Here are two recent reviews of the new Zune media players which I feel should be highlighted here at ZuneSphere.com. First up, David Pogue posted his look at the new Zune player over at the New York Times and guess what folks? He actually found it a "pleasure to use." Yes, while Mr. Pogue is sometimes criticized as being biased towards Apple products, he actually does compose a well-balanced review of the new Zune players. Here’s a blurb from the review:

The bottom line: the iPod is still a more versatile, compact and beautiful machine. But the Zune has come a long way in very little time. Already, its potential audience is no longer limited to a sect of irrational Apple haters. It’s now a candidate for anyone who values its unique powers — excellent built-in FM radio, scratchproof case and wireless auto-synching — more than they value the richness and choice of the iPod universe.

Not bad..

Meanwhile the folks at CNET have published their "CNET prizefight" between the Apple iPod Classic and the Microsoft Zune 80". Three different reviewers assigned numbers between 1-5 for five different categories: Navigation, Sexiness, Compatibility, Sound and Science, and Wallet Factor. The final verdict? A TIE!! Not bad! Actually, the Zune came out ahead in 4 of the 5 categories except in the "Compatibility" category where it got trounced by Apple. Here’s a blurb from the article:

The fact that the Zune even tied the mighty iPod Classic should be enough to send Apple’s most devout fans into a reactionary hissy-fit.

Technorati Tags: Zune, Microsoft, Zune 80, Reviews, David Pogue, CNET