPods soon, so if I go that route, I would definitely want to wait for the next revision.

Why do you need to drag and drop from outside into the application? Zune will monitor your music folder. Anything you put there should automatically show up in your "collection". I was like you - used to find the software weird. But it has some niceties to it that are really great. You can drag and drop songs on the playlist icon to create new playlists, on CD to burn them and so on. Give it some time and explore. The software is not the greatest but it is not really that bad.

[Mikee99]

Really, the Zune software would be a lot more tolerable if they would allow you to import WMP playlists.

EDIT: I found this site, which solves my problem: http://blog.mikedopp.com/post/2007/10/28/M...-yourself).aspx

Now I don't have do to much for it to see the same music as WMP. After using it now, I'm starting to like it a lot more than I did before.

Edited July 24, 2008 by Mikee99

[notuptome2004]

If they release an iPod touch with an 80GB HDD, I would be very tempted to go for it.

yea i hear ya but for me if i had one 8gig be fine as i dont got alot of music and i do have a few videos to add to it