Round 3: Compatibility
File formats, music services, software
Apple iPod Classic
Already invested in music service such as Napster or Rhapsody? Did you spend the last month ripping your CD collection to WMA files? You'll probably want an MP3 player that won't invalidate your existing digital music collection. Unfortunately, both the iPod and the Zune each have their own frustrating set of restrictions. This compatibility round is a subjective take on each player's compatibility with software and music services we personally like to use.
| Player | Jasmine | Donald | Josh | Total |
Microsoft Zune 80 |
2 Well, the Zune Software and Marketplace has a lot of potential, but it's currently slow and buggy. Plus, there's no Mac support, and--even worse--no backward compatibility for protected WMA, Microsoft's own format! |
2 The latest Zune software definitely has some growing pains to work out, but it's not horrible. What doesn't make any sense, however, is why the Zune is incompatible with Window's own DRM protection format, used by Napster, Rhapsody, and Yahoo. As a Macbook user, I also wish Microsoft would follow Apple's lead and make the Zune cross-platform. |
2 I'm docking the Zune on compatibility, mainly because it doesn't play friendly with Microsoft's own ecosystem of entertainment services. No album art shown on the Xbox 360, and it needs to convert the DVR-ms files from Windows Media Center just to get them on the player. There's also the lack of support for these files unless you're running Vista, leaving legacy XP Zune users with a less-featured player. Also worth noting is the Zune software, which, despite being improved, has actually become substantially more limited in terms of features. |
6 |
|
Apple iPod Classic |
3 Not really a fan of the closed iPod/iTunes system, but at least the iTunes store has an enormous catalog, and the iPod can work with both Windows and Mac. |
3 The iPod isn't much of a team player either, but at least it's Mac/PC compatible and can be used with an endless amount of iPod-ready gizmos. The ability to easily purchase and download TV shows, movies, and audio books through iTunes is a big plus. |
4 You can't beat the combo of iTunes and the iPod family, unless it's pure and simple drag-and-drop, which you get on some other devices. I'd give a perfect five on this one, but I think iTunes has some bloat issues and needs to go on a diet. It's also sorely missing any kind of a subscription service--making music procurement expensive. |
10 |
Winner: Apple iPod Classic
- Round 1
- Round 2
- Round 3
- Round 4
- Round 5
- Microsoft Zune 80
- X
- X
- Apple iPod Classic
- X
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