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Zune vs. Ipod - Let’s get it on!

The Microsoft Zune versus the Apple Ipod:

The Zune is the long awaited release by Microsoft to comete with Apple’s Ipod.

The Zune will be out for the holidays, but as time goes on it will be released with more features as they are develpoed.

The Zune is going to be released with many features and will only get better, some of the features that the Zune will offer are:

• WiFi
• Drive-Based
• Community to discover other artists, etc.
• Releases on November 14th
• Will cost $249.99
• Share files from Zune to Zune
• 3 available colors
• 3-inch LCD video screen that works in portrait or landscape mode
• 30 GB Drive (7,500 song, 25,000 pictures, or 100 hours of video)
• FM Tuner
• Subscription to download all the songs you can instead of pay-per-song
• May be able to play games in the future

As of now the Zune looks to have the brighter future with more in store, but right now the Ipod beats the Zune with:

• Ipod is slimmer in size
• Ipod’s click-wheel is easier to use for navigation
• More available music, songs, video, etc.
• Supports both Windows and Mac
• Longer lasting battery, by about 2 hours

The Ipod seems to have more “content” available through Itunes, and other media distributors. As fasr as the Zune we are still unsure of what will be available. The features of Zune-to-Zune sharing, WiFi support, FM Tuner, and 3-inch LCD screen may give the Zune the upper hand this holiday season.

Otterbox Waterproof iPod Case Review

People nowadays want to bring their iPod with them wherever they go and have it with them at all times. For the recreational type, this can often be a problem since you can’t really get an iPod wet. The good people at Otterbox though have changed all of that with their waterproof cases for the iPod.

Otterbox was kind enough to send us one of their high-quality cases for review along with a pair of the H2O Audio Waterproof Headphones.

Combining these two products, you have the ultimate underwater experience for the iPod.

We tested the Otterbox carry case with an iPod Mini and I have nothing but absolutely positive things to say about the product. The case is very sturdily built and can take a pretty good beating as it is made of very strong material, high impact polycarbonate. The clasp that opens and closes the case is also very sturdy and you can tell that no water is going to get in because of how tightly it closes.

Another huge bonus to the carry case is that the scroll-wheel on the iPod is still fully functional. It is a little harder to use since you have to push down with a slight bit of force, but in general it works very well considering how strong of a case it is.

Once your iPod is slipped inside the case it is completely safe from water. Through the case your iPod is hooked up to a headphone port which is where the H2O headphones come into play. The headphones are fairly comfortable and have a great underwater design.

We took them swimming in a shallow pool as well as a Jacuzzi with water around 102 degrees F and found that they performed very well under the water. They stayed in the ears nicely and had various attachments to allow for better fit and comfort.

The case itself is said to be able to go up to 3 feet below water, or 1 meter. This is not terribly deep but we found that you can push this number a little bit, though it is not recommended.

For the active person, this is the ideal solution to protect your iPod. The belt clip attached to the case allows it to easily strap onto your clothing and you are good to go without having to worry about getting your iPod all sweaty or dirty in the rain when running, bike riding, working out, etc.

With a price tag of around $20 for the case of the iPod Mini and $39.99 for the underwater headphones, Otterbox is offering up the ultimate outdoor solution to any iPod owner for a very reasonable price. You can find these at their site www.OtterBox.com and they are highly recommended if you do any physical activity at all with your iPod!

Final Score: 9/10 For any active iPod owner and user this is the ultimate accessory if you use it on the go and sweat or get it wet from time to time due to rain or whatever the outdoors will cause, especially for the price!