Media players are becoming more of a passion these days. People of all ages love to have a media player of theirs own. Though a large variety of mp3 and mp4 players is available at the shops, the quality lovers won’t go for something inexpensive but non-reliable. Apple and Microsoft have a tough competition not only in PC and Mac field, but in media player war, too. Apple’s iPod is a threat to Microsoft’s Zune and vice versa. The Zune 120 GB third generation has given a tough competition to iPod classis indeed, with large memory and nice features. Let us have a look at its specs.

Specs:

• Product type: Digital player / radio
• Dimensions: 2.4 in x 0.5 in x 4.3 in
• Weight: 4.5 oz
• Color: Black
• Included accessories: 6 ear tips
• PC interface supported: Wi-Fi , Hi-Speed USB
• Digital storage: Built-in 120 GB Hard disk drive
• Supported digital audio standards: AAC,  MP3,  WMA,  WMAPro,  Audible
• Playback modes: Random play / shuffle
• ID3 tags support
• External hard drive function
• Additional features: MPEG-4 playback , JPEG photo playback , Variable bit-rate compatible
• Built in display: 3.2 inches LCD
• Resolution: 320 x 240
• Display menu languages: French , English , Spanish
• Sound output mode: Stereo
• Built in clock: Digital clock
• Additional features: built in games
• FM Radio Tuner
• Included cables: 1 x Data cable – External
• Connector type: 1 x Headphones / composite video , 1 x Docking station
• Batter: Lithium ion Rechargeable Player battery–Integrated
• Estimated battery life: 30 hrs
• Recharge time: 3 hours
• Price: $229.99 - $249.99 (subject to variation according to time and location)

Features:

Released on September 16th 2008, the Zune 120 GB third generation is a competitive iPod alternative. Microsoft has told the world that mp3 player does not mean iPod. Back side is black and the front is glossy plastic, which is prone to finger prints. The larger memory has not fattened up the device, thankfully. Marketplace, via Wi-Fi, allows users to browse, preview and download music of their own choice.

The FM radio is great with support for channels that broadcast artist and song information over RBDS. One can also play and enjoy games on the Zune. MP3, WMA, protected-WMA (Zune Marketplace only), WMA Lossless, AAC, and Audible audio file formats are supported by the media player. Literature lovers can happily listen to their audio books, too. WMV, MPEG-4, and H.264 are supported in video section natively at a DVD-quality 30fps frame rate.

Pros:

• Enhanced Wi-Fi and social music-discovery features
• Support for games and audiobooks
• 3.2-inch glass LCD
• User friendly interface
• Great navigational controls
• Audio- and video-podcast support
• Outstanding FM radio
• Wireless syncing
• Nice audio quality
• Built-in composite-video output

Cons:

• Normal battery life
• Smudge-prone front side
• Expensive

Final Words:

When it comes to a comparison between iPod and Zune, both are doing a great job. Still, Microsoft has to go a long way to reach up to the superb battery life and accessory options offered by Apple.

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