Zune vs. iPod

It’s the match up of the century. Or at least of right now. I write this post not as just a topic, or to announce to the world how big of a MS Fanboy I really am (you should know that already). I write this because I honestly believe the 2nd generation Zune is a better product. It’s not just about interface, size, etc. either. There are three major features the Zune offers that the iPod does not. But that’s all in due time.

The Basics: This point is kind of moot, because people will strongly disagree with me, fanboys and not-so-fanboys alike. However, I feel the entire GUI of the Zune is better than the iPod’s. I can navigate through my files much faster because of the button and menu layout. The click-wheel of the iPod is nice, but the touch 4-way direction pad is nicer and the GUI is nicely complimented by it. The Zune Player is better than iTunes. First, it’s lighter- less going on, eats up less memory. It’s also very slick. The transitions are nice and the way everything is laid out is simple and intuitive. Truth be told, I still don’t know how to make a playlist in iTunes. Everything just feels cluttered in iTunes. And auto syncing the library the first time a new iPod connects to it is a train wreck. Zune Player prompts you every time a new Zune is connected. But now, onto the real stuff…

Two-way Syncing: This is something iTunes/iPod desperately need. When I connected a second Zune to my computer, I was able to copy songs from the Zune to my music library no problem. Quick and simple. Why hasn’t Apple done this yet? As of right now, you need a 3rd party program if you want all your music copied correctly.

Wireless Sync: Have a WiFi network? Set your Zune up to connect to it and add music to it from anywhere within range. Even with the iPod Touch and iPhone, Apple hasn’t made this feature available, and I think it’s very useful. Even if your Zune isn’t directly connected to your computer, it’s still being synced whenever you change a playlist or get a new podcast. Speaking of…

Podcasts: This is a surprising featuring, in the sense that they offer it and that I use it. The Zune makes it extremely easy to get and sync podcasts with your Zune. Just subscribe to a podcast with Zune player and when a new one is made available it’s automatically downloaded and synced to your Zune. As far as I know, this is not a feature offered by iTunes.

The Social: I think this is the coolest feature. For Zunes in range, you can see what they are playing and send them songs, pics, vids and podcasts. Sure, there is the three-play rule on songs, but there are also ways around that. The idea of sharing music on the fly like this is pretty awesome. My friend wanted me to hear a song the other day so he just sent it to me and I listened to it right there. If Apple isn’t planning on releasing something like this, they should- especially because the iPod is much more popular than the Zune.

So there you have it. Five (at least three solid) reasons why the Zune is better. Of course this is based on my limited interaction with the iPod/iTunes, so if I am mistaken on some things, or they have changed, please let me know in the comments!