Nickname: truth

Review: Never underestimate Mircosoft. There are several players better than the iPod and several have had video for years. Lack of marketing and integration for media is the issue. The average consumer can't burn a CD or install new software. So Apple is smart enough to make it very simple. They also market the crap out of it. Bill Gates will make sure to do the same thing he did to Sony with Xbox and give us a great product with great software to reach the masses. That's what keeps Mircosoft on top.

Date reviewed: Jan 2, 2006 7:20 PM

Nickname: Edward

Review: I looked at all of the iPod alternatives and found that none of them demonstrated any understanding of the experience consumers want. To beat Apple, Microsoft would have to integrate the process in a way it's never been good at before. Competition is a good thing, though, so this Apple-lover wishes them well.

Date reviewed: Dec 19, 2005 12:41 AM

Nickname: Michael Hunt

Review: I'm an Apple fan, but also a realist. Apple puts out some of the most perfectly designed, well built products the world has ever seen - with one big thing in their favor. They are seen as being young, hip and cool, and are also the underdog. That's key. Everyone always roots for the underdog, and for the most part, Apple is seen as the only company that is able to hold its own (granted, in pretty much only one category) against the Microsoft behemoth. I'm amazed that Microsoft just won't give up and concede this one battle.

Date reviewed: Dec 17, 2005 3:11 PM

Nickname: sfenerule

Review: "Hi. I'm Bill Gates of MTV. We'll get back to Dorm Webcam Confidential in a moment. Meanwhile, let's go interview some supermodels!"

Date reviewed: Dec 16, 2005 5:25 PM

Nickname: Skipper

Review: A few comments and Microsoft-centric magazine articles talk a lot about other MP3 players being better than an iPod. I am a consumer and I just can't see it. The iPod is innovative and yet classy, with seamless integration with downloading content. Apple has a winner. My next computer will be a Mac as well. I'm just tired of worms, viruses and endless security leaks.

Date reviewed: Dec 16, 2005 2:16 PM

Nickname: Mark Tellkamp

Review: You guys are all missing it, aren't you? Apple has always made stuff that was cooler and easier to use -- always. Now they're the ones with the huge headstart, and this time cool isn't more expensive. Remember boys and girls -- Apple owns the creative market. Musicians, recording studios, advertising, etc. -- all use Macs, and Steve Jobs is a rock star to them. Dell is worth $78 billion right now. Apple $60 billion. Who wants to bet that Apple won't be worth over $100 billion in 1 1/2 years? The battle isn't over. Jobs could still best Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in the long run.

Date reviewed: Dec 16, 2005 7:57 AM

Nickname: Jack

Review: I think that Apple sells because of brand identity. Also, the average person doesn't know what other options are available out there. There are players far better than the iPod, but you have to do your research before you buy. If you're one of those considering the iPod, look at offerings from Creative. The impact of Microsoft entering the music industry will be significant if everything goes the way it's supposed to. However, I think they are entering the market a little too late. But, nonetheless, let's see what happens.

Date reviewed: Dec 15, 2005 11:58 PM

Nickname: brucem

Review: I think this article would more aptly be titled, "Microsoft HAS Been Beat." Apple has delivered what consumers want in the audio (and now video) marketplace. Will MS now suddenly become customer-centered? I am doubtful.

Date reviewed: Dec 15, 2005 8:27 PM

Nickname: Badlikeme

Review: It's the device, stupid. There's something to be said for mindshare, let alone real market dominance. What good does it do you to roll out a competing service and have no real challenger to the iPod to view the service's content on? In addition, isn't the MTV demographic pretty much the same as those that use an iPod?

Date reviewed: Dec 15, 2005 6:51 PM

Nickname: DocNasty - Krushradio.com

Review: I think this is awesome. There should be at least 4 or 5 major players in this arena to keep it innovative. Microsoft entering with MTV is huge, provided the music is not DRM'd into uselessness. Can't wait to see who pulls the Fuse Card.

Date reviewed: Dec 15, 2005 4:38 PM