• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

iPod or Zune??

L

lodingi

2[H]4U
Joined
Aug 24, 2003
Messages
2,199
Hello everyone. I'm going to purchase either the iPod or the Zune next week. I'm going for the 30 gig model. I don't want to start a flame war. If anyone has experience with both products, I'd sure like to hear your comments. Thanks for your help.
 
The iPod is a far more matured product, as it is in its 6th generation and clearly the most popular mp3 player ever.

There are piles of 1st and 3rd party accessories and everyone and their mom has one.

The zune introduces some interesting features but the implementation is generally poor and it just doesn't work that well as a whole, whereas the iPod always works and isn't any slouch in the feature department.
 
I like my Zune. I came from an iPod and I like the interface on the Zune much better.

Frankly you should go to a store that has both out and try both of them. See what interface you like better and pick that one.

The Zune software has been flawless for me and itunes has been buggier for me than the Zune software in its latest update (even though apple claims they have fixed the issues, they still remain on all 3 of my PCs...)

Pick which unit you like better and go with it. For me the Zune interface is awesome and what I am now keeping after using both for extended durations :)
 
Both are pretty good products for listening to music. As stated above the iPod is more matured product with access to more accessories.

You are required to use their software (Zune and iTunes) to transfer media onto the DAP. There are third party alternatives to transferring music to the iPod. I don't know if there are any alternatives for the Zune. This shouldn't be a big deal unless you prefer the drag and drop approach via hard disk.

The one major difference I would consider is the use of the DAP as a portable hard drive. The iPod allows this option whereas the Zune does not from my understanding. I remember shortly after launch there was a way to get the Zune to act as a portable hard disk via a registry hack. The hack sucks since hard disk mode is only limited to the computers that have been hacked. Things may have changed now, so don't take my word for it.
 
Grentz said:
I like my Zune. I came from an iPod and I like the interface on the Zune much better.

Frankly you should go to a store that has both out and try both of them. See what interface you like better and pick that one.

The Zune software has been flawless for me and itunes has been buggier for me than the Zune software in its latest update (even though apple claims they have fixed the issues, they still remain on all 3 of my PCs...)

Pick which unit you like better and go with it. For me the Zune interface is awesome and what I am now keeping after using both for extended durations :)
Click to expand...

Good stuff. I do plan on going to the store and playing with them before I purchase. Since you have used both I am wondering what makes you prefer the Zune at this point. Is it just the interface & software? What about audio quality, reliability, ease of use etc. I am a PC owner. Is the iPod geared more for Macs or does it not matter? Thanks again.
 
I would add the Creative Zen Vision M to your search. It is bassically a 5.5 gen ipod with a better screen (more colors), fm radio, fm recording, voice recording, and divx/xvid video codec support. While that is a great player, I got a zune because my friend got one and it was very cool.
 
Call me strange but I Like iTunes alot. lol.

iPod is kind of a double edge sword. If you have just a few songs, or a highly organized library its unbelievable. Where if you have 4600 songs, and your looking for that 1 song its hell. I love how they look, hate how delicate they are. I spend more time not trying to scratch mine!

Ive got a black 30gb video, got it at launch and so far Ive had 2 of the headphone jacks go bad on me. Weak soder points :mad:. I RMA'd one of them, then a month later the second one acted up and I didnt want to deal with the Apple RMA hell again. I sent my first 5g in which clearly the left headphone didnt work, and the right one would cut out and they sent it back to me saying that it was in perfect working condition. Apple is MUCH easier to deal with in person tho, a trip to the Apple store fixed it.

Which BTW, Apple customer service is a flipping joke! I drove all the way to the nearest Apple store which is about 2 hours away just to have them tell me that I have to make an appt online before hand. They wouldnt even look at my iPod tho they were not busy. So midnight rolls around and I make my appt (what is this a dentist appt??) and they listen to it and exchange it on the spot. Once you follow their procedure its smooth as butter.

As of right now, my warranty is expired, Im too lazy to purchase the Apple Care extended warranty for $60 to repair my current iPod. Thank god my ex bought it for me for xmas or I would be seriously upset.

So in the end, as a product I love the iPod. (6gb mini worked flawless for 8 months) aside from my experience. IF I had to buy another MP3 player I would prolly go with another iPod simply because Im used to them and already have all my music in iTunes.
But I wont be buying another one, Ill just get a dock and use this one in my car.
 
jimmer411 said:
Call me strange but I Like iTunes alot. lol.

iPod is kind of a double edge sword. If you have just a few songs, or a highly organized library its unbelievable. Where if you have 4600 songs, and your looking for that 1 song its hell. I love how they look, hate how delicate they are. I spend more time not trying to scratch mine!

Ive got a black 30gb video, got it at launch and so far Ive had 2 of the headphone jacks go bad on me. Weak soder points :mad:. I RMA'd one of them, then a month later the second one acted up and I didnt want to deal with the Apple RMA hell again. I sent my first 5g in which clearly the left headphone didnt work, and the right one would cut out and they sent it back to me saying that it was in perfect working condition. Apple is MUCH easier to deal with in person tho, a trip to the Apple store fixed it.

Which BTW, Apple customer service is a flipping joke! I drove all the way to the nearest Apple store which is about 2 hours away just to have them tell me that I have to make an appt online before hand. They wouldnt even look at my iPod tho they were not busy. So midnight rolls around and I make my appt (what is this a dentist appt??) and they listen to it and exchange it on the spot. Once you follow their procedure its smooth as butter.

As of right now, my warranty is expired, Im too lazy to purchase the Apple Care extended warranty for $60 to repair my current iPod. Thank god my ex bought it for me for xmas or I would be seriously upset.

So in the end, as a product I love the iPod. (6gb mini worked flawless for 8 months) aside from my experience. IF I had to buy another MP3 player I would prolly go with another iPod simply because Im used to them and already have all my music in iTunes.
But I wont be buying another one, Ill just get a dock and use this one in my car.
Click to expand...

Good point. I didn't think of the aftercare. Food for thought. Keeps the comments coming please.
 
WeeManFoo said:
I would add the Creative Zen Vision M to your search.
Click to expand...

QFT

I have two Zen Vision M 30GBs and I love 'em :)

You can use them as an external hard disk too (windows only), which is key for me. The audio EQ is better than the iPod's, and it is cheeeeap if you get the rebate.


EDIT; they also natively support AVI :) not sure if that was mentioned but I htought I'd throw it out there.
 
buffbiff21 said:
QFT

I have two Zen Vision M 30GBs and I love 'em :)

You can use them as an external hard disk too (windows only), which is key for me. The audio EQ is better than the iPod's, and it is cheeeeap if you get the rebate.


EDIT; they also natively support AVI :) not sure if that was mentioned but I htought I'd throw it out there.
Click to expand...

I like this feature. I won't have to hack the unit to enable this feature will I? I'm hearing the Zune is a re-badged Toshiba Gigabeat. Is this true?
 
lodingi said:
I like this feature. I won't have to hack the unit to enable this feature will I?
Click to expand...

Wha? What feature? the external disk....?

...Nope, no hacking required ;)

As long as you have XP or Vista they are basically plug and play.

You can navigate via Windows Explorer as well.
 
the zune explorer is an EASY fix... theres an app that does it with no guess work and works PERFECTLY (experience here :p trying to get my friends working again after he killed it.. )

its a GREAT player. batterly life was good before 1.3 firmware, and is better now :p video is REALLY nice on it, and the software is quite intuitive, as is the interface.

to the second poster, the zune works quite admirably... FM tuner, stupidly nice screen, automatically flips video and photos to widescreen, where as menus are vertical for easier viewing (controls flip in widescreen as well) and the software is REALLY nice, and is even a decent media player in its own right (im not giving up winamp though :p )

As a side note, any deterrent you hear about marketplace songs skipping, that has been completely fixed. as well as any battery life bugs.

Also note, the zune is cheaper :D
 
I see Creative dropped the price on the Zen M by $50. The 30 gig model is now only $199.
 
lodingi said:
I see Creative dropped the price on the Zen M by $50. The 30 gig model is now only $199.
Click to expand...

I have my regrets for not buying one for that price too. For me, the ipod wasn't an option because I am the kind of person who wants the odd product (I used to have a sony HD-5 and hatted it). Like I said, my deciding factor was that my friend got one. Also, I know it was made by microsoft and they would eventually put alot more effort into it than Creative has put in their mp3 players.
 
I just made this decision recently and went with the Creative Zen Vision: M. It was $170 after rebate which was way less than either the iPod or the Zune. It isn't as burdened with proprietary shit like the other two. Creative knows they aren't going to corner the market so they don't build the products with this in mind. I can drop on regular DiVX videos and play them without conversion - something neither of the other two can accomplish. The file formats supported by the Zen exceeds either of the other two products. Not only that, I'm not stuck using a single software package for transferring my data on to the device.

The only feature I was looking forward to on the Zune was the Wi-Fi but Microsoft has ensured that addition has become useless since you can't really transfer anything permanently using it.
 
WeeManFoo said:
Also, I know it was made by microsoft and they would eventually put alot more effort into it than Creative has put in their mp3 players.
Click to expand...
The Zune is a rebadged Toshiba product. Microsoft's previous "effort" is why I was leery of their Zune. If they don't make money they cut and run. Do you remember their router line? Yeah, no one else does.
 
Well I did go to the store to check out all 3 players. I must admit I really like the iPod. It's much thinner and less bulky than the Zune or Zen M. The Zune & Zen looked generations behind in design. I also like the way the iPod operates. You can completely navigate the unit without leaving the wheel. The Zen M has an incredible display. The iPod & Zune can't compare. This will be primarily for music play back & maybe photos. I'm not sure how much video viewing I will be doing. I haven't made my purchase yet but I expect to within a week. Right now I am strongly leaning towards the iPod.
 
I like my zune. I found a software where i can convert my DVD's to go on the zune *im sure that you can do that with ipods* You can transfer music,videos, and pictures with someone self that has a zune. I heard that you can break the screen easily with the ipods, is that true?
 
iZero said:
I just made this decision recently and went with the Creative Zen Vision: M.
Click to expand...

You will be extremely, extremely satisfied. :)

I love my Zens; one for work and one for home. my old iPod is the bastard child now.

The only thing they get you with is the damn AC adapter. I bought a stand/charger thingey that was 40 bucks. :mad:
 
jimmer411 said:
call me crazy but I hate winamp :(
Click to expand...
bah! been using winamp since its inception. love it! the enqueue option is the best, + 20 second cross fade and mmd3 skin ftw!

just bought an ipod shuffle. damn impressed of its easabilty. no wonder its so loved. moral? never forget the green users!!
 
Word of Warning. iTunes runs like complete garbage in Vista, it has gotten slightly better but the end result is Apple really hasn't done the developing of iTunes that should. I currently have a Gen5 Ipod Video and am going to be buying a Microsoft Zune next time.
 
iPod hands down. I did some researching before getting mine (5th gen, 60gig video). And everyone I spoke with that had one, often had 2 or 3 iPods, and loved them. I soon fell in love with mine, and its swift interface with video capabilities (albeit small screen) are terrific. Just watch out for the fact it scratches easily and those screen protecting plastic covers suck, so youre stuck with a scratched up and therefore ugly ipod or a covered one, and its still ugly. :D
 
I tried the Zune...glad I didn't get it. The audio seemed too brassy. I have some shure e5c's and they sound much better on my iPod. If you're only going to use the OEM earbuds, it's a crapshoot.
 
I love my creative zvm, and so do the two other people in my family who have it!
 
had an ipod, sold it, well few more days and i would probably toss it.

now i have zune for music, and creative zen vision W for movies/video.

unless apple does some BIG! changes i will never buy another ipod.

shit just holding the stupid ipod with out any protective cover will cause it to scratch and get damaged. ipod has just poor design.
 
The Vision:M is simply the better player. Now that the 60 gig models have slimmed down to the size of the ipod it's even better.
 
I have two iPods. A 5 year or so old Gen 2 10GB model, and a 4GB Nano.

Both have worked perfectly. The battery in the Gen 2 is original and still works fine!

I have no reason to switch.
 
I have a zune..so my opinion might be somewhat biased

Personally i like being unique and using my zune around campus gets me those eyeballs (im an attention whore i know) thats the primary reason why i got one

from a more analytical PoV, you get the same battery life, both UI's are nice, the ipod is just plain slick ill have to admit, while the zune has headroom with its Wi-Fi capability,

On the Zen Vision: M i feel that its too chunky, the cold metal on the back and its thickness just doesnt bide well with me, the screen doesnt seem all that better
 
The main thing I dislike about the ipod is the proprietary audio format they make you use. its also a pain to manage on multiple computers from what a friend of mine was telling me. Anyone with an ipod know anything about that? It Has an amazing selection of accessories ill give it that but dambnit your in for a mint to get set up. As for the Zen Ive played with it and was impressed as everyone has already mentioned by the screen. i currently use a Nomad jukebox zen xtra the 40 gb granddad to the vision M Ive had it 4 years and its still going strong. When it does finally keel over i think it'll be between the next gen of zen or maybe zune for me.
 
I've heard many people mention the proprietary file system for the iPod. Can someone explain that a little more. It sounds very restrictive.
 
Cat1yst said:
On the Zen Vision: M i feel that its too chunky, the cold metal on the back and its thickness just doesnt bide well with me
Click to expand...
Please. According to cnet both the ZVM and Zune are .7" thick while the Zune is .3" longer :rolleyes: If you don't like clunky mp3 players you shouldn't have gotten a Zune
32103045-2-300-DT4.gif


the screen doesnt seem all that better
Click to expand...
Sounds like you should make an appointment to get your eyes checked.
creativevisionsnowwhite.jpg


I can't help but laugh at some of the biased replies in these mp3 player threads.
 
I didn't like my zune at first but after I figured out how to turn the auto sync off and learned how to sync my mp3s the way I wanted to, I really like it now. Only thing I really dislike is RF transmitter for my car. I plan on getting a ipod shuffle soon to work out with because I can't see my self running with a zune. I'd really hate to break it. Also I dislike the lie on how long the battery last on the Zune. I took my first one back cause it lasted 5 hours just using mp3s. The second one I got only last 11 hours using only mp3s. I even have the latest firmware but no big change like some others have had.


EDIT: I love the fact that my Zune doesn't scratch, big +1. I also hate that I cannot delete a song from the Zune itself. Why is that not an option?
 
I am starting to hate Apple products since they are expensive, don;t give you better options, and results.
 
Blown 89 said:
Please. According to cnet both the ZVM and Zune are .7" thick while the Zune is .3" longer :rolleyes: If you don't like clunky mp3 players you shouldn't have gotten a Zune
32103045-2-300-DT4.gif


Sounds like you should make an appointment to get your eyes checked.
creativevisionsnowwhite.jpg


I can't help but laugh at some of the biased replies in these mp3 player threads.
Click to expand...

You sound like the biased one honestly, posting pro ZVM pics and such but thats cool, you might just be a ZVM owner who likes what you bought (no harm there). And honestly who doesn't expect the zune to be a bit bigger, it has a bigger screen and wifi.
 
ITSTHINKING said:
You sound like the biased one honestly, posting pro ZVM pics and such but thats cool, you might just be a ZVM owner who likes what you bought (no harm there). And honestly who doesn't expect the zune to be a bit bigger, it has a bigger screen and wifi.
Click to expand...

so he is biased for pointing out facts?

ipod was fine when it first released, but now it simply can't complete with other players on the market
 
ITSTHINKING said:
You sound like the biased one honestly, posting pro ZVM pics
Click to expand...
The ZVM has a much better screen. Zune = 65K colors ZVM = 269K colors and while the Zune's screen is larger the resolution isn't any better and exports video at half the resolution of the ZVM. With a screen that much better it's hard not to post pro ZVM pics.

And honestly who doesn't expect the zune to be a bit bigger,
Click to expand...
The Zune owner a few posts up complaining about how clunky the ZVM is :rolleyes:

it has a bigger screen and wifi.
Click to expand...
Yes wifi....only really useful (if you can call it that) if you're within three feet of another Zune owner and considering that very few people are buying Zunes that makes it all the more useful.


Like nekrosoft13 said, I'm merely pointing out facts. I realize that's a foreign concept in mp3 player threads here so bear with me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top