Zune HD vs. iPod Touch

[mollipen]

This is exactly why I know I don't need an iphone.

There is nothing on that list that makes me think "shit, I can't wait until I get home to manage my netflix queue.... I gotta get that done RIGHT NOW!"

Yeah, being fair, do I NEED a lot of that stuff on the go? No. But when you take all of the stuff already built in, and then start adding on additional things like that, it builds value very quickly. For me, being able to have a decent Japanese/English dictionary alone is reason enough to have a device like this. All is takes are one or two good apps to really make the thing indispensable, and then the rest is gravy. Sure, I don't need to manage my Netflix queue on the go; but, maybe I'm somewhere, see a movie that I want to get from Netflix, and I can do it right there and then so I won't forget.

I haven't really downloaded a lot of stuff yet, so that was just a smaller sampling of what you could do with one. There are a countless number of apps out there, covering a wide range of things. You might say you don't need Facebook or Twitter or Netflix or whatever on the go, but it isn't just about stuff like that. It also isn't just about being able to do everything on the go - it's also about having one device that can now do a whole lot of functions whenever you need them. It's getting closer to the days of having that one device in your pocket that can do almost any function you need it to do, an idea that I love. Maybe for you, that isn't a big deal, but for me it's an awesome advancement in technology.

[Shin Johnpv]

Does the Zune HD let you upload shit to it from iTunes? I'm gonna guess not. My dad gave me his ipod classic after my Nano died for no fucking reason, since he got an iPhone. I think the biggest thing keeping my from switching is that everything I have is done through iTunes at this point. I can see it being a tough choice between the touch and the zune. One has double the space for 20 bucks more, and one has all the cool apps.

[Rumpy]

You have to use the Zune software. Might be some hacked way around it but...

[SpoDaddy]

Currently it seems that there are not a lot of apps, so if you are an app whore then you will have issues. When the Ipod touch came out, it didnt have a lot of apps. I doubt that this will pick up apps as soon as the touch did, but I think its odd to say that the ipod touch had a million apps FREAKIN THREE DAYS IN (or whenever this thing was launched). Other than apps, its a solid device.

According to what I've read, the problem is that Microsoft is never going to allow a ton of apps onto the Zune HD because it doesn't want the Zune to compete with the Windows Mobile platform.

[Rumpy]

They released an update for the XNA software package for ZHD support, homebrew should pop from that. Right now they're only allowing 1st party releases, gotta loosen up on that shit.

[Grave]

Still no Mac support, huh?

[JefmcC]

I bought a Zune HD. Wasn't sure if I would keep it, but decided to use it for a week an see if I'd warm up to it.

FWIW, my last player was a 40gig Creative Zen Touch, which I absolutely loved. It did one thing, and it did it well. Plus, it was built like a tank. After having it stolen from my car last December, I waited to get another player.

So, I picked up the ZuneHD, initially because I was drawn to the extremely clean and minimalist design. It really is a slick looking device. After playing around with it for a few days, I'm hooked.

Biggest thing in Zunes favor has got to be the Zune Pass. Unlimited music for $15 a month. Sure you only get to KEEP 10 mp3s each month, but as long as you keep up the subscription fee, you have unlimited access to a FUCK TON! of music. Think about it.

From Engadget:

But the one thing that Microsoft has that Apple doesn't is Zune Pass -- and that's a major "but." We won't bore you with the details of this service, though you should know that for $14.99 a month, you can basically enjoy all the music you can find in the Zune Marketplace (and download ten tracks on the house every 30 days). The Pass should appeal to both casual and obsessive listeners alike, since it provides benefit to either. Whether you're gobbling up music or just snacking, having an all-you-can-eat buffet in front of you is handy.

[Dunlap]

Zune Pass is really awesome and if I didn't want such particular music I would love to have a Zune for that.

[K3V]

From what I've read/heard, the Zune Pass is the big game-changer for the Zune. I'm super happy with my iPhone but it's good to see some serious competition coming Apple's way to help keep prices in check and innovation going.

[Brisco Bold]

I want a Zune bad, but no (built-in) Mac support means no go.