Comments on: If the rumors are true, buy the Zune HD

Have you heard about the rumored Zune HD? Well, Don Reisinger thinks it's a better buy than the iPod

[KCL]

Why is no one commenting on the vast difference between the way Apple updates it's firmware vs. Well, just about everyone?

I'd gone through many smartphones and PDAs in my day, and not ONE even came close to the upgrade philosophy of Apple. I can't tell you how frustrating it was to have to hack my way into the next version of Windows Mobile. It was PATHETIC and usually didn't work well.

So, let's talk about how Apple gives NEW FEATURES to the devices (and developers, for that matter) with each upgrade NOT requiring us to always buy new hardware.

Now that Apple has blazed the trail, I'm sure everyone else will be following (like the on-screen keyboard, App Store, etc...) trying to make their PMP/Phones easier to upgrade.

And the point about the next version of the iTouch/iPhone is valid. Apple looks ahead. The rest of the industry (especially MS) looks to catch up.

To this day, I love re-watching Ballmer on how ridiculous it was that Apple will be getting into the cellphone market. THIS is the visionary who's ultimately responsible for the Zune:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5oGaZIKYvo

So now, tell me. Which company do YOU think will back their product better? Oh, and didn't I see that Apple was far and away on the TOP of customer service? I guess we're just all drones who drank the Jobsian kool-aide.

[sliver1978]

I agree that Microsoft totally took the console wars (with exception to nintendo) with flying colors. Lets not forget that Microsoft did what Sega never could do. Remember the dreamcast, it was actually a joint venture between Sega & Microsoft. Sega got out of the game and Microsoft desided to jump in and secure a console independently. Microsoft took this market by storm, with X-box live being the crusher. PS3 is a fine console and one of the best stand alone media devices ever made. Lets not forget that Sony left a lot of PS2 buyers upset, how many people out there only purchased one PS2? Microsoft is fixing problems for us and it only takes like 4-5 days to get it back. I wish I had that when my PS2 failed just after the 90 day warrenty expired. I hope Microsoft does pony up with the Zen, dont get me wrong I love playing with the I-pod touch, but I wont get one simply because I-tunes is not my cup of tea. I want unlimited music for a monthy fee. I miss the days when Rhapsody was part of Media player, that integration was outstanding! All things considered if you have a Mac then you will probably want an I-pod, if you have a PC you should be pulling for Zune. Dont get upset with the applefanboys, you would be pissy too if you paid 2k+ for a computer and you cant play any good games with your friends.

[WheresMyLisa]

I'm sticking with my Walkman

[Rapol12]

Is coming September 2009!!!!!!! at Amazon http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/05/13/microsofts-zune-hd-set-to-hit-amazon-in-september

[grossj144]

I would love to buy the ZuneHD (if it isn't vaporware) but one thing is holding me back...the capacity. I have a large mp3 collection (all of it ripped directly from CDs that I own with a few from the Amazon/Walmart mp3 stores) and frequently travel for extended periods of time (up to six or so months in austere conditions). Since I have had a computer break while on a trip, I wasn't able to sync my mp3 player nor was I able to connect my external drive to a work computer in order to transfer the files to my mp3 player. So, I purchased an 80 gig Zune and have been very happy with it. I can carry all of my music, several videos, some pictures, etc and I don't have to worry about finding a computer that I can use in order to transfer music to my Zune. Now, if the ZuneHD had a 64 gig capacity I'd definitely put it on the short list of things I want to buy (and I'd re-rip all of my music to 128kbps encoding in order to make room for some cool games and apps).

Another thing that interests me about this is that since the OS is based off of Windows CE, it might be able to run apps that were originally intended for smartphones and pdas. If so, that would make my decision even easier. Plus, it would allow me to put my Palm LifeDrive to pasture. I think it would be great to be able to combine my current Zune, my LifeDrive, and my DS into one package. The possibilities with this device seem pretty endless...on the same level as the Touch. Only time will tell.

As for price, since all of the Zunes have been priced similarly to the iPod equivelent, I'd guess that they would continue to do so with the ZuneHD.