A topic about two things.

[Sonic the Werewolf.]

Because I really didn't want to make two separate ones.

First thing:
My computer is on its last legs. I have a pitifully low amount of MB free, to the point that I can't watch Youtube videos or burn/rip CDs.
I can either do one of two things:
-Get a new computer and transfer my files onto that
-Get a memory upgrade for my current computer

Which method would be more cost-efficient and less confusing? Because I'm no genius at computer stuff.

Second thing:
Is the Microsoft Zune (30GB) any good? I want to get one for Christmas, so a comparison to other MP3 players (iPod, Zen Vision:M) would be nice.

Thanks for the help.

[The Sneak]

Well I know nothing about computers or the Zune, but  I have had two Zens randomly die on me and my iPod has worked fine for three years.

[Alexisonfire]

I'm not all that knowledgeable on computer hardware, but I think it'd come down to just how salvageable your computer is. Like when I got my current computer, it was because our old one was getting a bit slow. No amount of extra RAM can make up for an aged motherboard, a video card that couldn't play any of the games I wanted, and a 16 GB harddrive.

[Sonic the Werewolf.]

Well, when you put it that way, I may need a new computer.

My current one is kinda old (don't know the exact date, but I'd say at least 4 years), has 368 MB of RAM, and is pretty slow when booting up and loading programs.

[Homestarguy]

Well, 4 years doesn't sound too old. I'm sure you could go to NewEgg an get a gig of RAM for about 30-40 bucks, and even a new hard drive if you wanted it. But, it depends how much you value time over money...though, time...is money.... 

As for music players, I'm always going to recommend the iPod. Though the Zune is probably the best non-iPod on the market and has some neat features, Apple has perfected the art of computer-player integration. iTunes and iPod work seamlessly and smoothly. There's really no other program out there that syncs near as well iTunes does with an mp3 player. Plus, the iPod interface and design is much better (though I applaud Microsoft for coming the closest).

[Goombazoid]

On the computer issue, you say you have 32mb free, but do you mean hard drive space or RAM? If you want to upgrade your RAM it might be a little harder, because first you have to figure out what type of RAM you have (there are quite a few different types). Once you figure out the type you have its fairly easy to install the new RAM.

[JackisNimble]

Well, 4 years doesn't sound too old. I'm sure you could go to NewEgg an get a gig of RAM for about 30-40 bucks, and even a new hard drive if you wanted it. But, it depends how much you value time over money...though, time...is money.... 

As for music players, I'm always going to recommend the iPod. Though the Zune is probably the best non-iPod on the market and has some neat features, Apple has perfected the art of computer-player integration. iTunes and iPod work seamlessly and smoothly. There's really no other program out there that syncs near as well iTunes does with an mp3 player. Plus, the iPod interface and design is much better (though I applaud Microsoft for coming the closest).

Have you ever used the Zune's software. In my opinion, it is just as good, if not better than iTunes. Now mind you, I would NEVER use iTunes or the Zune software for listening to music, but for syncing, the Zune's software is extremely easy. Not to mention the fact that if you have a wireless network set up in your house, you can just hit "Wireless Sync" on your Zune and sync it to your computer with not cable. The Zune program automatically opens up and you just send whatever songs you want to your Zune wirelessly.

The Zune interface is much easier to navigate than the iPods in my opinion. I can't tell you how many times I scroll past songs on the iPod. With the Zune's pad, I never go past a song. To be honest, there is really no reason not to get a Zune, unless you really need the 80GB that the iPod Classic has. Every feature the iPod has, the Zune has, plus some.

On the computer issue, you say you have 32mb free, but do you mean hard drive space or RAM? If you want to upgrade your RAM it might be a little harder, because first you have to figure out what type of RAM you have (there are quite a few different types). Once you figure out the type you have its fairly easy to install the new RAM.

There would be three possible types. DDR and SDRAM. Speed isn't nearly as important as amount and even if he doesn't know the speed, any stick would work, but the faster of the two would just be downclocked to the speed of the lower of the two.

[Sonic the Werewolf.]

On the computer issue, you say you have 32mb free, but do you mean hard drive space or RAM? If you want to upgrade your RAM it might be a little harder, because first you have to figure out what type of RAM you have (there are quite a few different types). Once you figure out the type you have its fairly easy to install the new RAM.

I just looked it up again, and I have 368 MB of RAM.

About the Zune...I've used my friend's Zune and had no problem with the interface. And the wireless sync is really cool. On an iPod I'm always skipping past songs. I know most people love it, but I just can't get used to that scroll wheel. Also, my WMA collection would be pretty much worthless with an iPod...

I only need 30GB, but the iPod Classic and the Zune 80GB are both $250...hmm.

[Homestarguy]

I just looked it up again, and I have 368 MB of RAM.

About the Zune...I've used my friend's Zune and had no problem with the interface. And the wireless sync is really cool. On an iPod I'm always skipping past songs. I know most people love it, but I just can't get used to that scroll wheel. Also, my WMA collection would be pretty much worthless with an iPod...

I only need 30GB, but the iPod Classic and the Zune 80GB are both $250...hmm.

Yeah, and again, the iPod was just my recommendation. I haven't used a Zune, so you might take some of my advice with a grain of salt. Plus, if you have a lot of WMA files, it's probably better to get a Zune. While I always recommend Apple products, I am pro-choice when it comes to electronics.

[Goombazoid]

There would be three possible types. DDR and SDRAM. Speed isn't nearly as important as amount and even if he doesn't know the speed, any stick would work, but the faster of the two would just be downclocked to the speed of the lower of the two.

Yeah, I know any speed would work but I meant for the best possible situation.

[JackisNimble]

To be honest, I have seen WAY too many iPods needing to be sent out to repair where I work (RadioShack). Literally, it seems like for every 1 product we send to repair, there are 2 iPods to go with it.

[Revan/anakinjmt]

The iPod I'm listening to right now I've had for almost 2 years, and I've really had no problems with it. I will say the iTunes store is bigger than whatever service the Zune uses, so you'll be more likely to find what you want on iTunes than with the Zune store. Plus, Apple has established themselves in the MP3 player world, something that Microsoft has yet to do with the Zune.

[JackisNimble]

The iPod I'm listening to right now I've had for almost 2 years, and I've really had no problems with it. I will say the iTunes store is bigger than whatever service the Zune uses, so you'll be more likely to find what you want on iTunes than with the Zune store. Plus, Apple has established themselves in the MP3 player world, something that Microsoft has yet to do with the Zune.

After a year of seeing how the Zune sold, not to mention the fact that I had call after call at work on Friday for them, I would say they have established themselves pretty well. If they didn't, they wouldn't be making new models now would they?

As for the music stores. Yes, iTunes does have a much larger selection of music. However, anyone who uses either store to download music clearly has no idea how to use the internet.

[Revan/anakinjmt]

After a year of seeing how the Zune sold, not to mention the fact that I had call after call at work on Friday for them, I would say they have established themselves pretty well. If they didn't, they wouldn't be making new models now would they?

As for the music stores. Yes, iTunes does have a much larger selection of music. However, anyone who uses either store to download music clearly has no idea how to use the internet.

Uh...care to re-word that? I know how to use the Internet, and yet I use iTunes because it's legal. I don't steal my music. Some people like to get their music legally.

Just because they're making new models doesn't mean they've established themselves in the MP3 marketplace. I'd say there's just as many Zunes out there as other non-iPod MP3 players. The PS3 hasn't established itself, despite sales, because of the whole package. I see the same thing with the Zune.

As for the computer, it really honestly would be better and easier to get a new computer.

[daBurninator]

I've never had any problems with my iPod until I dropped it onto a tile floor and cracked the screen.