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I’m an unabashed iPod fan, but I keep hearing rumors of alternative devices that are just as good as — if not better than — Apple’s bar-setter. Chris Jenkins of the Ohio Society of CPAs thinks he’s found one. Chris, tell us about it:
The line between work and personal life is continuously blurred, and I find myself constantly looking for multipurpose devices to keep both sides of life on track.
When it comes to balancing entertainment with information, there is nothing quite like the Microsoft Zune. Tight integration between Microsoft software, well-built media management software and excellent hardware combine to build a best-of-breed media player.
The Microsoft Zune comes in multiple sizes and colors. Starting at 4GB and climbing all the way up to 120GB of storage, there is a size for any use. Color choices include classic black, red, blue, pink, green and gold. Additional customization is available through custom engraving called tattooing.
The Zune management software continues the custom theme by building a social music experience that connects you with other Zune users. Purchasing a Zune Marketplace subscription allows you to connect three Zunes and three computers for $15 a month. The subscription enables unlimited music downloads through the Zune software or on the device itself via Wi-Fi.
In addition to music, you can also download videos and television shows to enhance your media experience for an additional cost. Of course, Vodcast and Podcast subscription management is included within the Marketplace. These subscriptions allow users to subscribe to news and entertainment feeds based on personal interests.
Another feature that ties the Zune to the Marketplace is song tagging. When listening to the built-in FM radio, users can view the song details and tag the song for download from the Marketplace.
While the Marketplace offers a wide variety of media, the tight Windows integration further expands your media options. Media placed into the My Pictures, My Music or My Videos folders can be automatically converted and synchronized with the device. This extends Windows Media Center content capabilities by allowing you to simply copy recorded TV shows to the My Video folder. The Zune software will automatically find media, convert it and sync it with the device. Pictures and audio files can be managed the same way. Simply put your media in the corresponding folders and your media becomes available. Alternatively, you can set the Zune software to monitor additional folders, bypassing the copy and automating the entire process.
Flexibility in media management allows users to move past the basics, utilizing external software to capture and utilize additional media types. Some of my favorite external software solutions include:
- Zune Video Converter plus DVD to Zune Converter Suite: $39.99
- Web Video Downloader, stand-alone version: $30
- FLV Converter: $19.99
Using these tools allows me to easily rip DVDs, capture media from the Web and convert any of it for use on the Zune.
Combining my music collection, audio books, podcasts, vodcasts, movies, YouTube and online training videos creates the balance I demand. Utilizing simple patch cables links the Zune to my TV, stereo, XBox 360 or car stereo. When I travel, my entire media collection is available and accessible with the device I choose. I can update or share my media via Wi-Fi, and if all else fails, I can drop back to the FM tuner for live coverage of news and events.
While it might not be as simplistic as the iPod, the Zune offers the additional features the iPod lacks. The included Wi-Fi, integrated Marketplace and FM tuner add the functionality I require. With a prices ranging from $199 though $249, the Zune is an exceptional device for the price. Overall, the Zune offers the flexibility I need for the life I live.