emun.eee

Sat down for the first time in a while to plan my next mobile software project.  The two platforms under consideration, Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 & Google’s Android….hmm….let me hear some opinions (either leave a comment or shoot me an email).

I probably just talked myself into getting a Zune HD, but let’s walk through this.

I WAS looking for a new all-in-one smartphone that can do it all.  Apps, music, video, internet, phone, blah, blah, blah.  But I am not willing to throw down $500+ for the one I want (Google Nexus One).  My AT&T Contract doesn’t expire until June so that throws the chance to subsidize one out of the Window.  However, I do need to upgrade from my current Sony Walkman 8GB non-touchscreen mp3 player.  I have a long flight to and from the United Kingdom coming up and it would be nice to be able to watch movie and listen to music during the flight.

So I have narrowed it down to two choices.  A Zune HD 16GB or Apple iPod Touch 8GB (about the same price $199, I am not about to spend $300 on one, no no no no).

The Zune HD 16GB

I’ve only really played with one in the store, so my experience is rather limited.  From what I can tell though it has several pros and some cons too.

Pros (over the iPod)

• Twice as much space as the iPod Touch 8GB
• Zune software is absolutely superb
• Zune Pass (listen to as much music as you can for only $14.99/month)
• HD radio (I haven’t really tried this, but  I hear HD radio is pretty good)
• Windows Integration: I have Windows Media Center set up on my PC so I have it recording TV shows all the time.  I can now take these shows with me wherever I go

Cons

• Apps (or lack thereof)
• Really only a media player so there are no auxiliary native apps for email or maps

The Apple iPod Touch 8GB

I have used the iPod extensively. And it is a very good all around device.  Definately more well-rounded than the Zune HD

Pros (over the Zune)

• Apps: this is a big one, because they go a looooonnngg to bridging the gap between being just a media player and a personal communication device
• Web browsing
• Bigger, higher resolution screen

Cons

• iTunes: I hate it, bloated and slow…its about time Apple revamp its look

I’ve pretty much made my mind up for the Zune HD, but I’m going to try one out extensively in the store and make sure.

You can stream Microsoft’s MWC 2010 Keynote today.  Just visit http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/windowsphone/liveEvent.aspx