Manage updates with the Download AppMicrosoft Zune 120GB (third generation, glossy black)
Manufacturer: Microsoft Part number: H3A-00001
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Zune 120, with a unique focus on music discovery, is a fierce competitor to the iPod Classic. The Zune's substantial storage capacity combined with its Zune Pass music subscription makes it an ideal solution for restless music fans with large appetites.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/13/2013 |
CNET editors' review
Microsoft Zune 120GB (third generation, glossy black) price range: $449.99
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 09/16/2008
- Released on: 09/16/2008
The good: The 120GB Microsoft Zune MP3 player has expanded the usefulness of its Wi-Fi and social music-discovery features, added support for games and audiobooks, and maintained enviable features, such as a 3.2-inch glass LCD, friendly interface, exceptional navigation control, audio- and video-podcast support, superlative FM radio, wireless syncing, good audio quality, and a built-in composite-video output.
The bad: Battery life isn't great; high-quality earbuds are no longer included; the glossy plastic front is more prone to scratches and smudges; and using many of the new features without a Zune Pass music subscription can be disappointing.
The bottom line: The Zune 120, with a unique focus on music discovery, is a fierce competitor to the iPod Classic. The Zune's substantial storage capacity combined with its Zune Pass music subscription makes it an ideal solution for restless music fans with large appetites.
User reviews
-
-
Outstanding
by cravermonkey on September 17, 2008
Pros: Subscription Service, great interface, SLICK software.
Cons: No top end headphones, lack of color choice
Summary: Bash MS if you must, but they seem to get it. I'm a professional musician and have waited patiently on the sidelines for a player/interface/program that allows ...
Summary: Bash MS if you must, but they seem to get it. I'm a professional musician and have waited patiently on the sidelines for a player/interface/program that allows you to discover music legally and without going into bankruptcy. Apple take note. No they won't slay the iDragon anytime soon, but if you like elegant design and outstanding functionality, go with the Zune.
12 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Still the same: kicking the ipod's behind
by flareprakash on September 13, 2008
Pros: It has great sound quality as usual, and the screen is nice and large just what you need to watch a video. The wireless capabilities have been expanded with the zune 3.0 update.
Cons: The battery is not that good especially for watching a lot of videos, the missing eq can be troublesome to a few listeners...
Summary: It kicks Ipoooed's butt with the screen and wireless capabilities.
Summary: It kicks Ipoooed's butt with the screen and wireless capabilities.
9 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Beats it's competitors hands down
by Kennethj2010 on September 17, 2008
Pros: Nice, big, luxurious screen
Awesome interface, everything is easily accessible
Feels great in your hand
WiFi features, like marketplace, song sharing, and wireless syncCons: The new 3.0 update removed the "Quick List" playlist
Battery life is great, but not as good as the Classic
PC only, no Mac supportSummary: First off: The Zune 120 is NOT the iPod Touch's competitor, but instead the iPod Classic. The Zune beats the Classic in features and usability, and definitely in sexiness, ...
Summary: First off: The Zune 120 is NOT the iPod Touch's competitor, but instead the iPod Classic. The Zune beats the Classic in features and usability, and definitely in sexiness, especially with the available Zune Originals. The iPod Touch is better than the Zune in more cases, but with less storage size (like a fifth of the size for more price). If you need a mini computer, get the Touch, if you need a great music player, get the Zune.
Overall a brilliant product. The third generation has changed very little, although the black back covering is really really sexy, more so than the 80. The glass screen is VERY scratch resistant, I have no scratches anywhere on my Zune. The WiFi rocks, with a marketplace feature added. The song sharing 3-play limit SUCKS, but I use the feature with my friends a lot. It is quite practical, especially when you want a friend to hear a song, but don't want him handling your zune for the next 3:51 that the song lasts. The games are cool, but the Beta games won't work in the new 3.0 firmware, but I didn't play Solitare that much anyways.
I have hardly had any trouble at all with my Zune, period. It has frozen once, but every product has these times. I can't count on one hand the amount of times my old iPod Classic has frozen.
Absolutely great product! Looks better than the Classic, better interface, subscription service, GOOD FUN games, new clock feature and screen lock are nice, excellent radio, and beautiful screen make this better by far than the iPod Classic, and a more pure music player than the iPod Touch.8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Much better than an iPod (I'm selling my old one now!!)
by iceman721 on December 19, 2008
Pros: Wireless syncing, music subscription availability, GREAT sound quality, large capacity, radio, great screen, larger screen than ipod classic, good music management software. Nice durable case easy navigation.
Cons: Battery life could be a touch longer though not a big deal. Older models came with better earbuds also not a biggie. Not as many accessories although they are of better quality. Doesn't work with Mac software.
Summary: Let me start by saying I had been an Ipod user. I owned a nano till the click wheel died and I replaced it with a 30gb classic which had ...
Summary: Let me start by saying I had been an Ipod user. I owned a nano till the click wheel died and I replaced it with a 30gb classic which had served me well. I also had purchased my daughter 2 Nano's. NO LONGER. Ipod's are more popular but they are not as good as Zune's thus my recent purchase of a new 120GB model.
As an update to my previous post I have now installed (free on Cnet downloads) some Zune conversion software to my computer. I am now downloading music videos and other content for free using Realplayer and syncing it to my Zune. This is content that in the past I would have PAID FOR in an Itunes world. This makes my Zune an even better choice.
I have a larger screen and much greater capacity than in my 30gb and the price I paid for this 120GB was comparable to what the Ipod cost at the time. The Zune is much more sturdy while not bulky. It is built very well and has a large vibrant screen. The navigation buttons are very easy to navigate and work very well. Battery life is good but like any heavily used battery operated product we will always want more. I can watch 2 movies or listen for 2 days of heavy music play before the battery will die. But as stated that is listening almost every waking moment. In above average use I can get about 3-4 days without having to charge it.
One of the greatest things about my Zune for me is the music quality. The Ipod music quality just doesn't compare especially not for purchased music. The Ipod bitrates are skimpy @ 126Kbps and it shows in the quality of the music. I abandoned the Itunes store and have been buying my music from Amazon's Mp3 store for that reason. The higher bit rates of the Amazon store reveal subtle sounds that are not present in lower quality Itunes AAC downloads. While Mp3 is by no means a great audio codec it is widely used and available and of acceptable quality at higher bit rates. The ability to use WMA, WMA pro or lossless formats is a big deal for me. My car changer will recognize Mp3 but not WMA the WMA capability of my Zune gives me the opportunity to use the WMA format on my Zune and then plug my Zune into the line in, in the car. I paired my Zune with a pretty good set of collapsible Phillips headphones that use an over the head form factor with 40mm magnets. The sound quality is impressive even on a $40.00 headset.
On to video. The video performance on this is great with the large hard drive. I have Batman the dark knight, Ironman, Incredible Hulk, Stepbrothers, Star Wars (Clone Wars), Speed Racer, Tropic Thunder, Hellboy2 & I am Legend on my device with all of my music and several video and audio podcasts and I still have 90GB free!
It is also very cool to have an FM radio. I didn't think I would use it but I have caught myself listening to some local news and weather over the air. This could be very important in the event of an emergency and you have it if you need it. Being able to tag songs to purchase later is also very cool.
A good friend of mine and I also both have Xbox 360's so we were able to use our current gamer tags when setting up our accounts and were recognized as friends as soon as our set up was complete. In the social portion I can see what he has been listening too as he can see what I have been listening to which is quite cool. We also were impressed to know that we could beam songs from device to device without a wifi connection which we thought we needed. My Zune now recognizes my home wifi network which is password protected whenever I need to do something like sync it or want to look at the marketplace from the device.
In summation after only a few days of usage I can't put this thing down it is truly addictive. I am now signed up for my trial of Zune Pass and will add my thoughts on that later but for right now believe me this is MUCH better than my previous Ipods. The classic Ipod is easily trumped by this device. The Ipod touch is a better competitor but it still loses out IMO based on the much smaller capacity the Touch's have and the inferior sound capability. Friends don't let Friends buy Ipods!!!
Updated on Jan 2, 20096 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great Improvements
by guyfromtrinidad on September 17, 2008
Pros: Mixview is fantastic, GAMES!, Good Value
Cons: Horrible Headphones, Software can still be buggy at times
Summary: I consider the Zune the little mp3 player that could. While the improvements over the 80gb were small they are very significant in terms of how people are going to ...
Summary: I consider the Zune the little mp3 player that could. While the improvements over the 80gb were small they are very significant in terms of how people are going to be using this device. Without a Zune pass and some decent headphones I would give it 3 and a half to 4 stars but you need to be able to access Marketplace and channels to understand why Microsoft is providing good value for money. I know the ipod comparisons will be made but I think that is unfair.
Bottom line: If like me you love getting and purchasing new music, love watching videos on a portable device and have a windows computer, and willing to be different from the crowd,try out the Zune.
Apple makes great products that is why they dominate the mp3 player market, but I think right now the Zune is a great candidate for trying something new and I expect the 4th Generation to change the game.6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
MS continues to show the world it does good Software
by Chinsen on September 17, 2008
Pros: Great desktop software, the device is solid as a tank and performs 100% all the time. Great sound quality and merges well with the Xbox 360
Cons: Don't know what I can complain about really... maybe the battery life? but I've never ever run out off battery!
Summary: If you're looking for a high capacity media player LOOK NO FURTHER! The iPod classic is nothing compared to this, and they cost the same.
Summary: If you're looking for a high capacity media player LOOK NO FURTHER! The iPod classic is nothing compared to this, and they cost the same.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Imagine....Microsoft finally got something right!!!!
by Dalmatian28 on September 17, 2008
Pros: How did this happen???? Microsoft finely got something right!!!!
I like the subscription much more than paying for each song like iTunes. You pay once and don't wary how much you download! It is call freedom!Cons: 15 $ every month....180 every year! Neaah!
Summary: Step in the good direction, much better than iTunes but still... expensive! If you buy 180 songs per year from iTunes it will cost the same as Zune subscription. If ...
Summary: Step in the good direction, much better than iTunes but still... expensive! If you buy 180 songs per year from iTunes it will cost the same as Zune subscription. If they have thousands songs...this is much better deal. I still don't see many people rushing to subscribe for something that they can still get for free!
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
A well rounded player.
by J_Roy on November 25, 2008
Pros: Great looking player
Best interface on the market
Lots and lots of accessories.
The 80G version comes with some fantastic ear budsCons: Requires additional software
Making multiple play lists requires that the player be connected to your PC
Not Mac compatible
The 120G version comes with some pretty cruddy earbudsSummary: Its hard to explain the appeal of Zune until you actually have one. Its the beautiful simplicity and ease of use. I didn't really come to this realization till ...
Summary: Its hard to explain the appeal of Zune until you actually have one. Its the beautiful simplicity and ease of use. I didn't really come to this realization till my 80g Zune was stolen from my car a couple weeks ago.
I decided to replace it with an Archos 5. Which broke my heart when it died for no reason shortly after. So today I bough my second Zune, this time the 120G. It's syncing right now as I type this and I couldn't be happier.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best Media Player...EVER!!!
by chrisfreitas on September 19, 2008
Pros: Large screen, excellent battery life, great audio quality, user-friendly interface, wi-fi sharing and wireless music downloads, large hard drive, custom backgrounds, FM radio with RDS, video playback, I can go on...
Cons: Can't wirelessly download podcasts like what you can do with music. Channels require Zune Pass. Software needs AAC encoding so I won't have to use iTunes. Should have included the premium headphones, but these standard ones suffice.
Summary: Last year, I bought the short-wide iPod Nano (8GB). I thought it would suffice my music needs, but I realized the size is small when I got more music and ...
Summary: Last year, I bought the short-wide iPod Nano (8GB). I thought it would suffice my music needs, but I realized the size is small when I got more music and videos would shorten the size. I could have went with the new Nano, but I decided to get the new 120GB Zune last week. First of, I once owned the classic Zune, but was turned off by it because of the crappy battery life, especially less than 3 hours with FM radio turned on. I stuck with Apple. However, I have some friend who bought the second generation Zunes last year and said they were great. When I heard that software 3.0 bought more features to the Zune, I decided to buy it. Since I have owned this new Zune (120 GB), I am impressed and believe that this product is so much better than any iPod (even though they are still good player). Once I imported my music and started listening, I noticed a huge difference in audio quality when compared to the iPod. There are no equalizers, but I don't use them anyway since they usually distort music and waste battery life. Speaking of, battery life on this thing is great. Yes, it is less than the iPod Classic, but 30 hours of audio playback is still great. It is long enough to last about a month on one charge since I basically listen to my Zune on my way to class, on trips, or working on outside class assignments. I like the user-interface and how you can import your own backgrounds. I also like the large Album Artwork display on the Now Playing Screen while still having plenty of space displaying song information. Video playback is awesome and compatible with many formats including Media Center TV recordings. Great for me since I own a HD TV tuner and can watch my recorded shows on the go. I also like that the Zune is compatible with AAC audio since it is better sounding than MP3 and all my music is AAC files. Overall, this is the best media player I have ever bought. I honestly believe that I will be satisfied by this Zune for many years.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
FANNNNNNNNNNNNNNTASTIC
by pandafoo on September 17, 2008
Pros: Fantastic Player. Great sound quality, great price. The zune 120 is definitely a big ipod classic competitor. The player works great, and i love the way zune software works and integrates with my xbox. The ipod is a good player, but the zune kills it
Cons: not many extras for it yet such as full home audio integrations. Hopefully it will be like that someday though.
Summary: This is a fantastic player. Apples seems to shifted focus to the ipod touch/iphone and to the new nano, where as they just kinda threw together the ipod classic ...
Summary: This is a fantastic player. Apples seems to shifted focus to the ipod touch/iphone and to the new nano, where as they just kinda threw together the ipod classic with no real no features. This is giving microsoft a huge advantage in this realm. I personally almost bought an ipod classic for the storage and cost, but i HATE itunes. When i went to the store one of the zune 120s was on the shelf for the same price and i grabbed it right away as i was a first gen zune adopter that needed more storage. The new software is great as well. Its a solid alternative to itunes and "genius" i much prefer the recommendation system in the zune because it reminds me of the way that last.fm works. Gives you a small history of the band and not only who they were influenced by, but who they influence. Genius is nice for those that just want similar songs, but for music junkies that want to know about the bands as well, the zune is the way to go.
Zune and Ipod are both great players with different ways of going about doing the same thing. I prefer the way zune works and the software so thats what i went with. I would recommend trying the zune software before you buy the player though, especially if your used to itunes. Its different, but in a very good way. One thing i do like is that i dont have to make a playlist for EVERYTHING like in itues. if i want to burn i cd i just drag and drop on where as in itunes you make a playlist and it stays there. i eventually had hundreds of playlists.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Microsoft
- Part number: H3A-00001
- 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
- Product type Digital player / radio
- PC interface(s) supported Wi-Fi,
Hi-Speed USB - Digital storage Built-in 120 GB Hard disk drive
- Weight 4.5 oz
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.5 in x 4.3 in
- Color Black
- Included accessories Data cable,
6 ear tips Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards WMAPro,
MP3 ,
WMA ,
Audible ,
AAC - Playback modes Random play / shuffle
- ID3 tags support Yes
- External hard drive function Yes
- Additional features MPEG-4 playback,
Variable bit-rate compatible,
JPEG photo playback Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
- Diagonal size 3.2 in
- Resolution 320 x 240
- Display menu language French,
Spanish,
English Audio Features
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Built-in clock Digital clock
- Addtional features Built-in games
CD System
- CD system type None
Radio
- Tuner type Radio tuner
- Tuner bands FM
- Station memo display Yes
Remote Control
- Remote control None
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Connectivity technology Wired
Connectivity
- Cable(s) included 1 x Data cable - External
- Connector type 1 x Headphones / composite video,
1 x Docking station Battery / Power
- Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
- Mfr estimated battery life 30 hour(s)
- Recharge time 3 hour(s)
Sustainability
- CNET Labs: Battery drain test / audio playback 1955.625 min
Product series
-
Microsoft Zune 120GB (third generation, glossy black)
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: 120 GB,
3.2 in,
30 hour(s),
4.5 oz,
Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion,
WMAPro,
MP3,
WMA,
Audible,
AAC,
Digital player / radio
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Microsoft products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Microsoft
- Address:
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052 - Phone: 1-425-882-8080
- Fax: 1-425-706-7329
%20-%20Compare%20prices,%20reviews,%20user%20opinions%20-%20Shopper.com&srcUrl=http://shopper.cnet.com/mp3-players/microsoft-zune-120gb-third/4014-6490_9-33259222.html?info%3Dreview%26&x_breadcrumb=8900:6450:6490&x_arw_bkts=MAD:first_impression){kind=small}