Manage updates with the Download AppZune (30GB, brown)
Manufacturer: Microsoft Part number: JS8-00003
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- 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, brown) price range: $431.93 - $499.95
- Reviewed by: James Kim
- Reviewed on: 11/13/2006
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.
User reviews
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happy but disappointed..?
by astudios on November 15, 2006
Pros: great interface, big screen, wifi potential
Cons: no podcasting, no video transfer, poor video support
Summary: i purchased this item and am happy enough with it for basic mp3 listening but.. it really seems geared for the rock music community which is a shame because there'...
Summary: i purchased this item and am happy enough with it for basic mp3 listening but.. it really seems geared for the rock music community which is a shame because there's a whole market out there who use their MP3 player for podcasting or audio books or even religious material. classical music is no where to be found in the zune marketplace. it'd also be great if it could automatically transcode video from non-compatible formats (ie: mov, mp4, etc) INTO the wmv format for me via the zune program. the wifi really needs to be able to connect to the internet to allow for streaming content from third-party sites that support an "interface language" of sorts (perhaps xml).
like i say, lots of potential, but disappointing. i hope microsoft will be quick with supplying firmware updates to open up more and more features quickly. it *has* to play catch up!16 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Zune is a Great MP3 Player
by larsensa on November 20, 2006
Pros: Easy to Use, Great Video, Nice Interface
Cons: Having to wait for future planned software upgrades
Summary: I purchased the Zune as my first MP3 player. It has been disappointing to read the negative feedback because I think it is an excellent MP3 player. Most of my ...
Summary: I purchased the Zune as my first MP3 player. It has been disappointing to read the negative feedback because I think it is an excellent MP3 player. Most of my friends have IPODs so I wanted to try a new product and I have been extremely happy. I showed it to my IPOD friends and the first thing they said is that they like the case because the material will not get all scratched up like IPODs cases apparently do. They also liked the widescreen video, the feel of the device, the color(brown) and the ALBUM ART feature I talk about below.
I compared the interface to the IPOD and it is nearly identical. One cool feature that the Zune has that IPOD doesn't is the ALBUM ART feature. When you search via the ALBUMS section on the ZUNE you actually see the ALBUM ART next to each album with information about each album. When you play your music the ALBUM ART is on the screen as well which creates a nice look and is another feature IPOD doesn't offer. Also, when you click on an individual ARTIST it opens up and shows each of that artist's albums with the ALBUM ART, etc.. again. You can pick the ARTIST's album that you want to hear by clicking on the ALBUM art. I think the ALBUM ART feature alone makes the Zune standout when compared to an IPOD.
The Zune software and marketplace are easy to use. I have a large selection of CDs that I am ripping so I haven't had a need yet to join the subscription service but I really like the fact that it is available if I want to be able to download all the music I want for $15 a month.
People complain about podcasts. In time with planned upgrades the Zune will work more seemlessly and be able to download podcasts. If this is of interest I have read some reviews that discussed how to have podcasts delivered now. Microsoft has already said they will be providing software upgrades in the future that will make it possible to get podcasts in the Zune software. From what I have read, it isn't difficult to do RIGHT NOW if that is an important feature for you.
Microsoft has also said they intend to expand the functionality of the wireless capabilities. I think it is pretty cool that I could be sitting in a Starbucks and send someone else with a Zune some songs and they could send me some songs to check out. The wireless feature looks similiar to the wireless you see on your PC with the names of other available Zunes in the area. The Welcome to the Social Ads are very appropriate because of this so I disagree with the other reviewer. Because I am older, I probably won't use the feature like I would if I was in Jr. High, High School, or College where many friends would be able to share songs amongst their Zunes. If I was in one of those groups, I know I would use it all the time. The same way that age group uses text messaging all the time.
It seems like most of the people complaining are hoping that Microsoft doesn't have success with this product. I don't see any reason why someone would pick a 30GB IPOD over this product unless they like the IPOD scroll wheel? I personally don't think that it makes much difference from the experience I had comparing the devices before I decided to pick the Zune.
There are already plenty of accessories for the Zune as well with many more planned for the future. It obviously isn't at IPOD level yet since it is so new but I think you will soon see more and more as people decide to give the Zune a chance and buy it rather than an IPOD. My only advice, go and compare the Zune and IPOD side-by-side and see for yourself. Just because IPODs are the most popular device doesn't mean they are the best device.
I am glad I waited for it to come out and very happy with my choice!7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not yet an "iPod-killer" but well on its way
by emataj on November 15, 2006
Pros: Large screen,brightness control, nice resolution,in-box content.
Cons: Heavy, not as sexy as some other players, missing prestige factor,FM-tuner gives poor sound.
Summary: I've had the Zune for a day now so I don't have the full picture yet, but so far so good. I've owned a couple of iPods ...
Summary: I've had the Zune for a day now so I don't have the full picture yet, but so far so good. I've owned a couple of iPods in the past and I was just looking for something else. Coming out of the box it was very easy to use as one would expect,no big manuals or anything. It is recommended that you charge the Zune for three hours via USB and I did that.The installation on the PC does require Windows XP Service Pack 2 but most people should have that if using XP. The installation was very smooth but it did however take a while for the program to check for updates(similar to windows update).After restarting the computer I was ready to go. The Zune Marketplace was very similar to Windows Media Player 11 and Urge, pretty easy to use and very intuitive especially for Microsoft. The video playback is very good and the music sounds extremely nice.I found the FM-tuner to be staticy and not worth the effort using it. So far, I think the Zune is better than the iPod and everybody looking for a replacement should def give it a try.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Keep your eyes open
by CodeSamurai on November 16, 2006
Pros: Excellent interface, excellent sound
Cons: Bulky, Rubbery
Summary: I have been an ipod fan for many years and would not part with it for anything, but I will say that you should keep your eyes open for the ...
Summary: I have been an ipod fan for many years and would not part with it for anything, but I will say that you should keep your eyes open for the Zune. I suspect that by next year, Microsoft will have the problems ironed out, and by then, we may actually have an ipod competitor. They are headed in the right direction. Thumbs up to Microsoft for an excellent first attempt. They may have a Microsoft convert sooner or later.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best music player ever used
by Tshiaba on December 17, 2006
Pros: Fantastic navigation, beautiful screen and Excellent built-in radio
Cons: Only launched in the US. Zune Marketplace should include videos
Summary: Some of the images on the web do not do justice to the Zune. I actually got my Brown Zune from US as I am living in Finland for the ...
Summary: Some of the images on the web do not do justice to the Zune. I actually got my Brown Zune from US as I am living in Finland for the moment. When I showed it to some of my friends, they were all surprised that it was actually attractive, the screen size is big, yes! Bigger than any Ipod I have seen so far, the music quality is also excellent. I just wish that Microsoft comes up with a pricing scheme that should allow people to buy two Zunes, just to be able to enjoy more quickly the WI-FI built-in features.
However, I wish the Zune was launched worldwide as there are many early adopters out there just craving to touch it. With regards to the Zune Marketplace, it should have come a video downloading service. It does really make sense to me to have a video capable device without any supply chain supporting it.
Otherwise, a truly nice music and video player, though not social yet!2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Device
by wjohn587 on November 27, 2006
Pros: Large screen, easy to use interface, capability to change backgrounds
Cons: Marketplace
Summary: I purchased two, and my wife and I love them. They are so easy to use and the software installed without a hitch. We have used the wifi and it ...
Summary: I purchased two, and my wife and I love them. They are so easy to use and the software installed without a hitch. We have used the wifi and it works great I enjoy the large screen and the quality of the display. The sound is great. By far, the best device available.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Over all a very good product for a good price
by x4stjohn4x on June 19, 2008
Pros: Organized, Simple, Easy to use, Good sound and video quality, You can sync your zune as a guest on another persons computer.
Cons: Size is a little bit too big and heavy but is worth is, Hard to sync, Not as easy to sync as iPods.
Summary: I like my Zune 30 gig brown very much. The only reason I rated it an 8 was because of size and software. The software cant compare to how much ...
Summary: I like my Zune 30 gig brown very much. The only reason I rated it an 8 was because of size and software. The software cant compare to how much easier iTunes is to use. The size is a little too big and heavy. If you plan to take this thing on runs or something like that, don't get this product. The screen is big. It's easy to watch movies. The Zune is much more simple that iPods. The last thing that I don't like about the Zune is that you can't search for a song like you could on an iPod Nano 2nd Generation, but I am hoping that Microsoft will come out with more firmware updates.
I love my Zune. It is a great product over all. Don't waste your money on any iPods, Zunes are cheaper, and in my opinion, better.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worth Investment
by nportillo on December 10, 2006
Pros: Easy to use, Superior Video/Audio quality, all in one (Video/Music/Photo and Radio), Convenient screen and device size
Cons: No AC charger included, heavy, WIFI feature not available to synch with the PC, not easy to carry outdoors
Summary: I'm very satisfied with my Zune, what really impressed me was the video/audio quality. The screen has a convenient size and you can watch videos without miss any ...
Summary: I'm very satisfied with my Zune, what really impressed me was the video/audio quality. The screen has a convenient size and you can watch videos without miss any detail.
Being a loyal Creative Zen customer I can say that this is a complete different experience.
What I don't like is just the weight (a little be heavy)1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome product. 9/10. Oustanding playback.
by gaffnova44 on November 28, 2006
Pros: Amazing LCD, intuitive UI, sleek design
Cons: No vids in marketplace, video formats supported
Summary: I'm new to the whole mp3 player thing, as I've never really had the urge to own one in the past. Speaking for new entrants to the market, ...
Summary: I'm new to the whole mp3 player thing, as I've never really had the urge to own one in the past. Speaking for new entrants to the market, the Zune is awesome. All of my music was ported to the device quickly, after the no frills setup of the Zune software on my laptop.
I like the design (love my brown Zune), the screen is amazing relative to its competitors, it's easy and accomodating to use, and has outstanding playback quality- in video, picture, and music.
The radio is awesome. What a great touch. I've never been that into radio either, but having a Zune with perfect radio reception certainly makes me appreciate the radio more.
My only complaints are that it would be nice to see some more content on the Zune marketplace, and more functionality for the WiFi. However, all good things have to start somewhere. MS is a robust software guru of a company, so I'm sure some enhancements will come by way of firmware updates, which is another main reason I purchased this product.
I would give it a 9/10 if it weren't for that I haven't been in this market as a consumer and really don't know how well the competition stacks up. Obviously the Ipod is the product to beat, and I hear good things about the Creative Zen Vision (or something like that), but, overall, I am extremely pleased and satisfied with my purchase of a Zune.
I think the future is bright for the Zune. It has great core qualities and the rough edges are certainly fixable for the future.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome MP3 Player
by UnicronSocial on June 30, 2009
Pros: Wifi sending, video viewing, good audio quality
Cons: When sending songs they are tagged with DRM
Summary: Great quality built mp3 player. It has video viewing, FM radio, and downloading content through the software via wifi.
Summary: Great quality built mp3 player. It has video viewing, FM radio, and downloading content through the software via wifi.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Microsoft
- Part number: JS8-00003
- 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
- PC interface(s) supported Wi-Fi,
Hi-Speed USB - Digital storage Built-in 30 GB Hard disk drive
- Weight 5.6 oz
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.6 in x 4.4 in
- Color Brown
Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards MP3 ,
WMA ,
AAC - Playback modes Random play / shuffle
- Additional features Variable bit-rate compatible
Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
- Diagonal size 3 in
- Resolution 320 x 240
Audio Features
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Addtional features MPEG-4 playback,
WMV playback,
Built-in FM radio,
USB 2.0 compatibility,
H.264 playback,
Upgradeable firmware Radio
- Tuner bands FM
Remote Control
- Remote control None
Connectivity
- Connector type 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Battery / Power
- Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
- Mfr estimated battery life 14 hour(s)
- Battery capacity 700 mAh
System Requirements
- Operating system Microsoft Windows XP SP2,
Microsoft Windows Vista Sustainability
- CNET Labs: Battery drain test / audio playback 793.395 min
Product series
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Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: 30 GB,
3 in,
14 hour(s),
5.6 oz,
Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion,
MP3,
WMA,
AAC,
Digital player -
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: 30 GB,
3 in,
14 hour(s),
5.6 oz,
Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion,
MP3,
WMA,
AAC,
Digital player -
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: 30 GB,
3 in,
14 hour(s),
5.6 oz,
Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion,
MP3,
WMA,
AAC,
Digital player -
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Specs: 30 GB,
3 in,
14 hour(s),
5.6 oz,
Player battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion,
MP3,
WMA,
AAC,
Digital player
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
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