Since the computer here running the zune software is somewhat up to date, maybe is even faster (not really, windows xp home sp3, a 1 1/2 gb ram, 256 gb video card), and not too loaded with crap, it runs amazing.

I admit i felt compelled first to buy an Ipod, since my ex gf had one, but as you mentioned i found Itunes, very slow, and i dunno weird, and after 3 months of research i decided to get myself a 30gb zune, and i am so happy about it, now i wish i could have gotten the new 120 gb, the tv output is suppossed to be 640 x 480 ( as a standard non hd tv), the menus and controls ( although not as cool as the Ipod ), were very intuitive and actually easier to navigate through.

Now a lot of people complaint that there are not many users of Zune around ( for the wifi features ), I still think that downloading a song u hear on the radio, beats Itunes hands down, and still will get an upper hand in a near future.

Another anecdote worth to mention, while going from NJ to NY, my Zune will pick up 105.9 fm station better than my friends car fm radio, dunno why dont ask me.

To finish, im still thinking MS is not such a good company for various reasons, but I would pick a Zune over an Ipod anyday