Get hooked up with AT&T ConnecTechZune (30GB, white)
Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp. Part number: JS8-00002
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- Bottom Line:
- The Microsoft Zune, with its intuitive interface and solid playback performance, will please most users. But lukewarm format support and the cool but limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. The Zune is a very good start, though.
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CNET editors' review
Zune (30GB, white)
price range: $248.99 - $419.99
- Reviewed by: James Kim
- Reviewed on: 11/14/2006
- Updated on:09/22/2008
The good: The Microsoft Zune has very good playback performance of audio, video, and photos; intuitive and colorful interface; good FM radio with RDS; works well with Zune Marketplace software; integrated wireless allows sharing of songs (limited) and photos; many accessories available at launch.
The bad: The Microsoft Zune is not backward compatible with WMA-DRM9; weak native video support (cannot play protected content) and no video offerings from Zune Marketplace; cannot be used as a hard drive (and no UMS support); proprietary USB; cannot use Wi-Fi to sync, stream, or purchase content; minimal bundled accessories; no podcast directory; maximum capacity is 30GB.
The bottom line: The Microsoft Zune, with its intuitive interface and solid playback performance, will please most users. But lukewarm format support and the cool but limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. The Zune is a very good start, though.
Editors' note: Microsoft provides a free firmware update for this older Zune model that adds many new features to the device. To learn about these new features, read our review of the third-generation Zune.
Earlier this year, the idea of a Microsoft-branded MP3 player was foreign to most consumers. After all, what could the software giant do to the iPod dynasty that Windows Media hardware partners such as Creative, iRiver, and Samsung had been unable to do? Well, we all knew that after Microsoft's September 14 announcement, the Zune would be a different kind of portable media player, one that integrates wireless technology for Zune-to-Zune sharing of files, and one that works within an iTunes-like closed Zune Marketplace ecosystem. The hard drive device, which comes in black, white, or the love-it/hate-it brown, has entered the real world and will please most users, especially beginners, thanks to an excellent UI, nice integration with Zune Marketplace software, and good playback performance. However, the Zune's incompatibility with some formats, including protected WMA-DRM9 and WMV files, will force some seasoned users elsewhere. Despite these fundamental weaknesses, the Zune is a winner and its future, one that should include expansion of its wireless features, is a bright one.
By now, we all know the basics of the Zune: it's a 30GB MP3 player with a photo- and video-friendly 3-inch (4:3) screen, and it costs $249.99. It runs on a customized version of Portable Media Center software (Windows CE-based) and features the same intuitive twist-navigation like players such as the Toshiba Gigabeat S. But there are many differences both in mind and body that differentiate the Zune from any other MP3 player, which I'll share in a moment.
To the chagrin of many Windows Media fans, the device is not backward compatible with WMA-DRM9 (Zune utilizes WMA-DRM9.1), so tracks purchased from stores such as Napster or Urge will not work. Subscription tracks from those services won't work either. In other words, Zune is not a PlaysForSure platform. Instead, it operates within its own software and store, which are not connected to Windows Media Player at all (in fact, you don't even need WMP to sync and manage your Zune). Microsoft would have scored some major brownie points if the player worked with Rhapsody but still was officially optimized for Zune Marketplace (in the same way as the SanDisk Rhapsody player).
While the player is similar to many other players in terms of its feature set--music, video, and photo playback, plus an FM tuner--what sets it apart is its integrated Wi-Fi chip, which allows it to seek out and be seen by other Zune-sters. This sharing feature allows users to share music and photos (but not video) within the same room--albeit with limitations that many of us already know: three plays of a song within three days. Shared photo files, on the other hand, have no limitations. We'd love to see Wi-Fi expanded so that one could sync or purchase music wirelessly (or even see Zunes across the globe), but having played with the device, I see why Microsoft is starting small. So far, the Zune experience out of the box and beyond has been predictable and solid. Wi-Fi or not, it's one excellent media player.
Quickly, about the box and its contents: the Zune packaging is minimal but has flare. You actually lift the Zune out of the box by pulling on its brown ribbon (nice touch), and the bundled earphones and rubbery USB cable are nowhere to be seen until you realize the flaps adjacent to the Zune lift open. In addition, you'll get a suede case, a software CD, some guides, and a sticker in the package. While we'd love to see more--such as an AC adaptor-- the introductory Zune experience is well done.
Body design:
At 4.3x2.5x0.7 inches, the Zune may be a bit thicker (and blockier) than the 30GB iPod, but it feels right at home in the hand. In my opinion, it's a nice size and weight (5.6 ounces)--neither too thin to hold nor too big to pocket, though others in the office say it's bulky and have even
The colors are subdued and the shell has a translucent matte finish, and more importantly, the body does not attract fingerprints (though the screen does). The double-shot effect of the secondary color (green on the brown version, bluish on the black, translucent on the white) definitely gives the player visual pizzazz. The built-in battery will last up to 14 hours for audio. Interestingly, the back says this in fine print: "Hello from Seattle." The Zune, which is manufactured by Toshiba but completely designed by Microsoft, is an original-looking player with a style of its own.
It's a durable device that will withstand scratches, bumps, and bruises, though the primary seam of the device looks as if it might burst open after a hard fall. The body is minimal with no buttons on the sides, only a hold switch and an earphone jack on top and a proprietary USB/accessories port on the bottom. The screen and main controller are surrounded by a thin, metallic inlay, while the three control buttons are dead simple (the small dedicated back and play/pause buttons are flush with the body).
You'll want to scroll the circular controller at first impulse (maybe even second). A true iPod-like click wheel would have made navigation on this device even easier than it is. In reality, the five-way tactile controller (a.k.a. d-pad; made of black plastic) is easy to use and will reorient when the device is used in landscape mode (only for photos and videos). Unfortunately for southpaws, you can't flip the screen or controllers for left-handed use. Also, there is no dedicated volume control--that is handled on the appropriate screen by using the up and down controllers.
The back of the device features a circular dip and it mirrors the d-pad up front. This is supposed to give you a better feel for the d-pad especially as it's used with two hands in landscape mode. There is no kickstand as seen on some PVPs, but you can always get an optional case with a built-in method for propping up the Zune.
The three-inch screen may not measure up to true portable video players such as the Archos 604, but it is definitely good enough to watch video, view photos, and navigate effectively. It has three brightness settings and though the display is slightly washed out, it's colorful and bright enough for outdoor use. Conveniently, when the backlight turns off, you can still make out the screen on a nice bright day( such as album art), so definitely keep the backlight to a minimum on this battery-hungry device.
Interface:
The GUI is attractive, intuitive, and customizable with your own photo. The main menu features music, videos, pictures, radio, community, and settings options. As mentioned, the twist navigation makes it convenient to find albums, artists, genres, and playlists without returning to the main menu. Pressing either up or down will quickly scroll through lists, and as seen on the iPod and the Gigabeat S before it, the first letter appears as an overlay (this does not work for photos). When scrolling through album titles, the thumbnails will disappear. From the "sophisticated interface" department, the appearance of menu items will dim the background image or content, and videos will continue to play in the background when you call up its info screen.
The unit's large screen makes it easy to view content--up to 10 songs per page (fewer items are shown for albums, which feature tiny thumbnails of album art. Photo thumbnails are small but numerous. The playback screen is album-art centric, with the art covering at least 70 percent of the screen and fully flush with the screen's edges. A neat, round, glowing marker lets you know where you are in the track (the same glow is used in the volume indicator, which shows up in the upper-left corner when activated). This is consistent within the Zune software, too.
Hitting the center select button during playback of any media will open a context-sensitive menu (PMC software requires hitting left or right). For music, you'll get the option to adjust play mode, rate the song, show a song list, or flag a song (flagged songs and photos transfer to the Zune software in list form and will show up front and center). Strangely, you can't access the numerous EQ settings from this menu.
Features:
Here's where things get tricky, particularly if you're a hard-core portable-media fan. The unit will play back MP3, protected WMA (the Zune-kind only called WMA-DRM9.1), and unprotected AAC. No native Audible, WAV, or WMA Lossless playback. If you have $200 worth of Wal-Mart tracks, you're in trouble. (You'll have to burn and rip, or find some way to convert). If you're into subscription services, the $14.95-per-month ZunePass is your only choice.
Video support is worse. There is no video content available for purchase on the Zune Marketplace at launch. (It will, however, feature more than two million tracks, both a la carte and subscription.) It supports WMV natively--Zune software will convert MPEG-4 and H264 files to WMV--but it does not support DRM video, so, no Amazon Unbox and no Vongo. The software will not support DivX or XviD either, so you'll have to find a third-party conversion method. Too bad the video support is weak, since the three-inch screen is nice (beats the iPod), and the player controls are precise. (Video does feature unlimited bookmarking.) The device can output to a TV full on with the Zune GUI, but videos play back only at the compressed-for-Zune size. Microsoft has some work ahead if it wants to transform this music-centric device into a competitive video device. Media Center support would have given the Zune a nice source for content. But again, it's not a matter of the hardware--it's because Microsoft seeks to simplify the experience, presumably for new buyers of portable players, and then expand features as the Zune community grows and evolves.
Photo support is limited to JPEGs, and the Zune software will not convert other file types as it would in Windows Media Player. We do love that you can wirelessly beam photos to other users with no limitations, though the feature is useless without other Zunesters in site. You can listen to music while viewing photos and slide shows, but you can't assign a song to a specific slide show. Slides show transitions happen in increments from 3 to 15 seconds, with only one transition type, which is fade. While viewing a photo, you can zoom in with one step and navigate around the screen.
The FM-radio interface is minimal and simple to use. On-screen, you see a linear, dial-like line with the station above it in large numerals. There seems to be unlimited available presets, but no autoscan for them. Instead, the device can be put in autoscan mode, which simply goes to the next clean channel. We do like the built-in RDS (radio data system) feature that will display the station, the genre, and sometimes the song title on certain compatible channels.
Got to have two to share:
Out of the box, our Zune did not have community or Wi-Fi features. New Zunes will go through an automatic firmware update (the review unit has Version 1.1 loaded) upon connection to the Zune Marketplace software.
Sharing content by using ad hoc Wi-Fi is pretty cool, although it is limited to sharing within a range of 30 feet, and you can't share video. Microsoft stated that in open space, the range is closer to 40 and higher. Also, you can't just jump onto anybody's Zune and start cherry-picking--the only way to initiate contact is to share your music, not "steal it." It takes about two or three seconds to find anyone in range. You initiate by turning on the Wi-Fi, choosing the Community option, and selecting Nearby. The two other Zunes in our room appeared, and we could view what they were hearing, such as "Listening to radio 105.1FM." You'll find all files sent to you in the in-box area. This keeps this temporary library separated from the regular library to avoid confusion. Contrary to popular belief, there is no DRM wrapper placed on the file. Instead, the device's in-box manages the rights. You can choose to clear the in-box or a specific file, but that info will still be transferred to the Zune software, which features an in-box view. This is where you can pick up the songs you like or have flagged.
While many will complain about the limitations of Wi-Fi on this device (and I'm not talking about three days/three plays), Microsoft wants the overall experience to be as simple as possible...and it is. Look for Microsoft to expand the Wi-Fi capabilities soon. It takes about 10 seconds to transfer a song. Longer songs can take up to 15 seconds. Since you can play a song three times or within three days, you might be wondering what happens if you play a part of the song. A "play" equals at least one minute or half the song, whichever comes first. I'd love to see a customizable thumbnail that identifies your device to other users--today, it's just text. However, you can set your Zune to display either details to other Zunesters (such as "Listening to Regina Spektor") or a basic "online" message. You can block specific users from sending content to you. One interesting note: if you're listening to music and someone wants to send you a song and you say yes, your music will stop and not automatically continue after the download. So blocking some antsy users might be a good move. Conversely, if you want to send someone a song, you'll have to do so by backing up to the song's menu page, or in some cases within the playback context menu. Once you send the file, your music will stop playing, so in a way, sharing spoils the personal party.
No definitive word about Zune-to-PC wireless transfers or network-based sharing or purchasing, but I imagine this will come eventually.
Software and overall performance:
The Zune Marketplace software is a critical part of the Zune experience and Microsoft has mostly gotten the two to work very well with each other. Based on the Windows Media Player in design, the interface is dark, clean, and stable. It's aesthetically pleasing and functional, with lots of album art represented and sparse text in the left-hand navigation pane. The left-hand pane features all of your content broken down into music, video, and photos, and at the top is an in-box view that displays all content shared, plus anything you've flagged. Here is an example of the usefulness of the in-box: a friend has shared a tune with you and it expires. The content will show up in your inbox even after it's expired so you can conveniently hit the search button to locate and purchase it (nice way to get more sales, Microsoft). Digging deeper, I noticed that there's no easy way to separate out your purchased tracks from the din. Zune peops--please add a purchased tracks (or subscription) tracks playlist.
The Zune Marketplace jukebox features are fairly standard--burning, ripping, and music management, though power users might want to use an additional piece of software for deeper activities such as transcoding, podcasts (no podcast section), and recording. It will rip CDs into MP3, WMA, and WMA Lossless (though the Zune will not play lossless files) at up to 192Kbps. The Zune Marketplace does have a Media Sharing feature that allows you to stream music, video, and photos to an Xbox 360. The device itself can be connected to an Xbox 360 via USB.
The Zune Marketplace debuts with more than two million songs (that are not compatible with non-Zune devices) and will include a ZunePass subscription for $14.95 per month. Users must sign into (or create) a Windows Live account and must purchase Microsoft points to buy a track. The point system is a carry over from Xbox Live and makes sense when considering how the Zune and Xbox universe will overlap. But come on now...79 points equals 99 cents? No video is available for purchase, though we suspect that won't be the case for long. I was able to purchase several songs (and no, they don't work with players such as the Creative Zen Vision:M) and the transaction and download process was quick and tidy. I really like how the Marketplace is organized--thumbnail pics, lists of top songs, and easy access to genre pages much akin to the Urge music store--but I don't like how the program won't stay at the last Marketplace page visited. In other words, if you're checking out an album, then you go to your library page, then you hit Marketplace again, it will start back on the home page (this can be averted by using the software's back and forward buttons). My experience with ZunePass was solid. After signing up, I dragged several premade playlists and albums to the Zune icon and syncing was quick and painless. Though some songs did not make it to the player because of DRM rules (same applies for all subscription services), I'd have to rate the experience higher than Urge, maybe similar to Rhapsody. The subscription aspect (though not as sophisticated as Rhapsody or Napster yet) gives the Zune a huge upside, especially over the iPod.
As reported earlier, battery life is rated for 14 hours of audio playback. With Wi-Fi turned on (and no sharing), battery life decreases to about 13 hours. This is not great, but so far the battery life hasn't taken away from the experience. I spent a bit of time listening to music and sharing songs and photos and realized that the Wi-Fi isn't going to thrash the battery into pulp. Each Zune in my possession averaged about 10 hours of music playbck time with about 50 to 60 files shared. Officially, CNET Labs got 13.2 hours for audio (with Wi-Fi turned off) and 3.6 hours for video. There is a Zune paradox though--that is, you should turn off Wi-Fi to conserve your battery life, but then you wouldn't be discovered by a fellow Zunester. So doing the sensible thing--having Wi-Fi off--is a potential roadblock in getting "social."
The Zune starts up quickly, particularly from its sleep mode. You may notice a pause here or there while you navigate, but it isn't any more notable than other players. Sound quality is excellent--very similar to the Toshiba Gigabeat S with balanced, punchy sound. The Zune gets pretty loud using the bundled earphones, and they sufficiently powered my big Sony headphones. I did notice a quirk that Microsoft will want to address: you'll hear a one second staticky sizzle when the Wi-Fi is activated. This definitely affects music listening, though it's a rare occurence. The preset EQs (seven in all) do a nice job on sound shaping but we'd prefer to have a custom EQ as well. Also, Microsoft should definitely put the EQ option on the playback menu screen; for now, you'll have to navigate backward to the settings menu. From A/V playback to the quality of the screen, from navigating menus to transferring music from a PC, its performance is excellent.
Overall, the Zune is a well-designed portable media device with good playback performance, a snappy processor, and an excellent interface. Wi-Fi sharing worked well, but prospective owners should know its format support, especially for videos, is limited. The Zune looks like a good fit for MP3 player novices, though we hope Microsoft addresses issues and will make the Zune usable as a hard drive; extend video support to include DRM (which they probably will do when its own video store opens); and open up a true Wi-Fi network. The foundation looks good, though, and those not interested in version 1 of Zune can look forward to improved versions 2, 3, and beyond.
User reviews
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I bought it as a curiosity, would have sold it on eBay, but then I started using it... and wow!
by rvjames on November 20, 2006
Pros: Great screen, interface is clean and intuitive. Tight integration with Zune Marketplace
Cons: Lack of Accessories
Summary: I am an avid iPod and iTunes user. I have had every iPod model as they have rolled out... Been a Mac user since 1984 and bought the Zune as ...
Summary: I am an avid iPod and iTunes user. I have had every iPod model as they have rolled out... Been a Mac user since 1984 and bought the Zune as a curiosity. I thought I'd play around with it and then sell it on Ebay... But, something happened on my way to an eBay listing... I ended up using it, and liking the Zune.
Here's what I like.... Great display, the interface is clean and intuitive. Music sounds great... Seamless software integration with the Zune Jukebox and Zune Marketplace... I love the subscription service "all you can eat" music option. Also the non-scratch rubberized exterior seems much more rugged than the iPod exterior.
I have listened to it with ear phones and plugged into the MP3 jack of my car... Sound is great.
I didn't find it too heavy or clunky. The small extra size of the unit is made up by the brilliant and muchlarger display of the iPod.
What I don't like.... The lack of accessories (I have several on order). The lack of PodCast and Videos (although this will probably be coming)... And, when the WiFi can synch wirelessly than watch out... This thing will take a big leap up!
So for all of the iPod fanatics that either write reviews without owning a Zune or look for the smallest flaw I say..... give Mr. Softy his due, he has gotten his first unit out the door and it is pretty good.
This may not kill the iPod, but competition is good, and I would say that the Zune will be good competition to Apple's dominance.8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Gasp! an Intelligent Review!
by MaximSerj on November 15, 2006
Pros: Large, Clear screen; Scratch-resistant Body; Simple, easy to use navigation
Cons: Slightly larger than iPod Video; Limited accessories at launch; questionably limited video formats
Summary: I popped into Best Buy today after work to tinker with one of these, and I am quite happy to report that it feels solid, and isn't as large ...
Summary: I popped into Best Buy today after work to tinker with one of these, and I am quite happy to report that it feels solid, and isn't as large as my initial impressions from this online review had left me with. The unit is slightly taller than an iPod Video, and more thin than the admittedly Bulky Creative ZEN Vision:M. These would be the two best comparisons to this play in my opinion. Style-wise, if they came up with about 10 more of those double-shot colors, It would easily topple the iPod. Sure, they're both solid units, but Microsoft kept with the old addage of KISS(Keep It Simple Stupid!) and here it pays off very well. While not quite as endearing as the click-wheel or the touch-scroll pads, navigation was far more straight-forward than any other player on the market. the processor was quite fast and removed any Clunkiness from simular interfaces offered on Samsung's T9 player. I didn't get the pleasure to listen to it, but judging by reports by non-apple fanatics(you can tell who's an iPod zombie from the sub-3 rating they give this player without any thoughtful remarks) the sound quality will slot right in between the Creative and the Apple. I won't remark on the WiFi, because while novel, time will tell of it's usefulness. I think personally, I'm going to try waiting until Black Friday to see what they do with this player. It's priced exactly the same as the iPod Video but any edge in pricing will only serve to benefit this interesting new entry into the Portable Media Player market.
7 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Real experiences of a Zune owner after week one
by DSL69 on November 26, 2006
Pros: Great Potential
Cons: Poor execution. Product rushed to market
Summary: Unlike many of the negative reviews here on CNET that are just people who don?t like Microsoft, I?m actually a fan of most Microsoft?s products; even more ...
Summary: Unlike many of the negative reviews here on CNET that are just people who don?t like Microsoft, I?m actually a fan of most Microsoft?s products; even more the reason why I?m so let down with my initial experience with Zune.
For the last few months I?ve wanted device such as an iPod, but I wanted a bigger screen and better compatibility with the tools I use (mostly Microsoft based OS, media player, gaming systems, etc.). When I heard about the Zune I held out and purchased one a couple of days after they became available. In fact, I had the Zune software installed on my PC before I had even purchased a Zune because I was using it to stream media to my two Xbox 360s.
Now a week purchasing it, I?m very frustrated, had multiple phone calls to tech support and have discovered the product was rushed to market before it was complete. I say it was rushed to market because I have experienced many issues with the new device?s software and website and I?m told there is no solution at this time and look for updates in the future. When I ask when, I?m told there is no ETA.
I?m sure that at some point in the future this will be a good device. But at this time, I can?t recommend it. I can?t even download new music from the Zune service because there is a known issue with account activations for existing Live customers.
Below, I?ve detailed the issues and concerns I have?
1. Account Activation:
a. When activating my Zune account (linking my existing Xbox live account), the process stalled at the login prompt. For hours it would not complete/sign-in. I had to shut down and restart the Zune application to complete the setup process
2. Purchasing music:
a. On my three attempts to purchase an album or singles, I received incomplete status icons across the list of song(s), the songs were not downloaded but my points were deducted
3. Sync Issues:
a. The free meter in the Zune application goes from 10meg free when I connect it to over capacity when I try syncing. I shut the application down, reconnect it and it restates 10meg free. This isn?t a file conversion issue. The content is already on the device?
b. Photos with same name but in different directories are not synced to the unit Disney Vacation\IMG_001 and Honeymoon\IMG_001, etc.. It states already on device, but there not
c. I tell the unit to monitor My Photos, My Video & My Music directories, but it continues to pull media files from other folders when I sync such as the overall My Documents folder.
d. I?ve tried to delete the My Documents folder from my library and it returns. After repeating this process three times, the last attempt in the Zune application displaying c: under the folders view
4. Unit Interface Issues:
a. Why is it necessary to drill down through several menus just to turn on video out? Why can?t this unit sense when a cable is connected to the TV to at minimum why doesn?t the AVE pack remote or base have a TV out button on it
b. Why does the view by folder option not respect the hierarchical structure of my folders?
c. Why is there no support for folders for video? My home videos don?t have a genre
5. Application Interface Issues:
a. When the Zune Marketplace is not available, the application does nothing to inform the user other than not display the options to drill down
6. Content Issues:
a. Why does Zune create a redundant directory for ripped files under My Music call Zune and only use it for some of the albums ripped?
b. Some of the CDs I?ve ripped have appeared under other artist folders. I had Aerosmith and Garth Brooks under the Alanis Morriset directory
c. At times when I select delete from library and PC it doesn?t remove the PC files. This may have been because the read only attribute assigned to the some of the files. If that is the reason, then the interface game me no warning that it couldn?t delete the files
d. Why can?t I see content purchased that appears in Media Player? Limited file type support is an issue
7. Customer Support:
a. When calling into tech support, tier 1 was not able to escalate my call to tier 2 to receive service after 30 minutes. I was asked to call back in the following day
b. Why did it take several days for my account to be credited for the album that would not download?
c. Why once my account was credited for album that didn?t download do the incomplete transactions still appear in the interface?
d. Why can?t tier 1 support find my previous calls and escalate me to tier 2 with spending 20 minutes answering questions I?ve already answered?
e. Why doesn?t tier 2 support read the references from the prior calls or listen to the end user?s explanation?
f. Why can?t a problem be escalated to a manager with tier 2 support?
g. Why won?t a tier 2 agent provide customer support contact information other than the statement ?go to our website?, which by the way doesn?t have a customer feedback option? I was told it is comingUpdated
Owning a Zune has been a roller coaster... At first I was very excited by the product, its packaging and the integration with my Xbox 360. Then I suffered several issues with ripping music and downloading music. Now, three weeks later, Microsoft has contacted me directly three times to and all of my purchasing and ripping issues have now been put to bed. I probably should have been kinder in my original review and not rated it so low. I would probably give the unit an 8 now consistent with CNet's but with the disclaimer that realize this is the first generation of the software.6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Extreamly good, especially for a 1st Gen Product
by bryan1342 on November 18, 2006
Pros: Great Battery Life, not too big, not too small, Zune Software is fairly easy to use.
Cons: WMP11 does not currently support it, but, might come at a later time.
Summary: Overall, I'd have to say that this is a great product so far. Even though, there currently is no support for it on WMP yet, that will come out ...
Summary: Overall, I'd have to say that this is a great product so far. Even though, there currently is no support for it on WMP yet, that will come out at a later time. With battery life, and durability, I have to give this product a 10. This product really does kick the iPod in the kenosha. Especially since the Zune can't get scratched very easily.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Zune is not that bad
by dpan2000 on November 16, 2006
Pros: FM radio, video,
Cons: Software bugs
Summary: Zune is not that bad. The video quality is nice. The FM radio has good reception. For me, he only problem I see is the software. Sometimes Zune doesn't ...
Summary: Zune is not that bad. The video quality is nice. The FM radio has good reception. For me, he only problem I see is the software. Sometimes Zune doesn't sync will with the software.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A good solid performer
by thehairyscot on November 16, 2006
Pros: wifi (hope the hack comes soon), marketplace
Cons: meets the current players, but doesn't beat em. replacing all my itunes
Summary: I've had a ipod mini for ages and was waiting for the mythical ipod video to come out. Unfortunately my Mini had other ideas, the battery went place where ...
Summary: I've had a ipod mini for ages and was waiting for the mythical ipod video to come out. Unfortunately my Mini had other ideas, the battery went place where dead batteries go. So I decided to take a chance on the Zune, and apart from some of the idiotic constrictions of the wifi and drm. I really like it and would easily compare it to any Ipod "currently" on the market. ps I gave it a 10 to offset the "fanboytards" I would probably give it a 7 or 8.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent device
by lostworld2420 on December 9, 2006
Pros: Its easy to use
Cons: its a bit chunky
Summary: I'd rather give an 8, but seeing the Microsoft haters who gave it a 1, I wanted to up the average. I think the zune is better than the ...
Summary: I'd rather give an 8, but seeing the Microsoft haters who gave it a 1, I wanted to up the average. I think the zune is better than the Ipod except for it size. It's very easy to use, it?s great for watching movies, and the sound quality is excellent and pictures look great on the zune. I like the fact that you can customize the background and that it has a radio. Downloading music form the zune market place is easy. I think the software for the zune is better than itunes. So if you want something new and stands out of the crowd the zune is for you.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A good start for microsoft
by wliang on November 27, 2006
Pros: Big bright screen, easy interface and cool design
Cons: The software
Summary: On thanksgiving night, I went to compusa and cut in the wrap around line so i could get home with this. This player looks good, feels good and does its ...
Summary: On thanksgiving night, I went to compusa and cut in the wrap around line so i could get home with this. This player looks good, feels good and does its job good....well...pretty much. I love the features. The music, video and pictures are what I'm interested in. nobody i know has a zune yet so I won't be sharing songs. When I first plugged it into my computer to charge and setup, I was suprised at the software. before you can complete installation, it demands that it sync all the available songs to the device. Now, I dont want all my songs on there at once. It did the same thing with videos. I like my songs but i have duplicates and stuff like that. So after about an hour, everything synced up and all my music and most of my videos were on it. I put pictures on one by one. So my only complaint about this is that the installation software makes you sync all music to it before it goes any further. Other than that, its a great looking player with a lot of potential!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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it's a great mp3 player
by sxsw on November 26, 2006
Pros: lots of memory to hold all my songs
Cons: this device has no cons to its hardware
Summary: The zune is awesome and less scratch proned than all of the ipods.
Summary: The zune is awesome and less scratch proned than all of the ipods.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Rated 8 today. Could be a 10 tomorrow
by bizmax74 on November 20, 2006
Pros: Media manager on the go
Cons: No contacts or calendar
Summary: This is a media manager. And if you a 360 it is a get 360 mobile type device.
This is not a device that will have me sell my nano ...Summary: This is a media manager. And if you a 360 it is a get 360 mobile type device.
This is not a device that will have me sell my nano because the nano is a great size device for working out, but all other aspects of media it fits the bill. I purchased the unit and have been happy every since. I ripped my dvd movies and my podcast are automatically added to the unit after itunes download them daily so I still get my podcast...daily!
Can not wait until the updates to come out and add even more features. And that is the reason why a 10 is on its way. The system was created with upgrades in mind and boy do they have some updates coming through 360 and vista media center and it is a matter of time when 3rd party software makers take advantage of this little device!
You will be able to stream from xbox, live anywhere, pocket office, TV shows (free if you have media center with a tuner)1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
- Part number: JS8-00002
- Description: Zune starts with a digital media player and adds a twist. You can wirelessly share selected full-length sample tracks, playlists, pictures or your homegrown tracks directly from Zune to Zune. You can listen to the full-length songs that you receive up to three times in three days, flag the ones you like and easily buy them the next time you sync up. You can discover new music in the Zune Marketplace, and show off your favorite pictures and videos on the big, bright screen. Zune has all that and a built in FM tuner, too. Let your inner DJ run wild.
General
- Width 2.4 in
- Depth 0.6 in
- Product type Digital player
- Height 4.4 in
- PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB, Wi-Fi
- Weight 5.6 oz
- Color White
- Digital storage Built-in 30 GB Hard disk drive
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 4.4 in
- Packaged quantity 1
- Digital storage media capacity 30 GB
- Digital storage media type Hard disk drive
- Digital storage media form factor Built-in
Digital Player / Recorder
- Digital player supported digital audio standards WMA, MP3, AAC
- Digital player playback modes Random play / shuffle
- Digital player additional features Variable bit-rate compatible
Battery
- Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable
- Battery Enclosure Type Integrated
- Technology Lithium ion
- Capacity 700 mAh
- Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
- Mfr estimated battery life 14 hour(s)
- Battery Life Details Music playback (wireless on) 13 hour(s), Pictures 4 hour(s), Video playback 4 hour(s), Music playback (wireless off) 14 hour(s)
Audio System
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Additional features USB 2.0 compatibility, H.264 playback, Upgradeable firmware, MPEG-4 playback, WMV playback, Built-in FM radio
System Requirements
- Min Operating system Microsoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows Vista
Connections
- Connector type 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
- Diagonal size 3 in
- Resolution 320 x 240
Remote Control
- Remote control None
Product series
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Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WMA, 30 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WMA, 30 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WMA, 30 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Specs: Digital player, AAC, MP3, WMA, 30 GB, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Specs: Digital player, 30 GB, AAC, MP3, WMA, Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Microsoft Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Microsoft Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.microsoft.com/
- Address:
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052 - Phone: 425/882-8080
- Fax: (425) 706-7329