Letters from Microsoft: An Employee Tosses His Zune

RoughlyDrafted Magazine ^ | Tuesday, August 18, 2009 | Daniel Eran Dilger

[Star Traveler]

Hmmm..., doesn't sound good over there at Microsoft... :-)

[Star Traveler]

Some Zune/iPod comparison from a Microsoft employee...

[proxy_user]

”Did I mention to you that after the layoffs, people have been resigning right and left? Always the same story, going to do something else, not sure what, but something else. Two weeks notice, see ya. I’ll be doing the same tomorrow morning along with a friend who’s quitting for the same reasons. In fact, he’s been frustrated longer than me, probably because I was blaming myself and not the real problem of the toxic work environment.”

I can’t imagine anyone doing that in today’s economy without having $5 million cash in the bank. Of course, many of these guys probably do,

[RinaseaofDs]

The drinking of bathwater there goes on unabated.

They are being hammered from all sides, and really have no answer for it.

Windows 7 is gut-check time. If this thing isn’t clearly better, they may be toast.

[loungitude]

This article sounds like BS. I am not taking sides with ipods or Zunes, just calling it like I smell it.

[theFIRMbss]

>The developer, whom I’ll call “Mike Rosoft,” volunteered the following experience with the Zune in an email

I've got an email
that says I can make millions
by helping some guy

transfer his money
from a Nigeriam bank.
Soon I will be rich!

[Buck W.]

My Toshiba Gigabeat F40 works just fine...

[tfecw]

I can’t imagine anyone doing that in today’s economy without having $5 million cash in the bank. Of course, many of these guys probably do,

I did it, despite the doom and gloom of every IT job going to india, there will always be a place here for those 20% that do 80% of the work. Now,if this was an interview with a plant worker at Chevy, i'd def agree with you.

[Star Traveler]

I can’t imagine it either... but a lot of those kinds are chasing the next rainbow... :-)

[Star Traveler]

Well, there is a difference between the “Nigerian 419 Scam” type of e-mails that are spammed out by the thousands and hundreds of thousands to anyone — and — an e-mail sent specifically to a long-standing blogger who reports on these things... :-)

[Star Traveler]

You said — Now,if this was an interview with a plant worker at Chevy, i’d def agree with you.

—

Yeah, a different type here... for sure... :-)

[djf]

My “earbuds” weigh 170+ lbs each. And can take over 1000 watts.

I don’t hike much anymore...

;-)

[driftdiver]

I bought my son a Zune after his iPod was stolen. He likes the Zune better.

Every company has disgruntled employees. Are we to believe that a disgruntled employee is a impartial and trusted source?

[newfreep]

I created a company that imports/distributes some VERY high end audio products as the exclusive US representative. Previous brands I have repped included a $350k amplifier and I've heard the best sounding components including cost no object digital sources.

That said, I'm using Win-XP but after downloading Safari for XP, my digital downloads sound noticeably better than IE8 - more clear & detailed.

I have no idea what Apple does on the audio side but my experience has been very good but still not in same ballpark as a good CD player or analog turntable/arm/cartridge combination.

[Star Traveler]

You said — Are we to believe that a disgruntled employee is a impartial and trusted source?

—

When he confirms things that we sorta knew already... well... :-)

[aft_lizard]

Please explain to me how a browser makes a difference in how a song sounds after downloading? There are no sound codecs independent of either.

[Star Traveler]

You asked — Please explain to me how a browser makes a difference in how a song sounds after downloading? There are no sound codecs independent of either.

—

Well, I can’t speak specifically for that other poster, but I can say that I’ve read that Apple was also loading/installing the QuickTime components along with the Safari Browser.

And I have heard that those QuickTime components will produce better quality sound than the software that was there already from the Windows platform.

So, it could be that what is being heard — is playing from those QuickTime audio components after they were installed along with the Safari Browser being installed.

[driftdiver]

“When he confirms things that we sorta knew already... well... :-)”

Yes some see what they want to see

[driftdiver]

Or it could be a load of crap

[Gay State Conservative]

Gee....a piece bashing Microsoft.How unusual.Windows XP works just fine for me.As does Office.And Money (which,IMO,is far superior to Quicken).