I'm so excited. Apple and Microsoft got beef like your local grocer (neverminding the money Microsoft invested in Apple a few years back ... that was just to throw off the anti-trust lawyers, nawmean?) The Microsoft Zune launches next Tuesday, as you may be tired of hearing. Suspense kills though - we need to see the throw down! Here's some articles to read before the main card gets under way:

• The new Shuffle iPod player flying off the shelves. Is the Nano too big and heavy? Do people not like having a screen to display their music? Are there that many joggers out there? Is $79 cheap enough to pick with a pack of Lifesavers as an impulse purchase?


• A survey says iPod users likely to consider a switch to the Zune. Survey says: 60% of iPod users would consider a Zune for their next digital audio player. No word on how many of those had massive iTunes collection, which wouldn't transfer to the Zune.


• Respected tech journalists shit on the Zune. Well, there are a few things that Walt Mossberg and David Pogue liked, such as the interface and screen, but as with any initial Microsoft product, it may be a few versions before they deliver a truly strong entry.

In a field that's been largely Apple and every one else, it's nice to see some competition. Sadly this fight lacks the thrills of the next-generation video game console fight, where CEO's talk smack about other company's moms and younger sister. Steve Jobs had some nice quotes, including one where he says the Zune's sharing capabilities are inferior for macking on the ladies, but hopefully the release will feature a bit more drama.