The new Zunes are official so let's get to it: a spec-by-spec scrap between Redmond's new Zunes and Cupertino's formidable iPod foe. Unfortunately, Microsoft failed to mention the all important battery performance of their new gear in addition to a few other minor details. Microsoft fans will tell you that's due to an iPhone-like surprise close to the November launch while haters will jump to the conclusion that this is a definite sign of trouble. Still even without that morsel, there's plenty of data to masticate for comparison. The Zune 80GB certainly holds its own when pitted against the 80GB iPod classic on a specification table. That's not the case, however, with the iPod touch as long as you're willing to sacrifice the bytes for the touch's bigger display and heftier price tag. It's a tougher call on the flash-based Zune vs. the iPod nano -- just how important is WiFi to you on a 1.8-inch display? None of this, of course, accounts for the oh so important user experience or the ecosystems supporting their respective players. As such, I'll reserve final judgment until I have the new Zunes in-hand. Until then you'd best dig in fanboys, that November release is a long way off. The tables that follow will provide the fuel to fight the flame wars for the weeks to come.
Follow link for tables.
Yet another leak for the ASUS ROG Ally X points towards as much as 8 hours of battery, but how does that compare to the competition?
Honestly, I really like this updated version. But it doesn't solve the biggest flaw that the original had for me: the Z1 Extreme APU. Yes, it's an extremely powerful part, but it is not part of AMD's Adrenalin driver update program, so it's dependent on Asus for driver updates. And unfortunately, Asus doesn't have a stellar record of support for their devices.
Up to 8 hours basically just means the least demanding games. AAA gaming at highest wattage would probably be about 2-3 hours which is good compared to just about 1 hour with the current ally. The OLED Deck can do about 2-3hrs.
Nope. The only improvements I want to hear is better customer support. Otherwise, I can't be bothered.
Jack writes: "Our guide to the best GPUs for Homeworld 3 talks you through some of today's best options from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel - for various budgets."
opinion piece? it's an advertisement and these articles shouldn't be here.
Advertisement on top of advertisements
Xbox and EA have recently made baffling moves that define how bleak the future of the gaming industry is with major companies at the helm. Ryan Bates from "Last Word on Gaming" posits in this op-ed that maybe it's not ineptitude, but intention.
Name someone that isn't trying to look us these days maybe cdpr.
Take two, ubi and yes even PlayStation are pushing us to own nothing and be happy with our live service ad injected games on a sub so they can raise prices at will and take access away when they see fit.
If it keeps up I'll be a full time retro gamer and this industry will be crashing hard
As rediculas as it sounds we need government reforms to defend consumer rights
Anything from Apple > Anything from Microsoft.
Does the Zune has Gapless Playback?
No? Oh well, looks like I'll stick to my ageing iRiver with Rockbox...
I actually can't believe that bladestar is getting disagrees. It is weird that people are so against certain companies. I can see people not liking a product line but it is rediculous that it carries over to the whole brand. Take me for instance... I'm not too big a fan of the PS3 but I love their cameras, cell phones, and walkmans.
Both Microsoft and Apple both have their flaws and both overcharge and have set some bad precedents at some point. I don't think Ipod are flawless (I own a nano)... I personally know people on their 4th Ipod because their other Ipods broke.
Sorry but I just hate generalized comments that are useless. It is good that Zune 2 has come out. We should all hope the Zune, the Zen, and whatever other listening device is able to make a dent on Apple's marketshare. We need competition so that prices are driven down.
-Joe
the hdd space is the only compliant i have about my zune. i like the software, i download a lot of music so paying a monthly fee instead of per album saves me lots of money. also if you don't download a ton of tunes you can pay per song or album if you want, the monthly fee is optional.
the zune has a bigger screen, no annoying wheel, and there is no conversion so uploading is faster.
i will defiantly consider buying one of these new zunes.