The product war between Microsoft and Apple never really ends, does it?
The latest battle: The new and improved Microsoft Zune vs. the new and improved iPod.
Wired.com posted the news that Microsoft announced updates for its media player, Zune, just 24 hours before Apple announced its own upgrades for iPod. Wired.com then conducts its own comparison with categories including price, capability, display, battery life, and size.
Check out the chart comparison here.
Why not try something like this in your school paper? Ask students, teachers or others at your school if they prefer a Zune or an iPod, but then find out why.
- Is it a brand loyalty issue? Are Zune users “PC people” while iPod users are “Apple people”?
- I’m tempted to think you’ll be faced with more iPod users, so ask around — do students even know that the Zune is an option?
- The touch factor: Do the touchscreen capabilities of the iPod touch give it that extra edge, or do students even care?
Consider an alternate story form, rather than traditional narrative, for the story. And just for fun, during your interviews, find out what’s on their latest playlist.
