Zune, the next generation, is enhanced

— -- Microsoft has addressed some criticisms associated with the original Zune while ignoring others. It has slightly loosened restrictions when you swap music wirelessly with another Zune owner. Podcasts and music videos are now available in the Marketplace. But you still must buy stuff there using the silly Microsoft Points currency — 79 Points for a typical track adds up to the same 99 cents you pay elsewhere.

Worse, I encountered at least one maddening snag trying to get an otherwise welcome new wireless syncing feature to work with my Internet router.

On balance, Zune deserves a far better reception this go-round. While I'm not retiring my iPod, the new Zunes are creditable competitors. They're good looking. They boast features I've long wanted in an iPod, notably an integrated FM radio and monthly subscription plan that lets you listen to downloaded tracks as often as you please, provided you keep your account current. Then again, the iPod Touch and iPhone one-up Zune in the ability to wirelessly sample and buy music through Wi-Fi.

Let's zoom in on Zune:

•Meet the Zunes. The new lineup starts with 4-gigabyte and 8-GB flash-memory models, priced at $150 and $200, or what same-capacity iPod Nanos cost. The 1.7-ounce devices come in black, pink, green and red, and have a rectangular shape that is closer to previous-generation Nanos than current models.

The larger 4.5-ounce $250 top-of-the-line Zune is in black only. It comes with an 80-GB hard drive, and slightly better ear buds than its less-expensive cousins. It has a large, 3.2-inch screen that's bigger than the displays on the iPod Classic series that is its most natural competitor.