My iPod was DOA after being late to be shipped, that was just wonderful. On the whole though, I've yet to meet someone with a Zune that was unhappy with it, save you. I know many people who are unhappy with their iPod though. I suppose it's a matter of personal preference. As long as you spring for the extended warranty, go for what you like to use more. For me that's the Zune. This argument goes back to Mac vs Windows too (After all, iPod = Apple = Mac, Zune = Microsoft = Windows). There are differences and similarities between the two, but it depends on your preference, and if you want to belong to the majority (Windows, iPod) or the minority (Mac, Zune). tl;dr - To each, His own. Don't compare them to Mac Vs. Windows, they're two totally different things. Anyways Zune is much more similar to an iPod in relation to the differences between Windows and Mac.