Among digital media players, the iPod is king, with more than 75 percent of the market. If you're looking to buy a player, Microsoft hopes you'll consider its new model, for which we've completed preliminary testing. Here's our initial take:

Like iPod, the Zune has an exclusive, seamless relationship with a music-management program (Zune) and integrated online music store (Zune Marketplace) that resembles iPod's and Apple's iTunes program and iTunes Store. But that control over the entire "ecology" of the player can have its downsides. Several are already clear regarding the Zune:

R.I.P. WMA? The Zune comes with a nasty surprise for customers of Napster, MusicMatch, Wal-Mart, and other online stores who bought copy-protected songs in the Windows Media Audio (WMA) format. Despite a shared heritage with WMA, Zune won't play those songs. Nor will it work with Windows Media Player, Microsoft's flagship music-management software included on all PCs. It appears, then, that Windows loyalists who bought copy-protected WMA songs to use with a WMA-compatible player will need to buy them all over again if they want to use the Zune. It's not clear what the future holds for Windows Media Player, those online sites, or the Windows-based media players they serve, from such brands as Creative, Samsung, and others. But Microsoft has already jumped ship by closing its fledgling MSN Music Store.

Share songs--but not for long. The Zune's most innovative feature is its ability to share songs and photos wirelessly with other Zune players, using Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, the restrictions on its use severely dampen the conveniences it offers. For example, you can't use this connection to swap files with your computer, and any songs transmitted wirelessly can't be used after three days or three plays, whichever occurs first. You can't forward any song that has been sent to you by someone else.

A new currency. You can't buy songs for the Zune with legal tender. Instead, you buy Microsoft "Points," the needlessly complex currency used to purchase content for X-Boxes. Song prices vary, but a song valued at 99 cents costs 79 points. More annoying: You have to buy Microsoft Points in $5 increments. So if you want to buy only one song, you'll have to leave the change with Microsoft.


THE BOTTOM LINE

There's a lot to like about the new Zune, including simple controls and a large display. And with some fine-tuning, future Zunes might very well surpass the iPod. But not today. Compared with other players on the market, it's bulky and unrefined. The wireless sharing is a nice idea, but the Zune's restrictions take all the fun out of using it. And the Zune is a pricey buy for those who invested in other Windows-based players and copy-protected music, since they'll essentially have to start buying that content all over again.