Microsoft v Apple

[tommytabib]

My issue here is mp3 players. Apple has just released its new ipod range, with the new ipod classic 80gb, and microsoft is just about to release its new zune 2 80gb.


iPod Classic v Zune 2 (couldnt find a picture to fit on here)

Two days ago i was certain i was getting the ipod, then i stumbled upon the microsoft zune and got interested in it. Both are really nice video players, big screens and large (80gig) capacity and the same price. So im having trouble deciding between the two.

But, as I'm a linux user, i have a certain... dislike for microsoft. So I'm leaning towards the ipod. However, do you think its right that i just ignore the microsoft offering just because its from microsoft?

Anyways, all this got me thinking... "if apple and microsoft both offer an mp3/video device, then wheres linux' offering?"

Does any company offer a linux-based mp3/video player (one that actually stands up to ipod/zune in capacity and reliability)? I imagine it would have a nice UI, and one that i could configure exactly how i want it - no restrictions.

Does such a thing exist? And which would you prefer, the ipod or the zune?

And on a completely different note; when looking at the price of the ipod its $350 australian dollars. In america is $250 us dollars - and if you do the maths that's translates into $280 australian dollars. How can this be? Why would they charge austrlains an extra $70 dollars?

So, if i do go with the ipod, I'm thinking to get a friend to buy it in america and mail it to me. Can anyone see an obvious flaw in this plan? It seems just to simple a way to save $70 dollars - would the warranty still hold in australia?

Thanks

[budman7]

I did a bit of googling on "zune linux" and came up with this
article.
And this tidbit.

So I would think the Zune would be better. Can you put linux on the ipod?

[bigtomrodney]

I have an iRiver player. It is an iHP-140 which now is a little dated. It is a 40GB player that plays mp3, wma, ogg (YES OGG!), wav and possibly a few other formats. It also has optic in and out, dictaphone capability and an FM radio. That's a lot of functionality. Now I know this is an older player but it just shows that if you don't look at the biggest brand names you get a lot more bang for your buck.

This player has 16 hours lifetime and was released at a time when the iPod had 6 hours playback. It works as a UMS device so no drivers or software is required. Check out the iRiver and iAudio offerings and see if there is anything you like. You might even save money on top of getting more functionality.

[anomie]

+1 for the iRiver.

I don't own one (I own two ipods - both gifts ), but I've checked out one owned by a friend and like it a lot. Yep, it plays oggs and you don't need proprietary crap software to load songs onto it.

If that piques your interest at all, check out a nice little howto from the Gentoo wiki on the subject.

[bigtomrodney]

Just on that note, the flash based players such as the iFP or F series players need that iRiver software to transfer files. The iHP and H series are simply plug and play. They just work as an external drive.

[carlosponti]

bought my wife a zen v plus which is flash based but i dont think it supports ogg so iriver would be my vote again.

[thesimplecreator]

the closest thing to them i can think of that run linux is a gp2x
they play games,emulators,music,movies,etc. but they can only use sd cards for storage.they cost about as much as a psp though.and the new model has a touch screenit also supports ogg and mp3 both
its pretty much a portable linux pc for only $170

[tommytabib]

Well, I've had another change of mind. Now I'm thinking to wait until November 13 (when the zune is released) and see what the reviews say on it.

So far, to my knowledge, microsoft has not even posted what the zunes' battery life will be like. And i don't even know if it will be made available in australia. So ill just wait and see.

Though, anymore suggestions on other brands is very welcome. I'm currently browsing irivers' website.

[zhulien]

I wouldn't buy a Zune because of Microsoft taking up all the Amiga product-related names: Zune, MUI, Vista and their behaviour towards others who use names that they want to use, ie: 'Windows Defender'.

[tommytabib]

Well, the microsoft zune 80 was released on the 13th and reviews are coming in hard and fast. So far they all seem to like it and consider it to be a real alternative to the ipod lineup.

With that said, I've decided to buy one. Problem is I live in Australia and I don't know when/if they will be released here. So I'm going to try and get a friend/relative to buy one for me and send it over.