Zune vs. iPod Specification Smackdown

Release Date: Oct 3rd 2007 | Keywords: iPod converter, DVD to iPod converter, iPod Video Converter

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.

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?

Hot tags: Zune Converter, iPod Converter, DVD to iPod Converter, iPod Video Converter