What's New With Zune?

Zune: Still a Contender

A lot can happen in electronics in only 12 months. While 80 GB was top of the line last year, there is now a Zune 120. Besides the extra storage that will now hold up to 30,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 375 hours of video, this portable music player still has a built-in FM tuner with the ability to tag songs and WiFi connection. It is the same size as the 80 but has an improved 3.2 inch screen as opposed to iPod's smaller 2.5 inch screen.

In addition, the Zune can sync and show video on a TV with its included cable. A helpful menu will appear on your screen, another feature that the iPod does not have. When the wireless connection is off, you get an extra 6 hours of battery life with the 120. Available in basic black, the Zune 120 will set you back $249.

The iPod classic is also available in a 120 GB model at the same price. Mac users undoubtedly will have an automatic bias, but there are differences that may change their minds. To begin with, Apple still has not addressed the issue of WiFi. The wireless capability of the Zune allows a cable-free connection to a computer or the Internet, and also enables the "send a song to a friend" feature.

Zune's Marketplace has always been a little edgier. Somehow the interface is so much easier to use than the iTunes store, where I sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the video walkthroughs. Microsoft's Social is included in the software. You can mark your favorites, check out those of your friends, and send messages about that new hot track you found. Sorry Apple, you lose on that score, too.

While the 120 only comes in basic black, there is so much more you can do with it. With both players you can get a personalized inscription, but in addition, Zune features more than 50 exclusive laser-etched designs. For a minimal charge, you can customize with color, and artist and tattoo decorations. Choose from over 50 exclusive designs and add a free personalized inscription. Recently they added a Zodiac series that includes both 12 western patterns and the Chinese years. These come with matching wallpaper and suggested playlists from the artists.

If you want to hang on to your older Zune, you can also upgrade to their 3.0 software. Added are connections to other albums and artists, dynamic playlists and personalized picks in the Marketplace.

Zune Pass: All You Can Eat Music

Here's how the Zune really differentiates itself from the iPod, in my opinion: Zune Pass. Start off with their 14 day free trial. If you like it, for $14.99 per month, you get unlimited music downloads and each month you can keep 10 of your favorites. Even if your Zune Pass subscription runs out, the songs remain yours. This lets you listen to a large rolling collection of music each month, and doesn't force you to buy songs that you just wanted to listen to once or twice anyway.

As I said before, there are two sides to loving your MP3 player and diehards will always come equipped with reasons that theirs is the best. You can dig the ubiquitous iPod or you can quietly enjoy your new Zune and the unique features it offers. Post a comment and tell us what your final decision is...