CMUThought Community Thought

The battle for the portable digital media players has gotten tougher with Apples release of it’s latest version of the iPod. The two main competitors in this space are Apple with the iconic iPod and Microsoft with the Zune. Microsoft has tried to take market share away by offering more features and memory at a lower price point but the brand that has been built around Apple is a tough battle. Although the Zune has been taking share away from Apple as evident by Apple’s new entries and at different price points. Most people who love the Zune like the fact that you are not tethered to just one music service and that you can play MP3 formatted songs as well as those that are purchased through iTunes.
Many of the major online retailers love when a new product like the Zune is launched because it allows them to offer more of a variety to their customers and they are able to get more creative with their price points. For instance I saw the MS Zune on sale at buy.com for under $85 with free shipping. This wa the 4 GB Red model with a car charger that normally retails for around $199. This presents a great option for parents like me who’s kids are asking for a music and video player and not wanting to shell out over $100. Since my daughters 12th birthday is coming up this might be a nice surprise for her.