Zune lost to iPodC on compatibility when they really don't think things through.  Why would MS be worried about 3% of the global marketshare (Macs) when the majority of that 3% already employ dual boot systems to access the majority of software out there.  I think it was not so much biased, but trying to be a crowd pleaser, which is starting to lessen c|net in my eyes...did you see the 'hot deal' they advertised on the Zune 4?  $149.99??  That's the MSRP!!!

Zune wins in 4 of 5 categories.  I could care less if it works on a Mac.  These people should stick with their iPods.

Zune FTW!

C-NET wants to review the new iWhatever next year. Hence, they don't want to upset Steve J by saying that the Zune80 pwned the Classic.

As much as I love them all... donald, jasmine and josh.... I think they got this one wrong for giving zune 80 and the classic a tie score. Obviously, 4 out of 5 criteria, the zune 80 outclassed the ipod but for the final verdict they had an equal score. Zune is way way better than ipod by a mile.... the only reason why ipod was able to catch up was because of the faulty zune software and compatibility. I know they have a point there... but for just one flaw against 4 great features... the ipod was able to cath up. honestly i love the new software! its so easy to use. I plug in my zune and it sycns right away, it couldnt get any much easier than that.... Im totally hooked on my podcast now.(im still having a hard time wirelesssly sycing my old zune with my network at home)

cnet disappointed me. the fact that it doesn't work with playsforsure is a non-issue now. Why don't they blame apple for doing away with firewire compatibility or something else as ridiculous? also the fact that it doesn't work on macs isn't the same as an ipod not working on windows. they had to support it or they wouldn't get the marketshare they have now.

Hey Cesar - when are they gonna do a Blue Zune?  The vast majority of polls (gotzune, zuneboards) out there are considerably favoring the hue of blue....seriously something to send upward.....that would totally rock my socks off!  

check this list of suggestions on how to improve the already good Zune...

http://www.crunchgear.com/bff/?p=196

I too thought that compatibility is a really small issue.

I have a Mac (use it sometimes), and I completely understand that not everything will work for it. That's the price you pay when you go for OS X. It's that obvious.

Just because a small # of people use it, doesn't mean every company has to go out on a limb to support it. That's ridiculous.

Apple probably wouldn't be so keen to allow iPods and iTunes on Windows, if it weren't for the fact that's where most people are. Dumb. Duh.

I still think the Zune wins the most. The iPod class is horrificly yuck. I look at my Zune experience vs. my iPod experience, and I like using my Zune more. Sorry. And a few of those issues could be solved with a firmware update. Though why Microsoft is taking a while beats me.

If they put together the graphical UI of WMP 11, and the fluidity of the Zune player program, they would have a dynamic player. And Zune would be a PlayForSure device. Zune Marketplace just has to do better to outdo the other online stores if it wants to be fair.

Zune PwneD Apple. Period!!!

So the Zune stomps the iPod in all of their comparisons except PlayForSure compatability and Mac compatability?

Zune won. I mean, the conclusion drawn didn't even make sense. It seemed like they were too harsh and used the slight shortcomings to bury the Zune.

What about where the Zune outdid the iPod in Navigation? Sound?

We're talking about a media player here, and the iPod just got outclassed by the Zune in that very aspect.

Seems you guys hit a home run.

Whoa you guys are so close! If you'd add a few more features they want you guys would totally win! The Zune wins in my book though, all iPods have sucked since the Mini. Did YOU ever own an iPod Cesar??

Hey!! I use a MAC! :(

HAHA. The Zune is the clear winner -- who cares about points. Although I do agree on the Zune on Mac point. =)

No fair! :(

The zune OWNS!!! >:D

I have to say, some of their comments were rediculous, e.g. lack of a scroll wheel for the zune(it has the touch pad that does the job... and does it better), the zune being a bit hefty(it weighs less than the ipod classic and is almost the exact same size), marking the zune off for having to convert tv shows but giving apple points for having to buy them, no eq(has been proven to have better sound quality than the original zune despite the lack of eq), and finally, saying outright the zune is the better value but giving the ipod more points for that category(say wha?)

oh, also Cesar, since the xbox 360 crowd got divx and xvid support today, we zune owners will be patiently awaiting those as well :)

oh and sorry for the triple-post but I've been thinking about this for a while. A feature I thought of for a future update is to have the ability to sync over the internet. Instead of having to be within range of your wireless network, you could just be in range of ANY wireless network and use it to sync with your computer via your computer's ip address. This feature would, in my opinion be a killer one and put the zune FAR in the lead of anything else out there(not that it isn't aready)

I've never owned or even used an iPod (gasp!), so I'm not qualified to compare the devices, but...

Zune is lucky it didn't get slammed any harder on the compatibility category. I honestly can't understand why it got any points at all here. It's not compatible with MS's own DRM scheme, it's inaccessible to any 3rd party applications, it can't plug into iPod-compatible devices (like it or not, that's the defacto standard).

About the only aspect of the whole Zune experience that's compatible with anything is the headphone/video jack.

Dont worry ppl...the Zune 80 is beginnig to show is overall strength on Amazon Top Sellers on mp3's

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/electronics/172630/ref=pd_ts_e_nav

#6 as I type. Dec, 5. 1.30pm ET.

BTW, it will be in stock on Dec. 7.

That review is a sham.  View the Gigabeat (Zune 30 based on) vs iPod Prizefight.  

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11396_7-6550266-1.html?tag=lnav

Credit:

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2007/12/zune-vs-ipod-do.html

I compared the Zune 80 to a IPod Classic 80 and the IPod classic won easily. Why ? Well because I live in a country other than the US I cant actually get a Zune 80 whereas the Ipod is available worldwide.(yes I know I could import but I am not going just to cover Microsofts narrow view of the world.). The lack of audible support for me would be major issue for me. Inability to use WMP 11 as client is also a negative.