zune-versus-ipod-440Ok, so you can score an iPod 80gb player right now for $249.99 right? It has the same iPod name, the pop culture following, and is a proven winner right? Right. So, why in the hell would you spend $249.99 for a Microsoft Zune 2.0 with the same storage capacity, an unproven track record, and what many think was a poor marketing attempt. Well, there are some reasons why I personally thing that the Zune 2.0 80gb could be better for you. With the help of some comparison tables over at Engadget, we can see the specs side by side. Keep in mind that the Zune 2.0 is not even on sale yet, but specs are trickling in.

OK, let's look at them side by side...

  • The iPod Classic 80gb is .2 inches shorter and .1 inches thinner than the Zune 2. Winner: iPod Classic 80gb
  • The iPod weighs more than the Zune 2.0. Winner: Who cares, it's negligible.
  • WiFi: Zune 2.0 has WiFi the iPod doesn't. In fact, the Zune 2.0 can now sync wireless too! Winner: Zune 2.0 Big Time
  • Battery life: 20 hours versus 30 hours... Winner: iPod with 30 hours... Big Number, but the Zune will charge fully faster... hehe
  • File types: I could list them all, but there is only one I care about... MINE! Not Apples. DRM-Less! Winner: Zune 2.0
  • Earbuds: I don't know what Microsoft considers "Premium", but I doubt they will upend my Ultimate Ears. Winner: I don't care.
  • Colors : Zune 2.0 - Black, iPod Classic Black and Silver... Winner: iPod

Will wireless sync and drm-less music be enough to get current iPod owners to change over to an unproven company in this arena? I doubt it. Do you think Microsoft is expecting PMP domination with the Zune 2.0? No, I am sure they aren't... yet. I think they are waiting for Zune 4.7 to hit for that, eh? Little steps. It took quite a bit of time for Apple to saturate the market and get a lot of folks to put down their Sony Walkmans, it won't happen overnight.

I am onboard for this, I love to see other companies compete. Competition breeds excellence. It also causes price changes too. If you recall back in the early 2000's, before the Dell Axim X5 was released, a typical Pocket PC was running between $500 and $800. After the release of the X5, prices began to become easier on the wallet for many of us.

Who wins? Apple or Microsoft? We do, the consumers.