|
 |
Zune
By Evan Parker, Staff Writer
With the portable music market expanding exponentially, eight
years after the first digital audio player was released, it is quite
obvious to suggest that Apple has struck gold, time and time again
with the iPod. Bill Gates will have none of it. The Zune is
Microsoft's first venture into the digital audio player market.
There are many comparisons to be made between the Zune and iPod
video. Both play a variety of audio and video formats, both have
exclusive software applications in the form of Zune and iTunes and
both allow you to download tracks and albums priced at 99 cents and
(about) $9.99 for most albums.
Yet the most significant difference
between these two portable audio devices would be their size. The
Zune is slightly larger and heavier than the 30GB iPod video. This
larger size, as well as more efficient use of space for button
layout, allows the Zune its large screen. The 3-inch screen, while
still displaying the same resolution as the iPod video (2.5"
screen), makes viewing videos more enjoyable on the Zune in wide
screen format.
The controls on the Zune are arranged
much like the iPod's, but function differently. Instead of a touch
sensitive scroll wheel, the Zune implements a mechanical button
layout, with a circular directional pad, a center "select" button
and two satellite buttons. This mechanical control allows for
slightly more accurate item selection, however it is a little less
interactive and feels less… "Neat" than the iPod.
Virtually the only new feature that
the Zune introduces is the ability to transfer "demo" songs to other
Zunes in the vicinity, however these songs will only be able to play
three times or over three days -whichever comes first-and then they
will remain flagged for purchase on the Zune music store. This
feature will allow you to interact more with other Zune users.
The sound quality is definitely
better than lower priced digital audio players, and it is comparable
to the iPod's sound quality. The iPod and the Zune share the
spotlight in this category. Both the iPod and the Zune play the
usual audio formats including mp3 and AAC, as well as each company’s
own proprietary format. The only video format the Zune is able to
play is Windows Media Video. If you have video on your computer in a
different format, then there are free conversion tools online that
will convert virtually any format into WMV. In order to fit the
screen better, each video is also processed in the correct video
resolution to display properly on the screen.
The size of the two players are
comparable, however the iPod holds a noticeable advantage. The
casing of the Zune is composed of two layers of different colored
plastic. Depending on which color you choose the inner (and most
noticeable) layer is brown, white, or black, while the outer layer
is green, clear, or blue, respectively, around the edges of the
player. This gives a nice "halo" effect to the Zune. The interface
of the Zune is cosmetically superior to the iPod's, however the
iPod's navigation system is simpler and more direct.
The Zune software, like the player’s
interface, is cosmetically appealing. Behind the curtains it is very
similar to iTunes in that it allows you to purchase and download
songs and albums to your computer. One feature that iTunes has yet
to introduce, but that we have seen in many applications such as
Napster and Rhapsody, is the ability to download any of over a
million songs and transfer them to your Zune. This is one of my
favorite features, and might be the one to put you over the edge and
into Zune territory. Zune is compatible with the Windows XP
operating system and will also be available for Windows Vista when
it releases.
While choosing between the Zune and
the iPod (if you don't already have an iPod), remember that it all
depends on what player best fits your needs. If you aren't really
excited about the Zune's wireless features and don't need a huge
screen, get the iPod. However, if you are looking for a player with
a pleasurable interface, great features, wireless song transfers and
an all-you-can-eat download and tranfer service, definitely swing
for the Zune.
|
