Alright. I have been in this dilemma since Zune announced a direct competitor to the iPod Touch. I don’t know which to get. Microsoft announced they will release a new Zune that has a web browser, touch screen, an accelerometer, and other goodies that the iPod Touch has. So far, the only thing I don’t think the Zune HD will have is some small things like Notes, which is actually a big thing for me. Notes help me get an ‘edge’ on exams and quizzes when teachers don’t care about us ‘listening’ to our iPods.
Anyway, this is what I have figured out about the two (Zune HD 16gb & iPod Touch 8gb):
BOTH:
  • Have touch screens
  • Have web browsers
  • Use accelerometers
  • Have a dedicated marketplace for small applications
  • Use flash memory
  • Play music & videos & let you view pictures
  • Require 1st party software to sync with a library
  • Cost $220
  • Have podcasts
  • Have many 1st & 3rd part accessories
  • Are direct competitors with each other

The Zune HD (16gb):

  • Plays downscaled 720p video
  • Has a 3.3in screen displaying a resolution of 480 x 272
  • Outputs in 720p via HDMI cable and dock
  • Has free HD Radio built in
  • Streams music via WiFi hotspots
  • Uses Nvidia Tegra chipset
  • Only has 1st party syncing software for Windows (XP SP2+)
  • Has 64-bit version of 1st party syncing software
  • Has not been released yet (as of Sept,05,09)
The iPod Touch (8gb):
  • Is 4.4in tall, 2.4in wide, .33in thick, & weighs 4.05 ounces
  • Has a 3.5in screen displaying a resolution of 480 x 320
  • Supports (with restrictions) AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF, & WAV audio filetypes
  • Outputs in 480p & 576p
  • Supports (with restrictions) M4V, MP4, & MOV video filetypes
  • Has a volume (up & down) rocker
  • Has 36 hours of audio playback & 6 hours of video playback
  • Charges fully in 4 hours
  • Has 1st party syncing software on both OS X (10.4.1+) & Windows (XP SP2+)
I would have included a lot more of the Zune HD specs, but only a limited amount has been publicly announced.
I am leaning toward the Zune HD right now, but I am open minded. Anybody reading this who wants me to sway one way or the other, please do. Just comment. I really want a new PMP this year, but I cannot truly decide which to get.