June 30, 2008 2:56 PM PDT

Take your tunes on the run with 8GB Zune player, $119.99 shipped

Posted by Rick Broida

(Credit: Microsoft)

Sure, you can still pick up a 4GB refurbished iPod nano for around $99. But for just $20 more, you can get a brand spankin' new 8GB Zune from OfficeMax. They'll even pick up the shipping (though you'll probably have to pay sales tax). Here's why the Zune trumps the nano:

It has an FM tuner.
It can wirelessly sync with your PC. One less cable snaking across your desk!
It's compatible with Microsoft's all-you-can-eat subscription service.

And let's not forget the obvious: You're getting twice the storage space for a mere 20 bucks extra. Granted, iTunes is vastly superior to Zune Marketplace in terms of selection (for music and video alike), and the nano has a slightly larger screen than the Zune. But those are nit-picks: The Zune is slim, cute, pocket-friendly, versatile, and a steal at $119.99 shipped. I've been carrying one lately when I run, and it's a great little exercise companion.

Originally posted at The Cheapskate

A technology writer for more than 15 years, Rick Broida is a regular contributor to CNET and the author of more than a dozen books, including How to Do Everything with Your Palm Powered Handheld. He writes The Cheapskate for the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.