Finding the right media player used to be a rather simple affair: simply head to the Apple store and walk out with an iPod (be sure to check out our guide to the current crop of iPods if you missed it). These days though, the iPod has inspired a new generation of capable media playing devices, and whether you're just looking to stand out from the white headphone-toting crowd or are simply looking for a better value, there are a wealth of non-fruit-branded MP3 players that can take the place of Apple's iPod capably. Lets take a look at some of the most worthy competition: Microsoft's lineup of Zunes.

The original Zune didn't meet too much critical praise, however the latest crop of devices have taken the old Microsoft formula and extended them into capable iPod competitors. For starters, the devices are solid playback devices, and aren't plagued by typical Microsoft-esque bugs like slow or crashing software, or unreliable hardware (Xbox 360, anyone?) but instead Microsoft has designed a solidly manufactured piece of hardware.

Build quality aside, the interface is interesting, to say the least. When the iPod was released its interface was unparalleled in MP3 players, and the Zune's current interface definitely shows some influence from the iPod. However, since the interface isn't based on a simple left or right motion and instead based on a four directional control pad, the interface adds an extra level of complexity that works out well, allowing users to easily switch between menu modes without having to back up in the menu too far.

Spec wise, the Zune comes in almost hit for hit with the iPod in capacity, with a "mini" version in 4GB, 8GB or 16GB versions, analogous to the iPod nano, and a larger capacity Zune80 or Zune120, which come in 80GB or 120GB sizes, analogous to the iPod classic. Taking a deeper look at the device, specs outside of capacity essentially surpass the iPod, especially in wireless connectivity. All versions of the Zune include WiFi, which means the device can sync without being directly connected to a computer, and can also trade music, photos and podcasts with other Zunes wirelessly. All Zunes also offer an FM radio, and if connected to a WiFi hotspot, Zune users can purchase tracks played over FM radio. Microsoft has gone to painstaking measures to try to woo younger audiences with the Zune, offering a variety of different "tattoo" engravings on their website, Zune.net. Users can order custom pictures on the back of the device, along with a few lines of text.

So who should go Zune instead of going iPod? The real question is usage patterns. Users looking for a well supported device that supports subscription music should definitely look at the Zune. Microsoft's Zune Marketplace, the music store equated to Apple's iTunes Music Store, offers an "all you can eat" music plan for $15 per month, allowing unlimited legal downloads to major label music. As long as a user continues to pay for the subscription, the user has access to the collection.

The other situation where Zune really outshines the iPod is more theoretical and less practical. If multiple friends already own a Zune, sharing music over WiFi is pretty seamless and simple to do, however finding an install base of Zune users to make the "social" aspect of the Zune worthwhile is difficult. I have, personally, witnessed a seemingly random occurrence of people swapping tunes, though it was my nephew and his classmates. For the "big boys," expect music trading to be a rare occurrence, if it ever happens.

All in all, the Zune is a worthy competitor to the iPod. As long as you're not solely a Mac user, (no Zune compatibility there...) the Zune could provide a pretty nice alternative to the iPod classic or nano. Our advice is to head to a store, play with one hands on and see if you like it for yourself. If you're into subscription based music or have friends that own Zunes who'd share music with you, then it's a definite good choice. However, if you've bought a bunch of tracks in iTunes, you might want to think twice about taking the plunge.

Do you own a Zune? Have any other loves or hates about the device? Be sure to sound off in the comments. Have any other portable media players we should look at? We've got one more piece in the series where we're going to look at the alternatives to the big name MP3 players, with models from Creative, iriver and Archos.

Check out the whole series of PMPs compared:

• PMPs compared: Part one, iPods
• PMPs compared: Part two, Microsoft Zunes
• PMPs compared: Part three, the underdogs