As if their isn’t enough debate about which operating system is better; now there’s a new Apple vs. Microsoft debate – digital music video player. Both music video players have similar capabilities and performance levels, so which player should you buy. Well, it simply depends on how the player will be primarily used: music or videos? Read the feature descriptions and check out my top pick for each category.

Storage Capacity:
Zunes have the capacity to store 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video. iPods capacity includes 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 40 hours of video.

Color:
Zunes are available in black, brown, pink, and white. The 30gb iPod is only offered in black and white.

Display:
For video lovers, Zune’s 3.0 inch screen is preferred to iPod’s 2.5 inch. Both have the same resolution.

Additional Features:
While the music and video features are relatively the same. Zune’s additional features include customizable wallpaper, FM radio and wi-fi chip for music sharing. The iPod additional features include calendar, clock, contacts, games, notes, and stopwatch.

Software:
iTunes is compatible with both a Windows or Mac operating system. Updates are easily accessible and downloadable from the Internet. Zune’s software only works with a Windows operating system. The software is not as user friendly often experiencing freezing and/or slow performance.

Digital Store:
iTunes has more music, videos, podcasts, audiobooks, tv shows, and movies than the Zune Marketplace.

User Friendliness:
The iPod is lightweight and sleek in its design. It easily fits into one’s pocket without visibility. It’s scroll wheel is extremely sensitive touch but is easy to use. After 2 hours of charging, the battery is at 80% capacity.

Zune is bulky and heavy. It has more buttons to toggle back and forth with. After 2 hours of charging, the battery is at 90% capacity.

Characteristics iPod Zune

Storage Capacity 

Color 

Display 

Additional Features 

Software 

Digital Store 