The new Zune HD is undoubtedly the very best mp3 player that Microsoft has ever developed. The Zune's full-touch screen, Wi-Fi internet experience, and Zune Marketplace have positioned it to directly compete with itouch new generation ipod. Although the Touch is the reigning champ among digital media players, the Zune is definitely causing a stir with its new design. So how does it stack up? Let's look at a few of the considerations.

The Zune HD interface is extremely attractive and intuitive. It is every bit as responsive as Apple's device. You can easily find your most played and favorite music with several well implemented bookmarks.

Screen:

The iPod has a bit larger screen, at 3.5", when compared to Zune's screen at 3.3". Both are excellent at displaying images, and the picture viewer is great in both. You can rotate either device to view your photos in portrait or landscape mode, and you will zoom in and out with a pinch of your fingers. One notable difference would be that the Zune HD displays a deeper, richer black color than itouch new generation ipod.

Internet:

The Zune HD utilizes a mobile version of the Internet Explorer browser, in contrast to a mobile Safari browser on itouch new generation ipod. Microsoft has finally been able to create a mobile browser that is every bit as attractive and zippy as Apple's. One key difference is that Microsoft's browser displays some web pages in the mobile version by default, whereas Safari always gives you the real thing.

Apps:

The Zune HD comes with the Zune Marketplace, which is very similar in feel and look to the iPod's App Store. However, The Zune falls far short in this category. Apple has had a 2 year head start on Microsoft, and it shows. The App Store is filled with thousands upon thousands of Apps, while the Zune Marketplace has only a fraction of the selection.

Music:

Buying music on the Zune is every bit as easy as on itouch new generation ipod. After you've set up your payment information, it is as easy as the push of the mouse to download a song in seconds.

Radio:

Here is where the Zune really shines. Although the iPod Nano now comes with an FM tuner, the ipod touch still lacks one. Besides the Zune HD come equipped with an FM tuner, but it is also the first mobile media player to possess HD radio. You can easily tag a song that it playing on the radio if you'd like to download it at a later time.