I have known Julie (the Gadgeteer) for quite some time and her reviews are always quite thorough.  This is the case for this review, but this one is written by Claire Strodtbeck, one of Julie's team. The overall impressions don't seem too bad, but there are some snipes at Zune too.

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I like my Zune. A lot. I didn't think I would, but it's a pleasure to use. The firmware interface is slick and intuitive, and the hardware is really pretty great. Mine has more or less replaced my iPod for taking my music with me - if I can find a car dock for it that includes an RF remote control, I'll definitely be getting one. There aren't many cases or other accessories available for the Zune line, because it's just not as popular as the iPod. Hopefully this will change with time.

The software is utterly atrocious. I hope that Microsoft realizes that they have something great going with Windows Media Player, and will allow Zune users to use that instead of the crappy software that is currently the only real option. In the meantime, I'm managing all right.

Two of my real complaints about the hardware can be fixed with firmware updates - the "All songs" view for an artist, and gapless playback. The lack of video output on the device itself, however, is inexcusable - especially since the flash-based Zunes can play video files.

Overall, this second generation of Microsoft's digital audio player is a noble and worthy effort. It's a great device, and I would actually recommend it as a viable alternative to the Apple iPod line.

Read the rest of her review at The Gadgeteer.