Daniel Eran Dilger
If you’re comparing the iPod with Microsoft’s new line of Zune music players, there’s several important facts you should consider before making a purchase. It can be difficult to find a realistic, direct comparison between Apple’s iPod + iTunes and Microsoft’s Zune MP3 player and its accompanying Zune software.

As a tech consultant, digital outfitter, and the author of a variety of in depth consumer electronics reviews for popular technology web sites, I keep close track of the consumer electronics industry. I’ve prepared a free buyer’s guide based on my hands on experiences with both product lines, as well as my work with individuals and groups who buy computers and electronic devices both for business and for personal use.

If you find this comparison useful, you can follow the links at the end of the article to purchase a player. Any commissions I earn are unrelated and independent of the recommendations I make, and I don’t earn any support or ad revenue from any of the products I review.

This article compares the Flash-based Zune 8 with the identically priced 8 GB iPod Nano. There are also a wide variety of competing products from Creative, SanDisk, Archos, and other makers worth comparing as well, but much of the attention for iPod competitors has been placed on Microsoft’s Zune, resulting in most undecided buyers looking at these two brands.

[Read more →]