Head to Head: Microsoft Zune vs. Apple iPod

Full-Size MP3 Players

	Microsoft Zune	Apple iPod touch	Apple iPod classic
Price	$249.99	$399	$249
Weight	4.5 ounces	4 ounces	4.9 ounces ounces
Width (at thickest)	12.9 mm	8.5 mm	10.5 mm
Screen	3.2" 320x240	3.5" 480x320	2.5" 320x240
Audio/Video/Photo	WMA, WMA Lossless, AAC, MP3, WMV, MP4, H.264, JPEG	AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, WAV, H.264, MP4, JPEG	AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, WAV, H.264, MP4, JPEG
Wireless	802.11g	802.11g	None
Web Browser	No	Yes	No
Hard Drive	120GB	32GB (flash)	120GB
FM Tuner	Yes	No	No
Firmware Upgrades	Free	$9.95	N/A
Features	Buy from FM, Games, Audiobooks, Audible, Overdrive	Accelerometer, Genius playlists, Audiobooks, Nike+iPod, built-in speaker, App Store	None
Rated Battery Life	30 hours (music), 4 hours (video)	36 hours (music), 6 hours (video)	30 hours (music), 5 hours (video)

Mini MP3 Players

	Microsoft Zune	Apple iPod Nano
Price	$199	$199
Weight	1.7 ounces	1.3 ounces
Width (at thickest)	8.5 mm	6.2 mm
Screen	1.8" 320x240	2" LED backlit 320x240
Audio/Video/Photo	WMA, WMA Lossless, AAC, MP3, WMV, MP4, H.264, JPEG	AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, Apple Lossless, WAV, H.264, MP4, JPEG
Wireless	802.11g	None
Web Browser	No	No
Hard Drive	16GB (flash)	16GB (flash)
FM Tuner	Yes	No
Firmware Upgrades	Free	N/A
Features	Buy from FM, Games, Audiobooks, Audible, Overdrive	Genius playlists, Accelerometer, Audiobooks, Shake to Shuffle
Rated Battery Life	24 hours (music w/o wireless), 4 hours (video)	24 hours (music), 4 hours (video)

Full-size MP3 players

Amongst the top of the line players, the Zune easily delivers more for your money. Unlike the iPod classic, it has built-in wireless and a host of features including an FM tuner and wireless music downloads. Technology-wise, the iPod touch has more to offer with it's advanced web browsing, built-in speakers, and Nike+iPod connectivity, which lets you keep track of your workouts (particularly your runs) with the help of an optional sneaker receiver. However, the touch only offers 32GB of memory and is $150 more than the top of the line Zune player — a deal breaker for someone who just wants an MP3 player and is trying to save money.

Mini MP3 players

On the "mini" player front, it seems both Microsoft's and Apple's flash players are neck and neck, both offering the same amount of storage for the same price. However, the Zune outsmarts the new nano with its built-in wireless and stronger list of features making it an obvious win when it comes to value. However, these added features come with a catch — the Zune is 25% heavier and thicker than the iPod nano.

Conclusion

Value-wise, Microsoft easily steals the show in both full-size and mini categories, offering more for your money. If all you need is a PC-friendly music/video player, the Zunes are solid choices. The main negatives are the rather uninspired styling and lack of Mac compatibility. On the other hand, techies who want a player that's slim and is equipped with (just slightly) more advanced technology, Apple's iPod touch is the better option. Although it's more expensive, it's web and gaming features set it apart from the pack. The iPod classic — well — we're sure it has a great personality.

Louis Ramirez is dealnews' Features Editor.