Zune or Ipod Touch?

For many, purchasing a quality Mp3 player is a pretty big decision. There are two major names on the market, both of which I have owned; the Microsoft Zune and the Apple iPod. Here is my personal opinion of both devices.

My first Mp3 player was the 30 GB Zune, which had both video and music capabilities. I purchased the Zune in 2007. This device came packaged with a wall charger and software. I found the software simple to use. A Zune account is required. One upside to Zune software is that updates are free. One major example of this is the addition of games to the Zune device. This was added via software updates. On the downside, more recent versions of Zune software may have difficulty working on some computer systems. I have experienced this with a recent Zune purchase. (I have never succeeded in installing the software, despite multiple attempts).

As for the player, itself, after four years and TONS of wear and tear, my original Zune still works perfectly. The original software that I installed in 2007 is still running and receiving updates. The second Zune that I purchased just last year is also a winning device (taking into consideration the software issue described above.)

Now onto the ever popular iPod. After much peer pressure and cajoling, I purchased my first iPod just last year. I knew this would be an adjustment after my long history with the Zune; however, this transition was much simpler than expected. Even though I am a long-term PC user, the Mac product was easy to learn. In fact, I have since purchased an iPhone and iPad.

The iPod software is more complex than the Zune program. It is, however, easy to learn. An iTunes account is required. The iPod also comes with a wall charger, and installs software upon being connected to a computer. Depending on the model chosen; videos, TV shows, apps and music can all be purchased for the device. The iTunes library is very extensive. I prefer their library to the Zune. The innovation of Apple is also second to none, which prompts me to lean toward the iPod over the Zune Mp3 player. The device graphics are also very appealing. With the Apple line growing more and more extensive, products can all be tied to the same iTunes account which proves to be handy as well.

So with that being said, here is my final opinion. If given the choice, I would buy an iPod. I loved my Zune, but that purchase was made back in 2007. With the innovation of Apple and their constant addition of new gadgets and apps, the iPod seems to be the way to go. The Zune was a durable product, but so far, I have seen no downside for the average Mp3 user in purchasing an iPod.