Zune vs. iPod specification smackdown
The new Zunes are official so let's get to it: a spec-by-spec scrap between Redmond's new Zunes and Cupertino's formidable iPod foe. Unfortunately, Microsoft failed to mention the all important battery performance of their new gear in addition to a few other minor details. Microsoft fans will tell you that's due to an iPhone-like surprise close to the November launch while haters will jump to the conclusion that this is a definite sign of trouble. Still even without that morsel, there's plenty of data to masticate for comparison.
The Zune 80GB certainly holds its own when pitted against the 80GB iPod classic on a specification table. That's not the case, however, with the iPod touch as long as you're willing to sacrifice the bytes for the touch's bigger display and heftier price tag. It's a tougher call on the flash-based Zune vs. the iPod nano -- just how important is WiFi to you on a 1.8-inch display? None of this, of course, accounts for the oh so important user experience or the ecosystems supporting their respective players. As such, we'll reserve final judgment until we have the new Zunes in-hand. Until then you'd best dig in fanboys, that November release is a long way off. The tables that follow will provide the fuel to fight the flame wars in the weeks to come.
Update: Battery data updated with information found on Amazon.com.
The Zune 80 with its big 3.2-inch display fits right in between Apple's iPod classic and iPod touch models. As such, we'll give you all three in a side-by-side comparison. Since Microsoft is a bit light on the specs, we've plugged in the information we reasonably expect to carry over from the 1st generation Zune -- otherwise, it's To Be Determined:
| Feature | Zune 4 / 8GB |
iPod nano 4 / 8GB |
|---|---|---|
| Price |
$149.99 / $199.99 |
$149.00 / $199.00 |
| Size (inches) | 1.6 x 3.6 x 0.33 |
2.8 x 2.1 x 0.26 |
| Weight (ounces) |
1.7 | 1.7 |
| Display (inches) | 1.8 | 2.0 |
| Display Type |
LCD | LCD (LED backlight) |
| Resolution | 320 x 240 |
320 x 240 |
| Navigation |
Zune Pad |
Click Wheel |
| WiFi | Yes (802.11b/g expected) |
No |
| Wireless Sync | Yes | No |
| Wireless Share | Yes | No |
| Wireless Store | No | No |
| Web Browser | No | No |
| Battery | 20 hours music (WiFi off) / 4 hours video |
24 hours music / 5 hours video |
| Battery Charge Time |
2.5 hours / 1.5 hours to 90% via USB |
3 hours / 1.5 hours to 80% |
| Audio Support |
WMA, protected WMA, WMA Lossless, MP3, MP3 VBR, AAC (expected) |
AAC, protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple lossless, WAV, and AIFF |
| Video Support |
WMV, H.264, MPEG-4 |
H.264, MPEG-4 |
| FM Tuner |
Yes | No |
| Headphones | Microsoft earbuds |
Apple earbuds |
| PC / Mac compatible |
Yes / No |
Yes / Yes |
| Client Software |
Zune Software |
iTunes |
| Colors | Pink, Green, Black, Red | Silver, Black, Blue, Green, (PRODUCT) RED |
Oh, here's what Zune "premium" headphones look like. Sorry, no useful data but that cable has a certain rugged, mountaineering look to it dontchathink?
Mac Software 