Last year's Microsoft launch of the Zune music player as competition for Apple's iPod series was a giant bust. That's largely because Zune was larger and boxier than the iPod, had a weaker battery life, and featured complicated software.

However, Microsoft is now back for round two with major improvements to this year's Zune model. I've tested this model and have to agree that is a HUGE improvement over last year. Microsoft has improved the Zune in three ways: 1) It has a new controller called the "Zune pad" which combines both a touch pad and buttons for seamless scrolling; 2) Microsoft has completely simplified both the software and the marketplace for downloads (Zune Marketplace); and 3) Microsoft has expanded the usability of the built in Wi-Fi. You can now sync your Zune and PC without having to use a cable. (There is a link for a video demonstration and more specs at the end of this article).

But, Apple has moved forward, too with this year's highly anticipated iPod touch. The "iTouch" has the popular "multitouch" interface just like the highly successful iPhone. (Demonstration link at the end of this article.) Here are the areas where each product outperforms the other:

Where The "iTouch" Beats The Zune:

IPod touchs' Wi-Fi is much more user friendly. It allows you to surf the internet, watch Utube videos, and even buy music without a PC. The Zune does not make any of this possible.

Zunes does not allow for the popular "smart play lists." iPod, of course, made these popular.

iPod is the gold standard at this time and is the better known product with accessories and support easier to obtain.

Where The Zune Beats The "iTouch":

The Zune offers much more memory for the price: The iTouch starts at $50 more than the Zune for less space, so if memory is important to you, take a look at the Zune.

It has a radio: The Zune's FM radio is well put together and easy to use. iPods do not have radio capability.

Zune's marketplace's artists' pages really shine: Once you select a band or artist, a full screen image will pop up and list other songs from the same artist.

Costs Comparison Of Both The iPod Touch And The Zune (And Why The Meizu Is A Good Alternative): In comparing similar 8 GB models, the iPod touch runs about $300 new and anywhere from $200 and up on eBay.

The Zune is significantly cheaper, for about $189 new on eBay can run as cheap as $100.

If price is important to you, the Zune obviously wins hands down.

The bottom line is the Zune is much improved and it does offer iTouch type features for about $100 less, plus you will get a radio with it. However, knockoffs such as the Meizu are similarly priced to the Zune with more similarities to the touch and with more music flexibility. And, if your heart is set on an Apple and it's features, you will probably be happier if you spring the extra $100 or at least go with one of the better Ipod touch knock offs like the Meizu.

To see video demonstrations of the iTouch, The Zune And The Meizu, And To Get Specs And Prices, Click Here.

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Every day the phase 'mobile office' becomes more and more real for everyday business people. Technology advances at such a rapid pace, and week after week becomes more available for the small to medium business sector. No longer are high tech solutions only available for the blue chip companies. If you are a one man operation or a FTSE 100 company you should be installing new technologies on a regular basis, if you are not, then frankly you, should be. Any business owner knows that there are only three ways to improve your bottom line.

1) Increase revenue - By implementing marketing strategies, providing outstanding levels of service so that existing customers purchase from you time after time and refer you to the business contacts, and by employing professional sales people whose main objective is to service the customer needs. There are of course other ways of increasing revenue and we could go into different marketing strategies; however that is for another article.

2) Decrease costs - You don't need to be a mathematician to figure out that if you spend less you will have more money in the pot at the end of the year. There are so many areas where you can reduce costs but beware! Sometimes reducing expenditure can end up costing you more in the long run. I work in the Telecommunications industry so I will give you an example relevant to my experience. I was recently asked to help a local business that was having problems with their fixed line telephone supplier.

A few years ago this business was using a large company to supply their fixed line infrastructure and call billing. This large company was the market leader and was relatively expensive. The local business was approached by a small telecommunications company and were sold a product where they remain with the larger company for the infrastructure and switched to them for the call costs and billing, at a very good saving. Good business I hear you say, and it was at first. The problems started when the local business was having faults with the infrastructure (Lines) initially they called in a local engineer to test their telephone system; after many visits from the engineer and many dollars spent the conclusion was a fault was on the line. The small telecommunications company that were providing the billing was contacted; unfortunately they don't employ engineers as they are simply a billing company and don't get involved with the infrastructure.

The original provider was then contacted but the local business was informed that they could not help as they were no longer a customer and were told to contact the billing company. Around in circles they went. No such great business I hear you say now. Thankfully I was able to recommend a solution that met their needs for service and for cost. As I said earlier I am employed by a major telecommunications company in Australia as I am an expert in my field, and known for my attention to detail by establishing the needs of my clients and implementing solutions that fit. There have been occasions where I have recommended other companies that I am not affiliated with as they have an option that would better fit the needs of my clients. I still do business with these clients but in different areas. If you are approached by any company claiming to be able to save you money please ensure that they are fulfilling your needs NOT there own.

3) Improve efficiency - Implement strategies that will save you time and money, and introduce new technologies that enable you to perform more tasks in less time. This will enable your staff to have time to spend on rule number one - increase revenue.

Wireless Broadband Internet

Now we are familiar with how improving technologies in your business, in conjunction with your rate of growth will improve efficiency we can in turn improve your bottom line, by looking at a technology that will do just that no matter what size of business you are.

Wireless Broadband Internet is exactly that, internet on your laptop with broadband speeds and no wires, 100% portable. The modem will be slightly different in appearance depending on which supplier you use and they may have a slightly different name for it, but, essentially it is all the same.

The modem is about the size of a matchbox and connects via a USB port; it uses mobile telephone technology. It has a SIM card inside the same as your mobile telephone has.

A few years ago this technology was reserved for directors and senior management. I used to work for a company in the UK and I had to sign for a wireless card everyday when I went into the office and was not allowed to take it home. Then WIFI arrived. Sure, this was great at home but I was travelling all around the UK Monday to Friday, only a third of hotels would have a WIFI connection and then you had to pay to use it! The alternative was to drive around with my laptop on the passenger seat looking for a WIFI hotspot in a town I was unfamiliar with. I am sure many of you can relate to this.

With wireless broadband internet you will be able to access email and the internet anywhere you have a mobile telephone signal. As 96% of the Australian population receives a mobile telephone signal of some description, it would be difficult to find a populated area unable to get a connection. Now that the majority of Australia's major cities and suburbs are covered by 3G or HSDPA not only will you be able to access email and the internet but it will a at a broadband speed similar to what you would expect from your desktop PC.

You will also have the facility to use international roaming to receive access abroad (Additional charges may apply.)

Wireless Broadband Internet is now priced very competitively with data plans up to 5GB. You should be able to pick this up at a similar price to what you pay for your broadband connection at home. The benefits to this product are endless but here are a few:

1) Possibly no need to pay for a fixed line broadband connection at home.
2) Staff can work from home more.
3) Office based staff may be able to continue working from home is a child is off school sick.
4) Field based staff will be able to work more efficiently, sending and receiving email and placing orders whilst out in the field.
5) Reduce office space required

Scott MacLean: A published author, Telecommunications Professional, Sale Trainer, and Public Speaker.

Scott MacLean's background is with Telewest Broadband (UK) and as a company owner, after moving to Melbourne with his family in 2007 Scott was approached by a company representing, the second largest telecommunication company in Australia and offered a position to provide expert advice to business customers, implement sales training programs and to represent the company at association events.

If you require information regarding wireless broadband internet, mobile telephones, or fixed line systems and infrastructure please email Scott at scottm@obdirect.com

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