I missed a key defect in my microsoft zune media player coverage, Zune Sharing. The player admirably supports a bevy of open file formats, including WMA, MP3, AAC, JPG, WMV, MPEG-4, H.264. As we wrote, it doesn't support Apple's proprietary AAC format, so keep your iTunes songs on your iPod or your PC. But it also doesn't support Microsoft's own DRM format, which is marketed under the Plays For Sure banner.

To repeat, Microsoft's mobile media player won't play Microsoft-secured files. But other devices will, including those from Archos, Cowon, Creative Labs, Dell, Denon, D-Link, Gateway, ILO, iriver, JVC, mobiBLU, mpio, Netgear, Omni, Palm, Philips, RaveMP, RCA, Rio, Roku, Samsung, SanDisk, Tite, Toshiba, ZOTAC.