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41 Comments
- Evoguy, on 10/12/2007, -16/+34Please... do you guys honestly have nothing better to do with your life than perform your 'duty' of going around sticking your nose in other people's business. Does it make you feel cool or something? I don't care what side you're on, if you try and "convert" me to your way of thinking, you're as bad as the evangelicals. Keep your beliefs and biases to yourself, let people make up their own mind.
Also, you know damn well the shuffle is a completely different product segment with a completely different feature set, what if they were looking for video capability and larger storage? In cases like this, you're worse than the average best buy employee. - TheXeno, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12Have a similar situation.
I found myself at Best Buy, in a situation where I was looking at the music players on display, and a couple came up and they were tinkering around and we got to talking. A Best Buy employee came over and started to help and they were asking questions about getting a music player. The employee suggested both the Zune and the iPod and they asked what was the main differences. I happened to know a few more things about the two and interjected a few things that I'd learned, weighed out the pros and cons of each, and the couple decided on a Zune.
The point is, they bought what thought best fit their needs. They weren't "uninformed" but they were new to the digital player market. I know it's a crazy thought, but the iPod isn't for everyone, nor is the Zune. Frankly, the sentiment that the Zune is only for uninformed consumers is fairly narrow minded and overtly bias, the same could be wholeheartedly true for the iPod as well.
Take a deep breath and repeat after me, People will get what they want, and it'll be okay. - monkeybutler, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6I tried a shuffle and felt it inadequate for my mp3 needs. If I went around smacking it out of potential buyers hands saying "shuffle! bad!" then i'd be considered a nosey selfish a-hole for assuming my opinion is the ONLY opinion. Yet this guy does the same thing with the Zune and he's labeled as some sort of consumer's hero?
Shopping is tough enough for people trying to avoid lines, crowds, inventory, gift lists and boneheaded salesmen. NOW WE HAVE TO LOOK OUT FOR UNPAID BRAND FANATICS? How about you just keep your opinion to yourself and let people get what they want. If it doesnt fit THEIR needs then thats what return policies are for. - resplence, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7@allanpat
Of course it's about converting. Did you read his arguments? You think the kids went crazy for the iPod Shuffle' because he said something along the lines of "it's so cool you don't even get to choose what to listen!".
This Apple x Microsoft thing is getting ridiculous. - Evoguy, on 10/12/2007, -5/+10Your opinion that the Zune is a substandard product is just that, an opinion. If my opinion was that it was in fact a superior product, would you support me finding random *uniformed* people in the store looking at an iPod and "convince" them otherwise as you say? That's ridiculous, by your logic the most convincing advocate of the product should win, who cares about the merits of the product right?
Publications and reviews exist so that those who are interested can analyze the facts on their own and make their own decision, if they choose to be uninformed, let them decide from their impression of the product, because to those people, features don't matter, if they were intrigued by the Zune, who are you to stop them? Grow up and find something else to devote your "civic duty" to. - WATYF, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Wow... some anti-MS, pro-Apple zealot proselytizes his beliefs onto unsuspecting consumers and then writes a blog about it. That's prime Digg content right there. /sarc
Granted, I wouldn't touch a Zune (or an iPod) with a fifty foot pole (because of the DRM.. and no, the iPod DRM isn't "gooder").... but if some nutcase came up to me and started preaching the wonders of the almighty iPod and cursing the "evil" Zune, I'd punch him in the throat. :oP
I once thought that religious zealots were the most annoying kind of zealots... that is, until I met techie zealots... there's nothing worse than someone who thinks that a chunk of plastic and circuit boards is worth devoting their life to. - Evoguy, on 10/12/2007, -9/+13You sound just like a door-to-door mormon... they think they are "helping" and "informing" people as well, that's no excuse. What might be best for you means nothing about others. If people cared enough about the subject, there are plenty of ways to find the information on their own and make their own decision, you're in no position to interject whatever your opinion might be, despite how justified you feel.
- heinous, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Personally, I thought the user interface on the device itself was more effective and aesthetically pleasing than that of the iPod. Apple's scroll wheel has always seemed a hassle for me, especially since I have giant hands. I haven't seen the UI for loading music onto the player though. Is that why this thing is tanking, or is the onslaught being caused by hearsay?
- apotropaic, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Apple doesn't pay people to be dumb. Blind fanatics like this just do it for free.
- allanpat, on 10/12/2007, -13/+16it's not about 'converting' - if you know the details on a zune & still want one, all the more power to you. to an uniformed consumer however, they might not know the difference between a zune and an ipod. i consider it more 'helping' people make an intelligent choice, rather than converting them to my way of thinking.
- {{sPaz}}, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3How much is Apple paying you again?
- bubs, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I'm all about Apple and think they have great products, but this is just lame. Your article makes you and your girlfriend sound like nerdy fanboys and only reinforces the "Apple is the best, everything else sucks" image.
- allanpat, on 10/12/2007, -11/+14i don't consider myself an apple fanboy, but i still feel a civic duty to convince uninformed people from buying a Zune. It's just a substandard product. Give microsoft a few years to refine it a bit more and maybe, but right now it's a waste of money.
- MikeyTwit, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Evoguy, it's not about converting. At least for me it's not. I can't remember how many times I've been in Future Shop(a Best Buy Canadian division retailer) and watched some hopeless consumer get ***** by some clerk who hasn't got a clue(or maybe just plain devious). I remember one clerk feeding a poor guy some BS about the iPod and how needs to buy the extended coverage because of this or that, but when he discussed some other mp3 player, no other extra was offered. I smelled a rat. After the the clerk left I told the guy that he should know that the clerk was trying to sell him the extra coverage(it was through Future Shop, not Apple Care) because their margin on the iPod is slim so they make it up on this bogus extended care but on the other mp3, as a chain, they negotiate a better wholesale price and therefore get a bigger margin. It had nothing to do with any iPod inferiority. I know sales is sales. I worked retail 7 years and I got more return customers because I was honest with them and not lying to them. I'd even tell them not to but something if it didn't meet their needs. Guess who they would come and see when the time came that it met their needs?
By the way the guy bought the other mp3 player but was glad I helped him out. - TheXeno, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Buy a Zune, use it for two weeks, and then bash it all you want. I know I'm making an assumption here, but it appears as if you are operating on second hand knowledge. My experience with the Zune has been anything but what has been popularly reported. But then again, that's just me.
- EntropyFan, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Xilon
I am well aware of the 'all the cons of the Zune' and feel its a better choice.
Just because someone comes to a conclusion on what is right for them that you don't agree with doesn't make them wrong. It makes you biased.
As far as the 'useless WiFi', I think I will disagree. I saw a review over at ZDNet where they were streaming audio/video from Vista MC to the Zune as a media extender. That is kind of cool, and something I consider useful. - rheaume, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2It just seemed weird to me that someone would be impressed with a screenless unit with limited storage over a Zune with a color screen and tons of storage.. Shrug
- kd1s, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I had thought about gettign a Zune only because of the 802.11 feature. But when MS hobbled it, I decided against it.
Should Apple want to totally kill the Zune all they need do is include wireless the iPod line, with the exception of the Shuffle. That is the feature I've always thought the iPod should have, and if they do include it don't hobble it. - Xilon, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"but if some nutcase came up to me and started preaching the wonders of the almighty iPod and cursing the "evil" Zune, I'd punch him in the throat. :oP"
They never actually said anything about the iPod... only the gf took the shuffle out, but that's a fair thing to do (well not really considering the huge differences in features of the two). - apotropaic, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1In my opinion this is totally unacceptable and MS should really look into this. Its one thing to weigh out the pros and cons its another to have a goal of not selling one product over another. Is this a target policy or is it just this douche that is trying to help Zune sales not happen?
- TheXeno, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1@Xilon
Honestly, they were sold with the no finger prints matte finish if you ask me. But I told them that they had it way better with iTunes, lots more content to purchase, had way more accessories options, and it was smaller, just overall more support, especially as a market leader. Basically, if they went with the iPod they were hardly going wrong. But they liked the look of the interface of the Zune, more album centric, and they liked the choice to purchase their music as a subscription service instead of being pigeon holed into .99 cents a song. Plus they liked the ability to customize the front page with a picture of them or something. I think they were recently married and I said you could put a wedding photo or something as their home screen in the background. Actually that's what probably tipped the scales.
But yeah, they got what they wanted is all. - TurboDan, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1He does not work at Target, he was just shopping there.
- TheXeno, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Right on, I suppose I misjudged you. I thought you to be the overly brand loyal type. I'm totally wrong. To each their own, I'll second that.
- Vermifax, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Wait for it..........
- Evoguy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Not to mention said "girlfriend" is probably just a fabrication anyways. I find it hard to believe crazed fanatic personalities can successfully have relationships.. that is unless she's crazy herself, then good luck with that.
- cakeeating, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1So I guess now's not a good time to ask if you've accepted Jesus Christ into your heart as your Lord and Savior?
Seriously though, I forgot digg doesn't really get satire when it's about Apple/MS. Or maybe I'm just not as decent a writer as I thought I was. Maybe we've just seen too many similarly over-zealous advocates for both sides to recognize the difference anymore.
It was my hope that some folks could have a little chuckle over the absurdity of a random person stepping in, cursing in front of children, and still manage to convince the mother to go for the obviously completely different product. This wasn't meant to deceive or inflame, but I'm glad that at least a little meaningful discussion has taken place at my expense in the process.
The truth is, my girlfriend and I did check out the Zune. We were Christmas shopping ourselves (which is why we were getting CD-Rs at Target - there's no need to make a special trip to the tech store for a couple cheap discs). And we did hold the Shuffle up to it, just for kicks. And the mother DID ask us about it and comment on its smaller size. And the kids were excited about it (it's small and shiny - duh!). And of course her husband said, "Yeah, but..." There was no cursing, no commissioned salesperson (of course not - now THAT would be ***** up).
And, in the end, I purchased the white Zune for my sister for Christmas, cause she has a few friends in college who've got them already and likes that kinda stuff. "A place for everything, and everything in it's place," as it were.
But that's not a cool story.
And rheaume - maybe you should check out the NEW iPod Shuffle. - kilgore87, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0This kind of remids me of the Chewlies Gum rep. from Clerks; sans fire extinguisher.
- PsychoPNut, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1What dumb ass shops at Target for CD-R's or anything electronic?
Well, except for the occasional game system, if no one else has it. - Evoguy, on 10/12/2007, -8/+8To sum up: Unless people ASK you for your opinion, keep it to yourself. In gadgets or life, you should learn to live by this rule.
- rheaume, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Somebody actually went crazy over this piece of *****:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Ipod-shuffle-usb-connector.jpg
Instead of this:
http://www.king5.com/business/stories/M_IMAGE.10da148c523.93.88.fa.d0.c57843c.jpg
Riiiiight I believe you - cakeeating, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1rheaume - got it. i agree with you on that. I use both a first-gen Vid iPod and a new Nano.
to each his own, I guess. - Evoguy, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Oh please tell me you're calling me out for commenting on a blog post, posted to digg, for the entire world to read (with a comments section no less). 'Cause.. that would be hilarious. Please tell me you equate digg comments with "sticking my nose in that which does not concern me". Hahaha, you just made my day.
- tapo, on 10/12/2007, -5/+4I'm sorry, but "stopping them" would be being an employee and refusing to sell them a product.
I was attempting to buy a TV a few years ago, with the Best Buy salesman trying to push a $3600 Sony on me. Someone commented:
"Dude, don't get a Sony, they've really went down in quality over the past few years. Check out a Samsung or LG."
I immediately took his word for it, and picked up that Samsung. A friend of mine eventually bought a Sony (similar to the model I saw) which had managed to have serious problems after only a year of use.
As computer geeks, we know how the Zune has been unanimously, seriously criticized since its launch, and most of us agree that going with an iPod is a much better option for the same price. If I see someone that doesn't know about computers or technology about to make a purchase I'm sure they'll be unhappy with, I'll voice my opinion. - ventrilqstman, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0Lets be serious here. It's not about Apple or Microsoft. It's about features, specs, and functionality. The Zune is currently the laughing stock of the tech world. If you still like it that go for it, as only you need to be happy with it. But a buyer should know the facts. Let's see Zune...
1. None of your previous plays for sure music will work, and you have to buy it all over again (wow if they bail out on a system like this why should we think they won't do it again with all out zune music)
2. Built in wifi (lol) that can only be used to transfer a song to another zune owner (good luck finding one) and even if you do they can play it THREE TIMES!
3. The zune though it has a bigger screen is also a far bigger size, and has less battery life.
4. You can't use actual money to but music from the zune store, you have to buy "ZUNE POINTS" and then use those to buy music.
5. Zune will not work if someone owns a mac (ipod works on both)
6. No podcasts in the Zune store (wow that's forward thinking)
These are just the things I can think of off hand. Let me tell you if I was an unknowing shopper I would be thrilled to have someone point out all the huge shortcomings in this device so I did not get stuck with it. Shoppers trust an experienced user more than a salesperson folks. If after they know the facts somebody still wants a zune, than let them spend their cash. But I don't fault anyone for trying to save them from the ZUNE fate. Also if Microsoft gets their act together and makes this thing worthwhile, then great. Competition is good, but the zune can hardly be called competition for the ipod. - Xilon, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1Are you sure you informed them of ALL the cons of the Zune? I just don't see how it could be possible that the Zune was a better option for them... I mean... what is there that the iPod doesn't have (wifi doesn't count as it's almost unusable)?
- Tcnorman, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0I can't believe there are actually people defending the Zune. Have you actually used it?
From my experience the Zune has a lot of work to do on the software end before it can be a competitor with the Apple, Creative, and other mp3 player companies. So I see it as anyones duty to dissuade any potential buyers from purchasing the Zune. Unless you want to see them suffer. - zpjet, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0um, not the old shuffle...
http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/ - Winten, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0I've never even heard Zune mentioned in real life (not counting tv/stores)... people are blowing this out of proportion, the average consumer doesn't even know or care what a zune is.
- GunstarCowboy, on 10/12/2007, -7/+1To Emogay :
Can you explain in simple terms how you can justify telling someone else to mind his own business when you yourself are sticking your nose into something that doesn't concern you?
Personally, I love getting involved in other peoples' arguments, so I'm OK, but you lay into someone for doing something that you yourself are doing.
And yes, I'm keenly aware of the irony of the fact that I am arguing with someone about arguing with someone, so don't bother to point that out, Kurt Goedel, Jr. I refer you to the 'I don't care' paragraph directly above.
Are you a tiny *little* bit hard-of-thinking?
*****. - cubs2234, on 10/12/2007, -21/+14you're an inspiration to all of us
- tapo, on 10/12/2007, -10/+3Uninformed customer.
Pushy salesman.
Large Microsoft marketing budget.
I'm sorry, but I'd really feel that as a techie, I should let an uninformed customer know what they're getting into, I'd do the same thing if someone was buying a lemon from a used car salesman. Saying "Dude, you're getting ripped off, this is what you're looking for." isn't arrogance, it's courtesy.
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