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"Snazzy"(!!!)...isn't that a word used only by grandmothers and old aunts who say how "snazzy" you look in those new trousers they've bought for your Christmas gift (when you were hoping for an iPod, no doubt)? Zune does suck.

It is a Zune Giveaway because no one wil buy them...

Brown?! - goes with Ballmer's hair... heh!

I am sorely disappointed in Engadget...

That interview with what's his name must have muddled their brain...

I don't know if I will have room End-gadget in my bookmarks anymore...

There is a "sold" sign on the door.

MDN in bold

So I went to the site to try to sign up, and on the page to give away the zune I saw a Mac and an iPod advertisment. Kind of ironic.

Bleh--I guess now we know what they're about.

Isn't Engadget run by the same people who own Gawker? No wonder they're stupid sellouts who think they're cooler and more relevant than they actually are.

wow this guy is a total douche.
i mean, comon people everyone knows the Zune is gonna fail and all, but why does everyone feel the need to trash it so bad? dont get me wrong, i love my ipod as much as the next guy, but does that mean we have to be so cocky about it that everytime something good is said about a competing product we have to go on a rampage? I'm a long time reader of engadget, and personally, i like to see a site that talks about more than just the ipod.

Sorry, I take it back. They're not owned by Gawker.

However, they still suck megaballs.

mrwright613,

The issue is that Engadget seems to be promoting the Zune and their overall coverage of the Zune is very, very much at odds with many other tech media outlets. Now, lo and behold, Engadget is giving away Zunes?

Come on, it's not at all difficult to see.

As usual, SteveJack nailed it.

Engadget has definitely jumped the brown shark.

mrwright613 (Engadget apologist),

Engadget did this to themselves.

Don't shoot the messenger: SteveJack just hoisted Engadget upon their own petard.

Bravo, SteveJack!

You caught Engadget red-handed... or brown-nosed in this case.

First prize in the Engadget competition is a Zune.

Second prize is two of them.

I'll leave it to you to decide if you think the "interview" is a puff piece or not. By any measure, "hard-hitting," it ain't.


Has MDN ever done a "hard-hitting" piece on Apple?

Is there actually documentation that Microsoft pays people to write positive articles about them or is that just something we Mac users like to say?

Just curious, it would be interesting to know for sure.

journalism student,

MacDailyNews "hard-hitting" Apple:
Apple in secret deal with Microsoft to hide Macintosh from world?
So, where are all the new TV shows on Apple’s iTunes Store?
I could market Macintosh better than Apple Marketing in my sleep
Apple should STOP advertising hard drive-based iPods for joggers and runners

There are plenty of other examples, too.

Also, if you haven't noticed, Engadget is supposed to be an independent tech gadget source. MacDailyNews (even in name) makes no secret of their "Appleness" even though they do criticize Apple from time to time.

Engadget: on the Microsoft payroll.

ms are SO greedy

yet SO inept at getting into new markets

""all-expenses paid first-look at the new device." All were quite positive about Zune - in stark contrast to others who presumably were not treated to Microsoft's "all-expenses paid first-look at the new device.""

So what you're saying is peopole who've actually touched and used the device are positive about it, while those just making up their comments having never touched a real Zune are not?

Hey, MicroSuck trolls!

It must suck to be you guys. Literally.

HA-ha!

BURN.

Looks like Engadget opinions are now worth..mmm let's see....about the same as a secondhand free Zune that can't be given away. On eBay, bidding for their giveaway Zunes start at 1 cent, but there are no bids, even Allard won't bother.

Silly silly Engadget. Just not good enough. Just too Microsoft.

"Team with Microsoft. Prepare to fail."

Engadget: impartial advice, or just in league with the Devil...

I hate to spoil the party here, but brown is the "in" colour this autumn. Just check out any clothing store and you will see plenty of browns, meaning that the comment about matching the "fall wardrobe" actually has some relevance. Of course, if you look at the fall fashions you will find they are in tasteful shades of chocolate, coffee and earth, so I'm not sure why Endgadget feels that the Zune's turd brown would actually co-ordinate well. There's no accounting for taste.

Brown...the new black? Not...

If I want to coordinate with my wardrobe, I'll just buy iPod cases of the appropriate color -- already have a nice brown leather case that looks way cooler than the Zune...

Hey, if I got an all-expenses paid trip to Seattle, I'd say cool stuff about Microsoft too...don't need an all-expenses paid trip to Cupertino because Apple products are already cool (besides, I'm practically just down the street from Infinite Way)...

Brown IS the hot color this year. It is all over the place in stores. Clothes, accessories.

I find it VERY entertaining to see macdailynews complaining about lack of impartiality. And for the post saying macdailynews takes Apple to task: Puhlease!!! This article just comes off as sour grapes. Macdailynews didn't get a Zune to rip to shreads, as they sure would "impartially" do. Show me an article where Macdailynews says ONE good thing about Zune, or talks bad about Apples horrid DRM scheme...

"Routinely lambasted here" is all you need to read from this article. Complaining that someone else is not impartial, but start YOUR article with those words.

"draconian sharing limitations,"

Where are the article slamming Apples DRM limitations on the number of times you can copy the music YOU PAID FOR????

This sight gets it's journalism pedigree from Fox News. No spin is too much...

brownisin,

I guess we can see from your monicker that you don't get it.

Give up trying before its too late.

brownisin: Where are the article slamming Apples DRM limitations on the number of times you can copy the music YOU PAID FOR????

could you give an example of what kind of copying you'd like to do with your iTMS songs which the DRM prevents you from doing?

brownisin asked: "Where are the articles slamming Apples DRM limitations on the number of times you can copy the music YOU PAID FOR????"

Macaday is correct, you really don't get it, do you? The thing is, YOU DON"T OWN THE MUSIC!

Example: when you buy a CD, you own the medium (the CD) on which the music is recorded. You don't own the composer's music, or the musicians' performance, or the graphic designer's design and layout - or the right (copyright) to 'exploit' these things.

Like it not, that's the law. How else are composers, musicians, graphic designers, etc to make a living? (Oh, and the record companies too - but let's not go there.)

DRM has to be limited if creative people's rights are to be protected, while at the same time giving end-users some flexibilty beyond just playing the CD or the download.

Just my 2 cents (I'm not a lawyer!)

I love everything Apple, but I would like to add one thing for accuracy:

The Zune has a built-in FM Tuner, so to compare "apples with apples" (as it were), the 30GB iPod is actually $249 + $49 (tuner) = $298 which is essentially what the Zune (presumably) will cost.

Now, don't get me wrong, for $300 the iPod is WORLDS above Zune, but fair is fair- the iPod similarly configured is about the same price.

Where are the article slamming Apples DRM limitations on the number of times you can copy the music YOU PAID FOR????
You can copy a song unlimited times, but it can only be in the same playlist a limited number of times. Or you can burn a playlist to audio CD and copy that unlimited times. Apple's DRM is about as liberal as you can get while still keeping the labels happy.
Re: the Zune knockoff, I thought that was the first time anyone has bothered to copy Microsoft, then I remembered the Linux variants that are modelled on Windows. Why not just copy Apple and cut out the middle man?

I scanned part of the article, when it first came out. When I got the gist of the message, I figured these guys were MS fanboy shills and stopped reading.

MDN MW: report.

I read the engadget blog fairly regularly and the text of the entry does not even sound like a typical engadge story.

"Microsoft is busting out the Zune today, and we've got the rundown... As for ballyhoo, wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing is where the real action is at"

I don't recall seeing that style of writing. I believe that the story was not even written by the engadget staff. I believe it was written by a 40 year old pr guy at m$ who is trying his very best to sound hip.

What Are the Symptoms of Microsoft Paranoid Personality Disorder?

People with MS-PPD are always on guard, believing that others are constantly trying to demean, harm, or threaten them. These generally unfounded beliefs, as well as their habits of blame and distrust, might interfere with their ability to form close relationships. People with this disorder:

Doubt the commitment, loyalty, or trustworthiness of others, believing others are using or deceiving them
Are reluctant to confide in others or reveal personal information due to a fear that the information will be used against them
Are unforgiving and hold grudges
Are hypersensitive and take criticism poorly
Read hidden meanings in the innocent remarks or casual looks of others
Perceive attacks on their character that are not apparent to others; they generally react with anger and are quick to retaliate
Have recurrent suspicions, without reason, that their spouses or lovers are being unfaithful
Are generally cold and distant in their relationships with others, and might become controlling and jealous
Cannot see their role in problems or conflicts and believe they are always right
Have difficulty relaxing
Are hostile, stubborn, and argumentative

What Causes MS-PPD?

The exact cause of MS-PPD is not known, but it likely involves a combination of biological and psychological factors. Early Windows computer experiences, Stockholm Syndrome, including physical or emotional trauma from Microsoft, and chair throwing "i'll fscking kill you " threats by Steve Ballmer, are also suspected to play a role in the development of MS-PPD.

How Is MS-PPD Diagnosed?

If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete Windows replacement with a Apple Macintosh computer and software.

If the doctor finds no physical reason for the symptoms, he or she might refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist, health care professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for a Microsoft influenced personality disorder.

How Is MS-PPD Treated?

People with MS-PPD often do not seek treatment on their own because they do not see themselves as having a problem. When treatment is sought, psychotherapy (a form of counseling) is the treatment of choice for MS-PPD. Treatment likely will focus on increasing general coping skills, as well as on improving social interaction, communication, and self-esteem.

Because trust is an important factor of psychotherapy, treatment is challenging since people with MS-PPD have such distrust of others. As a result, many people with MS-PPD do not follow their treatment plan.

Can MS-PPD Be Prevented?

Although prevention of the disorder might not be possible, treatment can sometimes allow a person who is prone to this condition to learn more productive ways of dealing with situations. To avoid buying Microsoft products or being employed by the company in the first place.

iPod Radio Remote

Listen to FM radio on your iPod and control everything with a convenient wired remote. You also get a set of earphones with a shorter cable that's a perfect fit for the remote. Compatible with iPod nano and iPod with video.

....extra eahones and remote, handy when ipod on belt/ or jacket pocket

First post!!! yeepee

Ordinarily, I laugh at the "Microsoft is paying so-and-so" conspiracy theories. But when it's this obvious...

Even if they are paying, let's see how the thing does in the wild. People want to win anything that's free, particularly kids and teens. Just because this contest is getting attention doesn't mean a thing about how the product is likely to do overall.

What M$ is doing may bite them in the ass. They are promising a really high quality user experience. I have a feeling they're going to have trouble delivering. It's going to be the same story: over-promise, under deliver.

Step back a moment and consider something about the Zune: There's lots of high schoolers out there who live in a different culture than most of us know. They spend hours communicating with each other by online chat, often with 8-16 chats running at once. They do MySpace, Yahoo, etc. and share everything. They usually have cell phones and download ringtones, music, etc. like mad.

This wireless sharing feature will hook them hard - as long as they can get their folks to pay for it (like they do their cellphones). To be able to beam music back and forth, buy it on a whim, and share it instantly on the playground, in the lunch room, and in hallways between classes or during free periods could really catch this generation.

I'm just saying, don't count it out as the next big thing. For those of you over 20, odds are you haven't seen the culture I'm describing close enough to understand what's going on out there. It's amazing (and not really in any good way).

BTW, people need to remember that this is an opinion piece (by definition, partial), unlike Engadget articles which are supposed to be reviews of technical gadgets and as such impartial.
Maybe the 3 bloggers who got the all-expenses paid trip did really like the Zune, or maybe they liked the all-expenses paid trip.
But whatever the case, I doubt MS chose random bloggers, my opinion is that the bloggers were probably MS lovers in the first place, so they wanted to like the Zune. Just like some mac users (myself included), can sometimes want to like an apple product, just because it is Apple.

Interesting exposition by SteveJack. But I think the explanation is simple really. Sites that review tech gizmo products including mp3 players have an interest in there being a lot of new players out there for people to have to choose between. How to choose? Well, come to engadget of course! Also, if you have trouble making something work, where do you go? Engadget or other similar sites.

So sites like Engadget, Gizmodo, even cNet, they all have a built in bias against the dominance of the iPod. The world doesn't really need these sites with the iPod (as far as mp3 players go). You pick an iPod, it works. There's limited decisions on buying, and little tech troubleshooting.

Plus, the site is run by tech heads for tech heads. One distinct class of apple or iPod haters are tech heads that actually prefer tech to be harder than apple makes it. If it's not harder (i.e., doesn't take more knowledge they have), their knowledge is useless. Nobody likes to be useless.

'Brownie is doing a heckuva job'.

Whether you agree with SteveJack's premise or not, he certainly is a masterful writer. Starts it slow, builds it and shapes it and then wham!

SteveJack damns Engadget with their own words. Wonderfully done. It really is.

(For the record, I agree: Engadget's is Microsoft's bitch. Sell outs!)

SteveJack wrote:

Get it, yet? Engadget likes the Zune. Don't forget - well, forget about Zune's battery life - just remember, "bigger screen, wireless, bigger screen, wireless." Mmmkay?

Oh shit, that was good!

Engadget is dead to me now.

I'm still trying to figure out what the photo on the white Zune's background is supposed to be... two people splashing in water near a NYCesque bridge? I'm having trouble thinking of any such suspension bridges that span bodies of water clean enough for a couple to enjoy splashing around in

Engadget podcast: unsubscribe

Wow, an absolutely disgusting, unfounded accusation. You should be ashamed of yourself.

First off, Engadget is a BLOG, not CNN. We have opinions and we aren't afraid to share them. I think the Zune has a lot of flaws, all of which we are quick to point out, like its limitations on file-sharing and its poor battery life. Do we think it's healthy for their to be a solid alternative to the iPod? Absolutely. Do we think that the Zune is that alternative? No, at least not yet.

You obviously didn't note in our J Allard interview where we try and pin him down to give a real answer to our questions about PlaysForSure -- or to give any real answers at all.

You misunderstood our quote about the Oriphe -- we actually like the Oriphe player, we love knockoffs.

I thought it was important to point out that MSFT had flown music bloggers out to Seattle to play with the Zune. It showed they were reaching out to that community, and I made it clear that the trip was bought and paid for.

Normally we get accused of being biased against MSFT and towards Apple. The truth is that those who are biased themselves dislike any coverage we have of "the competition".


We had wall-to-wall coverage of everything Apple announced last week, we even liveblogged their keynote. MSFT fanboys didn't like that much. Then we had wall-to-wall coverage of the Zune announcement, which the Apple fanboys didn't like much.

The simple truth is that we're enthusiastic about gadgets and new technology and try to cover this stuff as much as possible. No company, advertiser, or sponsor has any influence over our editorial, and there is a very strict wall between advertising and editorial.

Peter Rojas
Editor
Engadget

sorry, but as a longtime apple user and grafik-designer i am a little disappointed by the design of iTunes 7. the zune marketplace as shown in the screenshot on engadget however looks pretty good. i have to admit. i am sad now.

Engadget's Rojas doth protest much in his comment above, but Engadget's coverage of Zune and their decision to hold a Zune giveaway is more than a bit too fishy for my taste.

SteveJack is entitled to his opinion and has no reason to be ashamed. I happen to share the same opinion.

Peter: You're an editor, and you can't distinguish between they're/there/their?

Mr. Rojas,

It's not how much coverage you devoted to Apple and Microsoft, it's how you covered Zune.

The issue is that Engadget seems to be promoting the Zune and their overall coverage of the Zune is very, very much at odds with many other tech media outlets. Now, lo and behold, Engadget is giving away Zunes?

Face facts: you've been nailed.

Peter Rojas,

You're the one who's absolutely disgusting and should be ashamed.