Take your tunes on the run with 8GB Zune player, $119.99 shipped

(Credit: Microsoft)

Sure, you can still pick up a 4GB refurbished iPod nano for around $99. But for just $20 more, you can get a brand spankin' new 8GB Zune from OfficeMax. They'll even pick up the shipping (though you'll probably have to pay sales tax). Here's why the Zune trumps the nano:

• It has an FM tuner.
• It can wirelessly sync with your PC. One less cable snaking across your desk!
• It's compatible with Microsoft's all-you-can-eat subscription service.

And let's not forget the obvious: You're getting twice the storage space for a mere 20 bucks extra. Granted, iTunes is vastly superior to Zune Marketplace in terms of selection (for music and video alike), and the nano has a slightly larger screen than the Zune. But those are nit-picks: The Zune is slim, cute, pocket-friendly, versatile, and a steal at $119.99 shipped. I've been carrying one lately when I run, and it's a great little exercise companion.

[77kool]

Persolally I would go for the Nano. It has the clickwheel and is just cooler in my mind. But, I am waiting till September when they release the new ipods.

[C433Z]

ooh, but you gotta try the new zune's trackpad. i love it way more than the clickwheel. Plus the all-you-can-eat service can be split between 3 zunes. For $15 that's $5 a month if you split it between two other friends!

[Catfish909]

Looks good, can hardly wait to try it out very soon. Ipods is good too. It's all good.

[thatchman1]

Try as I may, I can't seem to snag this deal without being tagged with $35 in shipping. Hm. Sounds like not much of a deal anymore.

[optiger92]

I'dget a ipod instead cusmy zune jus broke after only 3 months

[steelerfantex]

Not to start any flame wars, but I tried Zune and wanted to love it but the software is simply horrible. Anyone looking to buy a Zune, find a way to check out the software and use it. It is not user friendly and will also jumble your library. The same tracks work flawlessly in itues were completley jumbled in Zune software, even after spending hours meticulously checking tags.

[lpfan091989]

damn, i totally agree, i had a zune for a while the software was horrible and made it a disaster to sync. it was very annoying. now i have an ipod classic with no problems at all.

[lmngs1998]

The amount of Zune love coming from Cnet these days reeks of coroporate sponsorship. MP3 insider is giving away a Zune, there are Zune ads all over Cnet, Donald Bell consistently gushes over Zune Pass, etc. It doesn't really take a genius to add things up here.

Nothing against the Zune, it is a fine product and a worthy competitor to other MP3 players, but I find it hard that after being on the market for over a year, Cnet starts really revving up the Zune coverage, endorsements, and giveaways right around the same time Microsoft starts paying for more ad space.

[rickbroida]

Or, it might just be possible that some people like Zunes . I have something of a soft spot for them, having written an entire book about the product, but make no mistake: I'm head-over-heels for my iPod touch. The 8GB Zune, however, is definitely a better exercise companion. Nothing wrong with owning two devices!