When it comes to portable media products today, the two frontrunners are the Zune mp3 player by Microsoft and the Apple iPod. There are many people who have a preference, but when it comes right down to it, there are pros and cons to both of these players. In fact, there are actually quite a few similarities that the two players share, although there are several differences as well. So, if you are trying to decide which player is the right one for you, you'll want to take a look at the Zune vs. iPod so you can figure out which is the best choice.

When you are comparing the Zune vs. iPod, you'll want to take a closer look at the history of the two players. First of all, the iPod was first released back in 2001, while the Zune was not released until 2006. To date the iPod is still the best selling player; however, the Microsoft Zune is giving it some serious competition. They are both great options, but when you compare the Zune vs. iPod, you'll want to take a closer look at the pros and cons of both.

Now, let's take a look at the Zune and the advantages you can find when you compare the Zune vs. iPod. First of all, you'll find that you can store a lot more video on a Zune player than you can on an iPod. In fact, just on the 30gb version of the Zune, you can get at least 60 more hours, not to mention the larger 80gb Zune. You'll also find that the Zune has a screen that is larger, offers FM radio, charges faster, and also has an extra standard color - brown.

Of course there are a few cons to the Zune as well when you compare the Zune vs. iPod. You'll find that the iPod works with the Mac, while the Zune works with PCs. Also, the iPod is a bit lighter than the Zune as well. All in all, when many people take a look at the Zune vs. iPod, they are deciding to go with the Zune, since it offers many features and more storage space.

Looks like games are coming for the Zune after all! Microsoft just announced XNA Studio developers will be able to use the Zune as a multiplayer wireless mobile gaming platform. Details are sparse at this point, but it looks like it's going to be second gen Zunes only, since it was specifically mentioned that it'd take advantage of the touchpad controls. We'll let you know more as we get it.

So you want to put movies on you Zune player. Some things you need to know. Currently, the Zune player can support three video formats namely WMV, MPEG-4 and H.264. Most resolutions and bitrates are allowed since the zune software will automatically convert the videos files to be compatible for playing on the zune player.


If you want to play your DVD movies on zune, you will need a DVD to zune video converter since the zune software does not convert different video formats for you. I'm using the Cucusoft DVD to Zune converter and it works well. You can use other software to convert DVD movies to Zune.


Cucusoft DVD to Zune Converter



It's a long name but a dandy piece of software. First of all, if all this ripping and converting stuff is new for you, this is your best bet. It's basic, user-friendly, quick and easy. No complicated options. Just rip and convert.


Here is how simple this program:

1. Open Cucusoft Zune Video Converter Suite on our computer. Thereafter choose video file that you want to convert in Zune format.
   
2. Click on the "convert" button.
   
3. Save the new file i.e. mpeg-4 file, compatible with Zune video player at desired location on your hard drive in computer.
   
4. Then follow same procedure for another file that you wish to convert into Zune format.
   

Sure, now that you have a Zune, no doubt you are enjoying it, but you may be wondering if you can get some Zune downloads anywhere else than at the Zune Marketplace. While you probably will want to avoid places that offer Zune downloads for free, due to viruses, spyware, and adware, there are a variety of services online that do provide paid downloads for your Microsoft Zune that are quite a bit cheaper than the prices at the Marketplace.


Many of the sites available for these downloads have a lot to offer and they can provide you with great service and a download area that is user friendly and reasonably priced. Quite a few places that offer Zune downloads for your Zune 80gb not only offer music downloads, but they offer movies and other downloads for you to enjoy as well. Some will even teach you how you can rip music and DVDs and download them to your Zune player. Sure when these sites were first started, they only deal with music downloads, but now you can get a variety of Zune downloads, including TV shows, games, videos, and even audio books.


While many people spend huge amounts of money at the Zune Marketplace getting new downloads for their Microsoft Zune, there is actually a much cheaper way to get the downloads you want. Usually for less than $50 you can get unlimited access to a site that offers Zune downloads. When you think about how much it costs to purchase downloads at the Zune marketplace, you'll find that a membership site like this is definitely a great deal. However, if you do decide to use one of these sites you will need to pick a site that is reputable and trustworthy. Make sure that you take the time to take a close look at the site, weight the pros & cons, and make sure the site is a quality one before you begin paying to get your Zune downloads.

While many people really like the first run of the, recently Microsoft released the new Zune 2.0. While many people were happy with the first release 30gb Zune, the new Zunes have a little more to offer. Now there is a 4gb Zune, a 8gb Zune, as well as a Zune 80gb available. However, even if you don't want one of the brand new Zune styles, you can still purchase the 30gb Zune as well for the orginial $199.99 price. For those who like to have the cutting edge of technology though, the Zune 2.0 is definitely going to be a gadget on their list of things to buy this new year.



The Specs


If you decide to go with the 4gb or the 8gb Zune 2.0, you'll find that they have flash memory with a 1.8 inch screen. They are available in green, red, black, and pink. There is a bit of a price difference too, with the 4gb costing about $149.99 and the 8gb Zune 2.0 costing just about $200. Many people feel that the 80gb Zune is a better deal, since it only costs $249.99 and it has a larger 3.2 inch screen, great headphones, and definitely will hold many more files than the smaller Zunes.



A Few of the Features


The new Zune 2.0 players are coming with even more features than the previous Zunes. They have FM tuners, LCD color screens, wireless sync, wireless sharing, and a whole lot more. The software has been redesigned as well to provide even better performance.

If you take the time to read Zune reviews on the new Zune 2.0 mp3 players, you'll find that they are getting rave reviews. With a great price, great features to offer, and a huge amount of storage space, they are becoming extremely popular - even selling out when they first were released. So, if you are looking for the latest and greatest in mp3 players, consider adding the new Zune 2.0 to your collection.

How many times have you found yourself wishing you had something to pass the time on the bus, in a waiting room, or waiting for your flight? Just think how much faster the time would have passed if you could have relaxed and watched a movie! Now it is actually possible to take your movies with you anywhere with the new Zune when you convert DVD to Zune. All you need is the right Zune software and you can have your favorite movies available on your Zune player.



Video Files that are Supported by the Zune Player


Of course before you convert DVD to Zune, it is important that you are aware of the files that are actually supported by the Zune 30gb digital multimedia device. If you want to watch your movies on a Zune player, you'll have to have mpeg-4 files, since this is the type of video files that are supported by Zune. You can either convert movies to these files or look for videos on the Zune market place.



Software to Help


If your movies are not already in mpeg-4 files, you cannot directly convert DVD to Zune. First of all you are going to have a converter to convert the files to compatible files for your Zune player. There are several software options out there that will help you to convert the files, such as Cucusoft, Wonder Share, and Avex DVD.

Once you have one of these software options on your computer, all you have to do to convert DVD to Zune is open up the converter software and choose the file you want to convert. Then you will choose the convert option and save the file as a mpeg-4 file. Then you'll be able to transfer these files to your new Zune player. So, you'll find that it is really quite simple to convert DVD to Zune and you'll be able to have all your favorite movies with you whenever you need them.

With mp3s quickly beginning to be the most popular form of music today, mp3 players are important; in fact, more and more people are giving up CD players for a new mp3 player. While we all are familiar with the iPod, which is the mp3 player released by Apple, there is not a new contender on the mp3 player market - the Microsoft Zune. Zune is a brand new digital music product that includes client software, digital audio players, and of course the Zune Marketplace, which is the online music store for Zune.


The new Zune comes in three different styles, which all can store pictures, videos, and play music. They all also have FM radio and show you the station info and the song and artist information. Most of them can also share files with other Zunes as well as with Xbox 360 via USB.


The Zune also comes with special Zune software as well, which will run with Windows Vista, with Windows XP, and also on the Xbox 360. This software allows you to manage all of your files on the Zune, buy songs online at the Zune Marketplace, and allows you to rip CDs as well.


The very first Zune was actually released in the U.S. back in November of 2006. Then, later in 2007 the Zune 80, 4, and 8 were all introduced as well, which sold far better then the first released Zunes. The software for the original Zune that was released was also updated when the new Zunes were released. Today there is more file support, support for Podcases, new features, and the new Marketplace available for the newer Zunes.


So, where you can get the Zune? Well, there are a variety of excellent places you can buy them. One of the best places to look for a Zune is online, at various stores, auction sites, and even from online techie stores. From between $100 to $250 you should be able to get a great Zune that will provide you with hours of media entertainment.

While many people never thought that anything would outdo the Apple iPod, amazingly the Microsoft Zune player actually has done just as great as the earlier iPods, or perhaps even a bit better. In fact, the new Zune player actually has been flying off shelves far faster than they can actually be made by Microsoft. Not even Microsoft expected the Zune 80 gb player to fly off shelves the way it did.


After totally selling out of stock, Microsoft is working hard to take care of this problem, making sure that the Microsoft Zunes were available once again to those who cared to purchase them. While the Zune may have been a bit slow at selling at first, with the new Zune 30 gb and the Zune 80 gb, popularity has increased immensely. This past year on Black Friday, it was the Zunes that were the second fastest product sold on the internet, second only to the Nintendo Wii.

If you have been wondering if the Microsoft Zune player could really match up to the Apple iPod, just take a look at the sales and your question will be answered. The record breaking sales of the new Zune should definitely show you that the Zune player is an excellent product for your mp3 music needs. So, if you are looking for a new mp3 player, consider giving the Microsoft Zune a try and enjoying what this new player has to offer.


Although the Microsoft Zune has been hard to come by in the past, now Microsoft is making sure that there are plenty of them available for purchase. So, if you are wanting to get your own new Zune player, no doubt you'll be able to find them once again. Consider going to online stores for your new player, since often you'll get the best possible deal online.

If you have made the choice to get one of the new Zune players available today, no doubt you are ready to take it home and start adding photos, videos, and music files to it so you can enjoy using it. Before you actually get started though, you are going to need some Zune software that will allow you to connect your computer and your Zune together so you can actually transfer your music files and more. In fact, with the right software, you can transfer files from a DVD to Zune with no problem at all. You'll be able to get great Zune downloads online as well to put on your new Zune player. So, having a good Zune software program is important if you want to get the most out of your Zune.


Just linking your computer and Zune together is not going to work. You see, you actually have to have the Zune software installed that will allow you to synchronize the two. While there are a variety of different Zune software options to choose from, you'll find that your Zune actually comes with software. You get the Microsoft Zune software with the player when you buy it, which will allow you to organize files and update you on the new types of media that can be used with your Zune.


The Zune software provided to you by Microsoft will allow you to view your songs, pictures, and videos that you have stored on the player, and it will also allow you to manage them as well. You can also find the Zune Marketplace as well, where you can find new Zune downloads to try out for your new player. There are a variety of different programs that are available to be used with a Zune, but when it comes to managing your media, the Zune software is really the best choice.

Zune, which is a popular alternative to an Apple iPod, offers a great way for you to take your music along with you while you are on the go. You'll no longer have to worry about lugging around that huge CD case to make sure you have all your favorites along either. Many people have begun to choose Zune as their mp3 player of choice, and there are a variety of great Zune accessories that can be added to the player as well. If you are a person who likes to be different and stand out, then you may want to consider purchasing some Zune accessories of your own to give your Zune player a hip new look.



Zune Speakers



When it comes to Zune accessories, one of the most popular choices is Zune speakers. Many people don't want to be tied down to headphones all the time when listening to their music, so they decide to go with some nice speakers to make listening to their Zune mp3 player even more exciting and fun. There are a variety of different types of speakers that are available, so you'll want to pick out speakers that provide great sounds for a price that is affordable.



Zune Skin Cases


If you want your Zune player to look great and stay protected, you may want to consider a skin case for your player. Skin cases are some of the hottest Zune accessories available on the market today. There are different colors and styles that you can choose from, and you can choose from hard cases or even silicone cases to keep your Zune protected. These cases help to keep your Zune from getting damaged when bumped or dropped and also protect it from dust and scratches.



So, if you have your own Zune player and you really want to make it look hip, consider purchasing some Zune accessories that will protect your player and improve your music listening experience.

I bought a new Zune 80GB. The player looks and feels very nice. The material looks very quality and futuristic. The first thing I notice about any device is, of course, the hardware. It's about as wide as a 5G iPod, but taller, heavier, and thicker than even the 80GB version.
What do you get for that extra space?

• 80GB of storage holds up to 20,000 songs, or 25,000 pictures or 250 hours of video


• Featuring a 3.2" color screen, Zune 80GB is perfect for portable video viewing


• Includes premium headphones that are designed to help block out background noise


• Zune pad makes browsing your device a blast: fly effortlessly through your music, pictures & videos


• Refresh your Zune with new content anytime you charge your device through your home wireless network


• Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing of select audio files and photos


• Listen to your favorite FM radio stations with the built-in FM tuner


• Record TV shows or movies directly to your Zune to take with you on the go

D
ownloading your favorite music and videos to Zune is as easy as 1-2-3. With the right software, you can download to Zune to your heart's content. It's just a matter of knowing where to look for Zune downloads. One such software can be found in Zune Empire.


Do you know there is a network with over 300 million MP3 / Zune music & movie downloads with people just like you downloading hit songs by popular artist such as; Akon, Eminen, 50Cent & Britney Spears going on right Now.



You can find popular sites such as Zune Empire and use them to get your media. That is just one source, there are many. Enter the world outside Zune marketplace and explore the overwhelming benefits that are only steps away from you clicking a few buttons. Don't limit yourself to just one way when there is always more. Grasp your fingers tightly around your mouse as your about to find out how to download Zune music the easy way!


So if you're looking for Music, Movies, Games or just a little help check out the best Zune Site on the planet at:


www.zuneempire.com

Some say I sound like an advertisement Microsoft Zune....I probably do, thats because I love mine.

What about Music Downloads & Movie Downloads?

First lets talk about Zune Marketplace. This is supposedly the official site for zune downloads and technically it is I guess but it leaves a lot to be desired. Zune Pass subscription, which gives you access to unlimited music downloads from millions of available songs for a flat rate of $14.99 per month. OUCH! Add to the fact Zune Marketplace does not offer TV or movie downloads; the USB connection is proprietary; no Wi-Fi music streaming; and the EQ feature has been removed.
Ok nothing new.....Great product but so-so on the media side. So where do you find music and move downloads for you zune.

Zune Music is easy enough to get - if you know how and where to get it. With the right software, you can download Zune music to your heart's content or convert all your CDs so you can listen to them anytime you feel like it.

There are over 12,000,000 - and counting - music files available just waiting for you to download from just about any genre you can think of. Country, rock, indie, hip-hop, classical - the list goes on and on. High quality software facilitates your Zune music downloads. As a result, you know you're getting high quality, Zune music files that are not the corrupted, spyware-laden variety you get from most file sharing and torrent platforms. And when you've built up an arsenal (or at least, a playlist) of your favorite Zune music, the software has the capability of burning the files into a CD or DVD, so you're backed up no matter what. And, just in case you didn't already know, you can do the same for movies too.

Zune Empire.com has the most up-to-date information on Zune Downloads - where to find them, how to download them and what to do with them. Check out Zune Empire to find ANY song, movie or games for your Zune player.

The Red Zune 80 is now on sale at Zune Originals for $249. It was only a matter of time before additional Zune colors started popping up, and red is first to bat. Zune Empire's prediction is that green and pink will be next, but there is no official news from the Zune team. Zune blogger Cesar reports that 20 additional designs may become available through Valentines day

While it may seem a little odd to discuss this week's MacWorld conference news on a Zune Squidoo page, I wanted to point out a recent difference between Microsoft's Zune, and Apples iPod Touch media players. It was a little revolutionary when Microsoft came out with the Zune 30 upgrade that revamped the software, and brought it up to where the current player is. While some claimed it would kill sales, actually the opposite happened as shelves of heavily discounted Zune 30's found their way to the masses.

Thought I'd point out that Apple is charging $20 for the firmware upgrade on the iPod Touch. Sure, it adds new features, but you're paying for them, most people will probably pass on it, I know I would.

What about a company standing behind their product, and making it the best that it can be? Even if a free firmware upgrade loses money for the quarter, I'm sure it will generate enough goodwill to make long term customers that will choose another Zune when their player breaks. In short, thanks again to Microsoft, and boo/hiss to Apple for this. I can't remember another company charging for a firmware upgrade in recent memory.

The Cucusoft DVD to Zune Converter is the easiest to use DVD to Zune converter software available. It can convert almost any type of DVD to play on Microsoft Zune Video player. It's a powerful DVD to Zune converter with very fast conversion speed. The output also supports full screen viewing. You can enjoy your favorite DVD's on your Zune as a portable DVD Player. Now you can get this DVD to Zune Converter at a very competitive price!

More DVD to Zune Information Here

Buy it here for $29.95

I am using it and it is very nice converter to put your collection into your Zune.