My second iPod is dead. Now that I am in the market for an Mp3 player, I have been looking at Zune as well as Apple. My question for those that have experienced both, what are your opinions? Pros and cons? I admit, I’m kind of leaning towards trying out Zune, cause the unlimited access pass sounds interesting.
In short, while I could, and have looked at reviews, I would trust all your opinions more than a random reviewer.
I’ll ask this in seeking clarification: What do you ultimately want to do with whatever personal media player you procure?
If you get one, then I’ll know two people with a Zune. Make of that what you will.
Nothing fancy really. I don’t need something huge, but I would like something sturdy. I mostly used my iPod for working out, playing it on my xbox360, and doing yard work, but not for anything like playing in my car. Also, while I don’t usually store a large amount of music on my iPod, I do have a large database of music, so my other concern is organizing it all. So basically, longevity, sturdiness, and ability to organize my music. If it will last longer than my ipods, then I am willing to pay a little bit more.
That doesn’t bother me. While popularity is sometime a testament for quality, it is not always so.
Probably the best way to find out what is the most durable is to ask an employee at a local retailer what the feedback is like. Keep in mind if the qty’s sold in relationship to qty’s returned.
The biggest change in the last few years is the switch to flash drives rather than hard drives. Hard drives are much more susceptible to damage than flash drives. I don’t know what models you had before but if they were hard drive models I am sure you will get much better longevity with the flash, the downside is less storage than hard drive models.
It also depends what type of storage you need. Both Ipods and Zunes have 16 gb players available. I don’t have a Zune so but if all you need is a mp3 the Zune is a little cheaper and if you would use the unlimited subscription thing that could be the deciding factor. I don’t think there is really a significant difference in durability but without a Zune I can’t be 100%.
Another option to consider is a iTouch or the upcoming Zune HD. The iTouch comes in a 32 gb model if size is critical. It is at least worth considering since the Touch has the majority of the App store at its disposal. Also it has never been a better time to get into an iPhone. 
I just have a little bit of information to add:
My husband bought a Sony mp3 after his iPod died. He raves about the battery lifetime. However, he hasn’t been able to download our Audible audiobooks on it. (I think it’s a Sony/Amazon thing.) Fortunately, he only listens to music and podcasts.
Since I listen to Audible audiobooks and haven’t had any problems with my iPod, I’m going to stick with the iPod.
I asked a co-worker with a Zune what she liked about it compared to the iPod, and she mumbled something about it being able to play video. This was just about the time the new generation of video-capable Nanos came out, which I don’t think she realized existed. I’m still using my 2ndGen(?) iPod Nano, and have for 2 1/2 years with no problems.
Now, what’s the deal with the all-access pass? Do you pay for a subscription that allows you to download unlimited music? This could definitely be a deal-maker if the only real difference between the two products is popularity due to marketing.
Thanks for the advice, Uchiha Daisuke. I have a friend that owns an itouch, but it is a little more than what I am looking for. Basically, I just need something reliable and tough with a few gigs, though the option to play video would be nice. I am going to look more into it, since I won’t be able to afford buying a new one for a few months. I have to pay for vehicle repairs right now.
Glimfeather, basically, from what I understand is that for fifteen bucks you can rent unlimited amount of music for the month. This would be great for parties, or just trying out new bands. I don’t care for how itunes handles previewing songs.
Quite true. They often pick the most random :30 to preview. I usually just look the song up on YouTube. If it doesn’t have a music video, someone’s usually made a mash-up.
My husband and I both have a Zune. I love mine, but I have never tried an iPod so I can’t give a comparison. I like that if I listen to a podcast or song that I want to share with my husband I can send it to him from the zune. I think it’s neat-o.
Huh. The iPhone/Touch just added that feature. I guess that’s why.
if you’re having durability issues, then maybe you should get an mp3 player without a harddisk. I’d recommend an iPod nano (more durable than the touch).
You also should get a case for it. I bought a nano a few years ago and still use it even though I have an iPhone (what i’m trying to say is it still works) and i’ve put it through some abuse.
i have to say i own a Ipod shuffel and i have had it for 6 months at work in a very dirty and bump ridden job. so far no issues. where as the guy on my crew with a zune is on his 3rd so if you take it into extreamly dusty places think ipod.
I’ve been looking for a new MP3 player myself. My research led me to either a Samsung P3 or a Sansa View. I decided to go with the Samsung. The 32gb version isn’t out until next week. I will hopefully have it then and I will report back
Most of you know I am an Apple fan. I had the original Ipod that I only replaced when I about reached its 1000 song limit. It still worked when I bought what is now called an Ipod classic (80 video original model). Now I hope I am not jinxing myself but it is still working well after being dropped and banged around. I am not sure why so many people have problems with breaking their iPods. I have not moved to the iPod touch because I need the 80 space. I have a Mac so the interface to iTunes ad my computer is very easy. I do not know how well it works with the non Macs. Sometimes I have to rebout it when it gets locked up but that only happens a few times in a year.
my ipod just plugged right into my PC and this thing is an OLD dinosaur its a celeron for gods sake. and yeha Itunes + Ipod no problems. my wife has some sony hunk of whatever it its battry life is good but it has alot of outher issues. includeing not talking to Itunes very well.
I’m disappointed no one mentioned Creative Zen. They are usually cheaper than an Ipod (though mine is over 2 years old now), have decent battery life, and it’s software doesn’t involve Itunes.
Anyway, that’s my 2 cents.
just thought I would add…
any day now Zune will release there competitor to the touch and it looks like a very strong competitor… but as usual the ipod has some pretty solid rumors that there next generation touch and possibly there nano will include a camera, which makes it my next purchase (if its true?) but if your in the market I would wait until both companies put out there christmas product lines. and then decide,
just 2 more cents from me
I think it boils down to preference. I’m not a big Apple fan yet, I own and like my iphone for the most part.
My wife and kids all wanted Zunes, over the ipod. In terms of durability. Well in 2 years, my poor Iphone has met the cement a couple of times without a protective case. Despite dropping it I have had no issues aside from cosmetic, (little scuff mark on the corner where it landed…twice).
On the flip side, my 18 yr step daughter had the 30Gig Zune. She dropped it last year while while walking to school and, the dang thing worked for a little bit and died the next day. Microsoft support has been a pain in the butt to work with and it would be cheaper to buy a new unit rather then get another Zune. My wife has the 8 gig Zune and has not had any problems with it, same thing with my 13yr who also has the 30Gig.
So in short; “It’s 6 in one, half dozen in the other.”
My first iPod, a 4th gen, only broke once, when it was playing and my cats knocked it to the hardwood floor. It would skip during songs. Mine was an old Apple through HP model, so HP gave me a refurb in exchange and it worked great for years. I had that model for 3 or 4 years.
I tried to replace it with a Creative Zen 40GB at one point, but the thing was not only a total scratch magnet, I just wasn’t satisfied with it. It was decent overall, but I never felt like it made updating and organizing my music very easy. Also, it was a total scratch magnet. I carried it around in its soft case all the time, and it still attracted scratches like a scratch magnet. Did I mention scratches?
Anyway, my 4G 20GB iPod finally kicked the bucket last December, which was good timing because I was flush with Christmas cash. I turned around and bought the iPod Classic (120GB) because I’m more concerned about storage than new ways to spend money and waste time. I also immediately purchased an acrylic case to protect it, because it also has scratch-attractive properties, and I couldn’t be happier with my new iPod since. My son has pulled it off an end table and onto the floor (causing me, and in turn him, great distress), but it still works great, I absolutely love iTunes as a music management program, and it just has that great Apple design aesthetic to it. Also, even with a bulky acrylic case, it’s still no bigger than my old one, and without it is darn slim. And I still have nearly 80GB of room. Just gotta keep buying those special edition DVDs that give me a free digital copy. Can’t wait to watch Star Trek on the go.
So yeah, I prefer iPods. My only complaint is that I can’t tag tracks, though tagging 4500 songs would probably drive my wife insane.