"Avoid the Zune"
I haven't read much about Microsoft's new "iPod killer," the Zune, but rarely have I seen a more scathing product review than Andy Ihnatko's column in the Chicago Sun-Times. And if only half of what he claims is true, the world will be a better place as soon as the Zune is goon...I mean, gone. (I had a Seussical flashback there for a second.)
If you're contemplating buying one of these things as a Christmas gift, you might want to read Andy's take first.
I'm not a user of any of these sorts of devices, but in fairness to Microsoft, they have gotten some kudos for the UI on the player. (Wouldn't be the first time they've, uh, enhanced an Apple UI.) Ihnatko's assessment of MS's toadying approach to the music industry is spot on, though, and the whole points deal in their store is, well, senseless.
i saw a zune commercial awhile back and thought, "hey that looks pretty cool". then i saw it was made by microsoft, and i said, "oh, nevermind. probably won't work."
i would like to say i'm surprised, but i'm really not.
Posted by: kyle at December 7, 2006 11:38 PMAs one who does not yet own an iPod-like music thingy but who has increasingly discussed the issue with his charming, intelligent wife, I just want to thank you for pointing me to the Zune review. I'd heard that it was less than optimal, but the tail-wagging relationship with the music industry (Ihnatko's turn of phrase) is precisely the sort of thing that I despise and refuse to support.
Posted by: Foo at December 8, 2006 10:43 AMApparently Zune has some language related problems in Israel. ( I know Hebrew fairly well, but am really not conversant with slang.)
Posted by: soccer dad at December 11, 2006 10:41 AMA product that unwanted won't get more than 10% of the market share.
And deservedly so.
Posted by: Natalie at December 11, 2006 02:22 PMOne of the more subtle trolls I've seen lately, Nat...
Posted by: Eric at December 11, 2006 02:34 PMAbout the publisher
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I saw that review a few days ago and thought it was pretty funny. Ihnatko's pretty good at the (more than) occaisonal sardonic turn of phrase.
He convinced me not to get one, though that didn't take much.
Posted by: Jim at December 7, 2006 04:20 PM