Comments on: Microsoft Hums A Hopeful Tune

CBS' Larry Magid Puts The New Line Of Zune Media Players To The Test

[glossypan]

I am an relatively happy iPod owner. I was disappointed that this article did not address whether Microsoft has bettered Apple on the three bugaboos that bother me on my Classic.
1) Radio tuner? Apple''s is an expensive FM only add-on. I have not purchased it but it looks as if it would be inconvenient to use with some accessories.
2) Finish. My iPod stainless is tres beautiful. It is also easy to scratch and slipperier than an eel. I keep it in a silicone glove (2 pack $20 Circuit City) which solves those problems but detracts a lot from the beauty and a little from the functionality.
3) Songs purchased from iTunes are AAC 128 kbps. They are not portable and the low bitrate is not acceptable. I have no problems playing my higher quality rips, but playback of non-Apple content has bothered some iPod users, as evidenced by the questions in tech forums.
-- Comments from Zune owners on these issues? --