The Zune isn't as visually stunning as the first iPods were, but it's not bad. It's taller and thicker and about the same width as the 30-gigabyte iPod with video. The main difference is height, 4.4 inches for the Zune and 4.1 inches for the iPod. The Zune weighs 6 ounces and is .65 inches thick, while the iPod weighs 4.8 ounces and is .45 inches thick.

The most obvious departure is the Zune's three-inch LCD display, which, although just half an inch larger than the iPod's, looks monstrously big in comparison. The display does have the same resolution, 320 by 240 dots.

Besides the large screen, the Zune looks otherwise unremarkable at first glance, except for the brown model. Brown - Microsoft calls it "suede" - is an unusual choice for a music player, but I suspect it will appeal to the anti-iPod crowd. The other Zune color choices are white and black. The Zune has a "matte" finish that is a little better at deflecting fingerprints than the iPod, and it's subtly rubbery and easier to grip. As for ruggedness, the Zune feels solidly built. Still, I'd buy a protective case.

If you give Microsoft credit for the big screen, the built-in WiFi and the FM radio, the Zune's bigger size is justifiable. The lack of smaller alternatives, à la the iPod Shuffles and Minis, means Zune users really have no choice if size and weight are issues.

But head-to-head with the 30GB iPod, Zune holds its own.