Microsoft - Zune (80GB) Media Player Review

My son wanted an MP3 for Christmas and due to advertising and their commonality, of course the first thing everyone recommended was IPOD, but then a person whom I work with and who deals with electronics vendors daily, pointed out that other companies have great quality products, at lesser cost, due to lesser advertising budgets....They specifically recommended the Zune and I was able to purchase a 30 gig for less money than the 8 gig IPOD, and my son was thrilled, because he has room for his entire musical library collection, plus space left over for video or more music.  I did purchase a heavy duty protective case, because I was warned how easily most MP3s will damage on impact-even slight impact, and that protection from moisture was also of prime importance, but I found a huge selection of products available, in a wide range of colors, styles, and prices to fit every need.  We are more than satisfied with this purchase, and my son says that being Microsoft based makes it easier for him to download new music directly from him computer system, and his unit charges while he is downloading.  Overall, this has been a great experience so far, and less costly than the IPOD.  In general, I have found the accessories to be lesser in cost as well compared to IPOD accessories.  If they hadn't been completely unavailable everywhere, due to demand at the holidays, I might seriously have considered the 80GB.