Besides the ebook reading, Zune has everything you need.
It has a very nice screen, great for viewing movies. As well, it has an individual menu for podcasts which is then divied into audio and video.
The Zune software is OK, good for grabbing podcasts, nothing spectacular.
The earbuds that come with it are great.
If you get a Zune, chances are it will last a lot longer than an ipod. I have friends who have them and they die and crash and are unresponsive within six months of buying them. I have had my Zune since Christmas and have not had one problem with it.
It also feels very durable and solid. If you drop it nothing happens. Although the screen is a bit prone to finger prints, you can easily wipe them off. The back and the frame are very difficult to scratch. I have dropped my Zune at least 5 times and I have maybe 2 scratches.
Although a bit complicated, if you get games on it, they are awesome. They are all user created and free (unlike the ipod)
As for accessories, they are coming. Some have already emerged like some docks, speaker systems and cases.
All in all, the Zune is a great buy that you wont regret. It will also last you a long time (i.e you will only get another portable media player because you want to, not because the Zune broke)
It is also 250$ for 80gb