Reading an article about Zune and Microsoft's attempts at biting a piece of the audiophile cake, I start wondering, is Microsoft's Zune really going to be a contender? Let's take a look at the iPod first. • Storage capacity ranges from 1GB to 80GB. • $79 to $350. • Plays video/audio clips, music, movies and games. • iTunes. --- Usability: Very easy. Learning Curve: all you need to do is learn how to use a mouse (assuming you can read) Cool Factor: Hell, yeah. New Feature: Who knows what Steve Jobs is cooking? ••• Let's take a peek at Zune. • Storage capacity (for now) is 30GB. • $250. • Plays video/audio clips, music, movies and games. • Something like iTunes to play, store and buy music to save in your Zune. --- Usability: Hmm, still have to try it out. Learning Curve: With Windows software? No comment. Cool Factor: Honestly, I never want to be seen carrying something that makes me appear like a Microsoft drone. New Feature: Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing So who's gonna sink and who's gonna swim? That would be entirely up to the buying public who can afford to buy and test both thoroughly before the first 30 days expire so that they can send whichever gizmo back to get a full refund. But with the headstart the iPod has, I'm willing to bet anything that Steve Jobs won't be taking any of this sitting down. Have sponsor, will test.