Sizing Up the Zune

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/36918746@N00/sets/72157594362534970/' target='_blank'>http://www.flickr.com/photos/36918746@N00/sets/72157594362534970/</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/zt/2006/wey-20061106-zunesize.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />A Flickr user by the name of &quot;fatherfork&quot; managed to snap a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36918746@N00/sets/72157594362534970/" target="_blank">few shots</a> of the Zune (okay, it's a non-functional retail display unit, but it's not like it matters in this case) next to the 5G iPod, iPod nano, Zen Vision:M and Sansa e200 series. While it does appear a little on the large side, <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/05/zune-stacks-up-in-size-ipods-zen-sansa/" target="_blank">Engadget</a> assures us that it's &quot;deceptively small and still quite pocketable&quot;. Now that's what we like to hear!

[Jason Dunn]

Yeah, it's so hard to judge device size until you're holding it - by looking at this photo, it sure does look pretty damn big, but we'll have to see...

[ucfgrad93]

Personally, from this picture it doesn't look too bad. However, its hard to tell how thick it is compared to the iPod. Also, what is it going to be like when you put a case on it?

[Jason Dunn]

However, its hard to tell how thick it is compared to the iPod. Also, what is it going to be like when you put a case on it?

Here are some thickness comparison photos:
http://www.jakeludington.com/zune/20061001_zune_and_ipod_photo_comparison.html

Adding a case will add bulk, that's for sure, but the good news is that everyone has commented on how tough and scratch-resistant the Zune body is, so maybe a screen protector is all you'll need...

[ucfgrad93]

Here are some thickness comparison photos:
http://www.jakeludington.com/zune/20061001_zune_and_ipod_photo_comparison.html

Adding a case will add bulk, that's for sure, but the good news is that everyone has commented on how tough and scratch-resistant the Zune body is, so maybe a screen protector is all you'll need...

Thanks for the link. It certainly would be nice if it was more scratch resistant than the iPod. That's $30 less I'd have to spend. ;)

[MarxMarvelous]

After noticing that the Zune was the largest, the next thing I noticed is that it screen dwarfs the rest! Definitely nice for pictures and video but I've noticed even just scrolling around the menus and 'Now Playing' album art looks great on the screen. Add in the Wifi & FM receiver...

It will be interesting to see how big of an issue the size continues to be after it is released.

[Sage]

Here are some thickness comparison photos:
http://www.jakeludington.com/zune/20...omparison.html (http://www.jakeludington.com/zune/20061001_zune_and_ipod_photo_comparison.html)

That's the 80GB iPod though, isn't it?

[David Tucker]

You really never can tell how big or small a gadget is until you hold it. In pictures I always thought the MDA looked big and then I saw it in person and realized how tiny it was. Not that I think the Zune will be tiny but I don't think I can judge its size until I have it in my hand ;)

[Jason Dunn]

After noticing that the Zune was the largest, the next thing I noticed is that it screen dwarfs the rest! Definitely nice for pictures and video but I've noticed even just scrolling around the menus and 'Now Playing' album art looks great on the screen. ...

Yeah, the screen is 0.5" bigger than the iPod, but it seems much bigger, or perhaps it just uses the space better. It seems more "intense" to me in terms of a user experience, which is cool.

[Jason Dunn]

That's the 80GB iPod though, isn't it?

Yes, it is, so you're right in thinking that it's not exactly a fair comparison size-wise. I believe the Zune is nearly twice as thick as a 30GB iPod.