Comments on: Prizefight: Zune beats iPod Classic in CNET Slugfest

By: pairof9s

pairof9s — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:01:24 +0000

One thing I might add that seems to not to have been taken into account by CNet is viability. From a construction to support to commitment, Apple and its iPod line have shown to be superior to just about every competitor.

Although we’re talking about Microsoft, the world’s largest technology company, their track record especially in this sector has been suspect. Whether it’s turning off DRM servers or abandoning “PlaysForSure” (partners) to the most recent quarter’s disastrous sales figures, Microsoft is showing no long term ambitions in their music products. Apple, on the other hand, has the perpetual dynamics of dominant market share…something Microsoft is well aware of in the operating system sector.

Does anyone really thing Apple is going to turn off the DRM servers? Does anyone see Apple halting iPod sales? Does anyone foresee a company or collaboration challenging iTunes lead in digital music sales, both in songs & hardware players?

Sure, on paper on this date, buying a Zune might be 1/10 of better reason to buy it over an iPod Classic (or any other iPod), but can you really say you’ll be (able) using it in the future?

By: KevinN206

KevinN206 — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:08:29 +0000

@cyxodus: The comparison of the Zune vs. iPod Touch is unfair. The Zune is never meant to compete against the Touch, since it’s one or two generations behind. What the Zune does is compete with the iPod Classic and does it well.

You clearly see the price difference between Zune and iPod Touch. So, a person who doesn’t want the advanced capabilities of Touch (or can’t afford the price) can choose among the Zune, iPod Classic, or other vendors.

By: cyxodus

cyxodus — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:51:26 +0000

If this isn’t a hack piece by CNET, I wonder if they got some of that payoff money that Microsoft has been passing around? The purpose of this was to get “Zune beats iPod” into the news before Christmas.

Now lets compare an iPod Touch versus the Zune.

On Sexiness: The iPod Touch wins hands down. It’s gorgeous to look at and doesn’t fell like a cheap piece of junk.

On Navigation:The iPod Touch by a mile. How can the Zune even compete with a touch interface.

On Compatibility: iPod Touch Wins. It’s an iPod, nuff said.

On Sound and Science: The iPod Touch Wins. You can’t get more cutting edge than touch screen, Wi-Fi, 480p and 576p component TV out and accelerometer.

On Bang for the Buck: iPod Touch Wins on 10,000+ apps alone.

Prizefight Winner:iPod Touch

Here are the iPod Touch’s strengths in point form:

1) iPod Touch’s screen is larger that the Zune’s and is a widescreen.
2) The iPod Touch’s touch screen was far more responsive to the touch
3) Wi-Fi.
4) 10,000+ apps and games that can tap into the iPod Touch’s accelerometer
5) Not locked out of a future like the Zune