I mainly chose on the Zune, because I did not want to be strapped to just using itunes. I also wanted something with massive storage space and the 80 gig Zune filled the need for me. My Zune worked fantastic for two weeks and then all heck broke loose.

It stopped syncing my music from my hard drive and from the Zune website. Massive synce problems, I mean massive. Then it crashed on me twice, dumping my extensive collection of music both times. I could never get my entire collection back onto my Zune. I couldn’t even get 1 song at a time to load.

The distress shoot web pages did nothing for me and after reading the tech. support news forums I was amazed at the amount of problems that people were reporting. Especially right after buying their Zune. Can you say “class action law suit on the horizon?”

I called tech support and I don’t reckon the guy even knew what a Zune was. It sounded like he was asking me questions from a set of que cards. No help at all from those bozos. He finally told me that I had to send it in for repair. I was like “Dude, I just got this thing 2 weeks ago. It shouldn’t need any repair.” I told him that if he thought it needed repairing, that I should just be given a new one. No dice, and no help from the Zunnies.

My last attempt at syncing music from the Zune site resulted in a total melt-down of my Zune. I got another synce error, so I disconnected the Zune from my PC. Right after I did this, the screen went blank. Finally after some button pushing, a messege came on the screen telling me that I had to re-load the firm ware. This was the third crash mind you. Automatically knowing what to do after a crash now, I went and tried to re-install the firmware. Only this time it wouldn’t load. After 3 or 4 unsuccessful attempts at trying to re-load the firm ware I finally gave up and now I’m stuck with a $240.00 black brick that doesn’t do anything.

Whatever you do, don’t buy a Zune. Get anything but one of these. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go get my money back and buy myself an ipod. The only thing else that could happen with my Zune, is that it could blow up in my face. I’ve got it secured in a cooler with dry ice. Zune = TERRIBLE!

Things I don’t like:

*The Zune program: the only way to sync, the program is slow; and it is not that user friendly. There are many bugs in synchronization too

*THE DREADFUL SERVICE- it is nearly impossible to find a phone number, you have to go through website hell for help

*My battery is defective and trickles, it never lasts more than 5 hours when playing, and when turned off, it lasts about 8, which is weird. It needs to be replaced, but the terrible microsoft service is sending me the package to send it in and get fixed; 6-8 weeks. Sucks. I should have bought it new rather than used in “mint condition”. It was in mint condition save the defect battery

*another weird thing is some of the album art is showed in extremely low, blurry quality, and it crops the album art from a square to a rectangle because of the screen shape.

If you like the ipod and itunes you probably better of with one of those because of the excellent service and everything. But this is a pretty cool gadget.

1. The Touchpad vs. The Clickwheel. I like the touchpad. It is very responsive and just feels smooth when you use it. No more going in circles.

2. FM Radio. Not a huge deal for some people, but if you can have it, then why not? Makes it fantastic for the gym when you often need to tune into a radio station to hear the sound on the tv.

3. Larger screen. If you’re going to watch a lot of video on your player, then get the Zune. The screen is much larger and more durable than the iPod’s.

4. Software (this sold me). I LIKE the Zune software. Okay, what I really like is the fact that I no longer have to import my music. The Zune software constantly searches your computer and updates your library for you. I’m assuming I’m not the only one who’s finished up with duplicate songs or even simply sound files when they imported music to iTunes. If you want to try it out, you can download it at Zune.net

5. Wireless. Just sort of cool. It’s nice to not have to worry about plugging your Zune into the USB to sync, and if you buy the AC Adapter then you’ll really never need the USB cord again! Also, sharing music with friends can be cool, but I haven’t used it that much.

The iPod does have better battery life, more accessories, much more content for buy through iTunes than the Zune Marketplace, and is compatible both on PC and Mac (Zune is PC-only). But, I simply just like the Zune more. It’s better-looking with features that I feel are more useful. If you are deciding which to go with (and you don’t use a Mac), choose the Zune!

Without Microsoft’s specific software, no music could be listened to.

Overall, this is rather restrictive. Seems the Zune is just an accessory to your Windows Vista.