The weirdest thing about the formats is that they do not support their own DRMed Windows Media (WMV) files, including all of the media sold with the "Plays For Sure" logo. The Zune also doesn't support iTunes AAC files nor Audible format audio books. Basically, anybody who has already bought music has to start over.

There is an article about this and it also appeared on Slashdot.

This is one of the reasons I am very hesitant to buy DRM'ed music. Several of my audiobooks won't play on anything but a few select devices. I won't get burned again.

Well, I agree that iPod will have to improve to stay better on the market, but for some time now I am looking forward to buy gp2x, it is quite cheap and you can do a lot with it, here it is on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GP2X



It is quite small, you can play music and watch videos, boot Linux and it has all the retro games, I mean it can emulate all the consoles, except the new ones like Sony Playstation 1, if we can call it new I am interested in it because it can emulate Amiga, I can play Amiga games or even boot Amiga OS, anyway you can find more on the Internet. It costs more or less than 179.90$ US dollars + you can get different accessories for it.

I say go for the cheapest Chinese mp3 player and get a good high performance ear piece. You will enjoy the value for money far more than either Zune or iPod. Well yes, then you will have to rely mostly on your p2p for music.

I strongly disagree! In my opinion, the Ipod is one of a kind. Its sleak design, and easy to use controls make it a must buy. Again, Microsoft is trying to out do its opponents. When the PS2 came out by Sony, Microsoft tryed to make something better by releasing the Xbox. *Until Microsoft is able to come out with their own, state of the art product, and not some lame copy-cat, I believe they are never going to come out with the better product. By saying that, the Ipod is much better then Microsofts mark off!

I agree, however, I do own a XBOX 360, that Microsoft is a large copy-cat. Heck, the Windows operating system has historically be a copy of MacOS. It works like it, it almost feels like it, but the difference is that it is still based on DOS ideology.

xboxrulz

QUOTE(CaptainRon @ Sep 20 2006, 03:10 AM)

I say go for the cheapest Chinese mp3 player and get a good high performance ear piece. You will enjoy the value for money far more than either Zune or iPod. Well yes, then you will have to rely mostly on your p2p for music.

Do you know of any good ones. Reliable and with a stylish design? I've some in the past with good design, but I have no idea as far as how reliable or good they are.

I don't approve of the "one-size-fits-all" theory.

I don't want 30GB! I would rather have something in the range of 4-6GB, with a lower price and possibly a smaller size. Apple's iPod offers this for me, but MS just doesn't seem to get that much of the success of the iPod is their different sizes, types, and prices.

This is the major reason I will not consider buying this mp3 player. Also because I love to hate Microsoft

Hmm... I was thinking about getting an Ipod but now I just want an Iriver or something not made by Microsoft. In my opinion Microsoft get to much credit from ideas stolen from other companies (alianware had this years ago, you dont here people buying there products to much)

The lates on the Zune:

Walmart.com is taking preorders for the new Microsoft Zune 30GB MP3/Video Player in white, black or brown for $249.94. The zune supports WMA, MP3, AAC, JPED, WMV, MPEG-4 and H.264 file support. It is scheduled to ship on November 14.

well idk out that, i saw a demo of one and theese things are truly impressing.. the thing that gets me is its ability to, provided another zune is nearby, connect via a integrated wireless card and actually share music... idk bout u guys but thats pretty sick in my opinion. And heck, why are we so hostile towards immitations? We wouldnt be as far as we are in technology today if everyone tried to make a completely different idea work, we all need something to build off of, something to exceed to make ourselves, or our product distinguished, you know?.

And a VERY small fraction of music thats downloaded, which contradicting every artists hopes is easily one of the biggest sources of music to people today, is in MP3 format, or can easily be converted into such.. Most of the time, people only use Windows audio files if there using WMP to import a cd.. other than that, the format is almost dead. And sure, MP3 players, especially those from bigger establishments, reinforce copyright protection and soforth, but as weve seen with the ipod, people make very accessible 3rd party software that cuts through this like a morning walk. I dont know whats with you guys and windows either.. This is thier first swipe at a mass commercial A/V player, and id hope that none of you could cross this up with their Operating system mishaps.

I do respect everyones opinion here but maybe take a moment and release your protector of white and chrome, and maybe look into other possibilities, not that anyone expects you to be so amazed that you drop what you have for something else but hey, try something new..