[Suteisi]

If you're looking for something cheap, then ZUNE is definitely the one to get. But I personally haven't tried and I wouldn't buy one either, it's just my personal opinion and preferences. I have an iPod Nano and am looking to change it also, but I'll be going towards the iPod Touch so that's another story.

iPod does show the asian characters, and I've had mine for 1 year and the earphones work just as good as when I bought them, maybe you just got a bad batch?

ZUNE just got on sell in Canada recently, so I haven't met or I don't know anyone that's purchased one. Maybe search for reviews online? It can give you an idea...