Ran into a friend on the Zune team. He recommended I try out the Zune software even if don't have a Zune. Trying it out now.

Quoted: Sign up for a free Zune account and download Zune software.

The back of the iPod says, "Designed by Apple in California". The back of the Zune says, "Hello from Seattle".

Quoted: Um... excuse me? Hello from Seattle? That has, I'm afraid, none of the same resonance. It evokes nothing. Boeing and rain, maybe. Kurt Cobain's unhappiness.
...
But really it's just a desperate desire to be like Apple, without even a smidgen of understanding of the culture code that makes Designed by Apple in California work.

Just to offer the other side of the argument, this guy is very happy with the Zune. I am using Yahoo Music currently and vouch for unlimited music subscriptions. It looks like Microsoft has launched something similar for the Zune.

Quoted: Keep in mind a few things that help make the Zune more attractive for me that may not be applicable to others. I don't have a large music collection and want an unlimited music subscription, I also want to watch video on the device (I know many people can't understand why you someone would want to watch video on a small display, but I'm a geek and enjoy the experience during my 2+ hour bus/van/train commute), and I enjoy FM radio on a regular basis.