Reviewers say the Microsoft Zune HD is a worthy competitor to the Apple iPod touch
(*Est. $230 for 8 GB). Although more experts prefer the touch overall, the Microsoft Zune HD is a great alternative for those who don't want to buy an iPod or to be tied to iTunes. The Zune HD includes a 3.3-inch OLED touch screen and sleek design, and reviewers say its display is gorgeous, although it is susceptible to glare and reflections. Most critics say the touch screen is more responsive than the one on the iPod touch, and sound quality is comparable. The Zune HD also gets high marks for its HD radio. Where the Zune HD lags behind the iPod touch is web browsing and apps -- Microsoft's mobile web browser is slow to load pages, and the Zune HD has only a handful of apps, compared to more than 250,000 available for the iPod touch. Overall, critics say the Microsoft Zune HD is a big improvement over previous Zune players. The Zune HD also comes in 32 GB
(*Est. $240) and 64 GB (*Est. $340) capacities. You can use the Zune HD if you have a Mac, but only if you are running Windows on Boot Camp. If you don't have much to spend, experts recommend the SanDisk Sansa Clip+ (*Est. $35 for 2 GB) as the best budget MP3 player. The Microsoft Zune HD has been tested by a number of credible reviewers, including CNET, PCMag.com, Laptop Magazine and ArsTechnica.com. Each of these sources thoroughly tests the Zune HD and provides detailed analysis and commentary. PC World, Wired and Electronista.com provide shorter reviews, and Amazon.com is a good spot for owner-written feedback.
