This article made me smile at the end of a tough week. The idea that Microsoft could produce anything--software, hardware--that consumers would regard as better than a comparable product by Apple is simply ludicrous. From the very first verson of DOS, Microsoft has turned out inferior products that it inflicted on an unwilling public. Given the choice, who would buy Microsoft?

Isn't this the 428th alleged "iPod killer" over the last five years? What in the world makes anybody sane think that MS has suddenly figured out how to do a better iPod than Apple? The only way Apple will lose its iPod/iTMS leadership is if Apple drops the ball and quits innovating. MS and its allies aren't going to suddenly leapfrog Apple. Whatever MS is showing to analysts and potential partners will pale in comparison to whatever Apple will release by the time the two products are both on the market. Apple "gets" the fact that simplicity is what consumers want from complicated gadgets. MS still acts as though it is supposed to out-geek its competitors. This is a very different market, and it doesn't play to MS's strengths.

I imagine Microsoft is already working on the first service release (bug fixes and security holes) for their new "iPod killer."

I bought the apple ipod video player and about 2 days after i got it, it broke. I was extremely unhappy with it and i went through hell to get my money back. I think this "ipod killer" will succeed and wil dominate. If they make it better and sell it cheaper more people will buy it. Especially younger people who may find the price very affordable. I only hope they dont get in over their heads and not release this, then they will be known as quitters. And nobody wants to buy anything from a quitter.

Well from what I've seen behind closed doors, this thing will have all the sex appeal of a wooden chair. I wouldn't hold my breath!

microsoft keeps trying to compete with apple, but ever since OS X came out, apple not only outdoes microsoft at every opportunity, they outdo microsoft hands down. if the world of windows users werent so stubborn about taking the 20 minutes it takes to learn OS X, apple would be so far ahead of microsoft in every area its not even funny. and yes, 20 minutes is all you need to learn the basics of OS X, and all you need to discover how much better it is than windows. microsoft will never completely top the ipod. even if they do come out with something better, it wont be long before apple beats it.

Microsoft and the other mega coprorations just do not get the iPod factor. There are players with more storage, more features, cheaper prices etc. However, give a teenager the choice between an iPod and an X345 player from Y corporation or Microsoft, which one will they choose? Which one will they want to show their friends? Its not just about the features and price, its about cool, and Microsoft has no idea whatsoever. Until Ballmer and his crew leave, and a new generation is allowed to innovate, nothing will change. They cant even get their core products like Vista out the door.