In the 60's portable audio couldn't get any hipper then an 8-track plugged into the ol' Hi Fi. Sure, music sharing existed 40 years ago, just unplug that bad boy and you got tunes to go in a package smaller than a briefcase and only a little bit heavier too!

Thank goodness I was born in an age of milk and honey. Modern technology is so sweet and the newest device from Microsoft is the sweetest! And, possibly the lightest too.

I ♥ Microsoft Zune

Yet, to be released in Canada, I somehow managed to get my hands on a preview copy only days ago. The newest device from Microsoft stole my heart the moment I unsheethed the inner box and flipped the lid. There it was, shining like a polished black gateway ushering me into an iPod free world.

The age ol' battle of Apple vs. Microsoft wagers on, and it's no surprise that Microsoft has gone and done it again - taking an Apple concept and making it even more user friendly. While the 8gb Zune could be best associated with the iPod Nano, there are remarkably different features.

The Zune comes in at about $179.00 US, stores over 2,000 songs, 25 hours of video or 25,000 pictures - comparable to the iPod Nano. However, the similarities end there.

In addition to the remarkable storage, the Microsoft Zune has a graphical interface, an integrated FM radio and wireless connectivity - allowing users to connect to wireless networks, the Xbox360, and of course, to other Zunes.

This is a device that's built for a social lifestyle and that I think this is incredibly cool.

As for actual usage, the playback is crystal clear as is the video content. I've been recording tv episodes from Microsoft Media Center, uploading them to the Zune and watching them while riding the subway - much to the envy of the folks around me.

I like showing it off.

I haven't figured out how to change the audio settings though. It’s a little annoying, but I’m sure it’s not all that hard. The Zune Software is a little buggy as well, it’s supposed to automatically upload files, well, about 3 times out of 10 it won’t register. So I’ve abandoned trying last minute uploads, the mood gets killed when you have to sit and wait for a computer to restart.

Overall, the Microsoft Zune is a powerful and inexpensive option in comparison to currently available alternatives. The clarity of video, large amount of music storage, the convenience of file sharing, the novelty of an integrated FM radio and of course the, slick and hot, party ready good looks have propelled Microsoft Zune to my most favorite portable MP3 player.