Microsoft's iPod Amnesty Bin keeps Zune coders on the up and up

Man, you gotta love it when Apple and Microsoft take these little swipes at each other. Rex Sorgatz apparently visited Microsoft's Zune HQ and spotted this plastic "iPod Amnesty Bin" sitting at the entrance, complete with its not-so-subtle message. We're leaning towards the Microsoft stunt end of things (you think they had a "PowerBook Amnesty Bin" outside of J Allard's office?) since if you look closely, you'll notice all the full size iPods look like the same 4G model. Oh, someone also seems to have dropped in a 2G shuffle -- maybe a staffer with access to one of those rumored flash Zunes?

[Via TUAW]

[(Unverified) Posted May 25th 2007 7:52PM]

Dude, if you think it weighs a ton, then you need to get to a gym.

The Zune is totally better than the iPod. Though not being as shiny or pretty, it is MUCH more durable while offering roughly the same options, and some that the iPod doesn't currently have (WiFi, radio, album art, half-way decent and fluid menus). True, the iPod does have a clock (which I wish the Zune had), calender (pretty useless), a text reader (wish the Zune had as well), and games (can't really count those, as they are next to impossible to play on the "Click-Wheel"). Those features don't add onto the functionality of the device's primary function (music/video player), in which the Zune clearly has the edge on with it's larger screen(yes, the same resolution, but quality isn't much different, and not even noticeable because you don't have to squint and hold it close to your face), higher quality headphones, and all-you-can-eat music service.

You can't even call it a brick either, because the iPod (though SLIGHTLY smaller) feels the same way.

The buttons? You have to be FUCKING INSANE to prefer that damned "Click-Wheel." It's so much harder to get used to than the Zune's simple button layout. If you want to talk about the buttons falling out (which they don't, and are actually very well installed), what about the Click-Wheel? I know it doesn't fall out, but it does get desensitized. Most of my friends iPods are desensitized (5.5G, so they're pretty new), so they have to press the so-called "wheel" pretty firmly to get it to work. Much harder to use that a button, which is much more precise and accurate. I cannot even recall how many time's I've tried to select an item, but when I go to press the center button, it moves up or down one to two spaces. Pretty frustrating a lot of times, especially when driving.

Also, add onto that fact the quality of the device's construction. Apple's iPod has been the epitome of poor quality. The awesome mirror like finish and glossy plastic on the front are great for a few days until you have a ton of smudges and scratches, just from putting it in your pockets. The Zune, while not being as "pretty" as the iPod, definitely has the durability bit of it down, pat. I have dropped my Zune (on accident, of course) about six-seven times now onto tile and low-pile carpet (the stuff they use in schools), but mostly tile. Not a single scratch. I'm serious, not one fucking scratch, gouge, dent or anything.

But, what would you know, you have never even touched or SEEN a Zune in real life, let alone actually used one. How do I know? Because if you had, you wouldn't be complaining.

The Zune is LESS than one ounce heavier than an iPod 30GB, and that's with more parts; e.g: WiFi chip and antenna and a radio antenna.

iPod - 4.8oz
Zune - 5.6oz

Really, your blatant fanboyism is showing through.

[(Unverified) Posted May 30th 2007 11:31AM]

i think you must be referring to the first generation iPod (circa 2000), which i agree the Zune might have a slight edge on. The current one, let's say the 30gb video is much simpler. The click wheel is awesome, but then again, i understand you might prefer the other. That's why there are multiple brands out there with products that will appeal to different folks. For instance, some people prefer to drive Fords others BMW. You figure out which is which, but it is based on economics, preference and brand loyalty.
Finally, the iPod does have cover art... and for the resolution, when i connect it to my tv (or TVs in hotels when i travel) it all looks good -- i tend to save the videos at 640X320, it's not HD but it's good enough to enjoy. I can even control it with the remote from my couch.
BTW, check out sharetv.org for all your free TV shows...

Cheers.

[Philster Posted May 25th 2007 3:26PM]

Ha!

I also like how they "bulk up" the bin by tossing in an empty Gel Skin...

"To hell with my iPod. Let me remove it from my Gel Skin before I throw it away in disgusted dissatisfaction!" Yeah right.

[shabbis Posted May 25th 2007 4:07PM]

MS needs to fund Zune development somehow since no one is purchasing them. I guess MS figured it could collect old iPods and eBay them.

[pohatu771 Posted May 25th 2007 5:04PM]

The "2G shuffle" you mention... I'm either missing it, or you're mistaking an iPod battery for a shuffle. Or I'm doing the same thing, backwards.

[(Unverified) Posted May 25th 2007 11:40PM]

you're really not making any sense.

(Homer: "You just leave that to me.")

seriously, what are you talking about? ....you've made it painfully clear that you have no idea.

[(Unverified) Posted May 26th 2007 2:16AM]

Ooh, you're a smart one aren't you?

[(Unverified) Posted May 26th 2007 2:27AM]

oh jesus.

i'm over it. respond with another nonsensical remark and we'll just leave it at that. moron.