Apple iPod Nano vs. Microsoft Zune

• The Contenders
• Navigation
• Sexiness
• Compatibility
• Sound and Science
• Wallet factor
• The winner is...

Round 3: Compatibility

File formats, music services, software

Apple iPod Nano

This is a subjective take on the MP3 player's compatibility with software, hardware, and music services we personally like to use. Both of these MP3 players require their own software, and both Apple and Microsoft still hawk DRM-protected music from their stores. Pick your poison.

Player	Jasmine	Donald	Brian	Total
Apple iPod Nano	3 There's no music-subscription option and relatively limited format support, but iTunes offers a good selection of media--and it's Mac compatible.	4 The good thing about being on top is that most companies go out of their way to make themselves iPod compatible. Monthly iTunes updates get tiresome, however.	4 You're locked into iTunes, but it's PC and Mac compatible. It's the biggest catalog of music out there and there's no subscription service.	4
Microsoft Zune	3 A bit more format support than the Nano, plus a subscription option, but no Mac support, and the Zune Software is still slow at times.	3 The only MP3 player more closed-off than the iPod is the Zune. It's obnoxious. The software can't scrobble tracks for Last.fm or iLike, and the hardware won't work with my Mac.	3 You're locked into Zune's software and it's ONLY for the PC. That knocks a point off for me automatically. You can purchase single tracks or go with Microsoft's subscription service.	3

Winner: Apple iPod Nano (4G)