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At the risk of being called an Apple fanboy, a Microsoft basher and a dog kicker, I gotta say the Zune does not impress me.

Microsoft recently sent an emissary to CNET with three Zunes to demonstrate Redmond's new offensive against the Apple/iPod juggernaut. While the Zune certainly has some interesting features, such as Wi-Fi capability and a decent-sized screen for a front-pocket device, the overall theme of the day appeared to be that this should be a considered a first-generation device that nails the basics and is easily expandable through software to learn new tricks.

Fair enough, … Read more

Tons of products are coming out to help you enjoy your iPod while driving, but many of them seem a bit complicated for our Luddite sensibilities. For us, something like the modestly named iMe might be more appropriate.

The dash-mounted dock hardly qualifies as seamless integration, but at least it's versatile. The iME--which also is an acronym for its maker, Integrated Mobile Electronics--is designed to work with all the most popular MP3 players, including the iPod, Zune, and Creative Zen. Its dock, which also charges the player, connects directly to your car's entertainment system and supposedly allows you … Read more

This may sound heretical, but we don't think smaller is always better for gadgets. Especially if it means needing a magnifying glass to use them.

Take, for example, the Digital Cube Mini just released on the Korean market. It does what you want it to do: play videos, live TV, and music, as well as display photos and support e-books, according to Ubergizmo. And it's portable, that's for sure, measuring about 3 by 2 inches and a little more than a half-inch thick.

But is that a good thing? The cube's diminutive stature means that its … Read more

Some studious (and undoubtedly very bored) German iPod fans found mention of a "touch-screen" iPod in the "official Apple document" pictured above. The paragraph, which is part of an Apple developer PDF file, has since been changed by Apple to read "touch wheel" rather than "touch-screen." This is pretty plainly a case of an overlooked typo, but it begs the question: was it an innocent slipup, or did the writer have touch screens on the brain because of current goings-on in Cupertino? This in turn brings to mind another question: how many … Read more

For those of you intrigued by the Microsoft Zune, the official Zune Web site is now alive and kicking.

Basically a glossy digital brochure of people having fun and looking cool (think J.Crew meets Lollapalooza), Zune.net reveals stuff that we've already seen such as: Zune photos, accessories such as the VAF Octavio speaker system, advertisements, Zune Marketplace and ZunePass PR fodder, artist profiles, and Zune "on tour" dates. The Zune hits the streets on November 14.

Today, Microsoft gave CNET a demonstration of the Zune and the Zune software. Our initial impressions: It's 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 that format support, especially for videos, is limited. This goes along with Microsoft's mantra of starting simple and closed, then expanding features as the Zune community evolves.

Watch the demo video and read our first take of the Microsoft Zune.

(Photo: Microsoft)

Yeah, yeah, I know. Halloween was yesterday. No more "spooky" gadgets allowed on Crave until next October.

But I couldn't resist Podstar's sweet new Diablo Spectrum skins for the 2GB iPod Nano, which I found on Notcot. Not only do they keep your little iPod safe from bumps and scratches, these skins have horns. And a tail. And even a crazy little earring. They come in six colors, from "Black Jack" to "Martial Martian."

The Diablo Spectrum skins are so cool-looking, they just might be an exception to the "devil horns … Read more

I wouldn't call it a tech dynasty, but Oakley's Thump franchise has owned the MP3 player sunglass market (despite numerous copycats). Everyone from Manny Ramirez to trash-talking nerds has an opinion about the wearable music accessory that entertains both eyes and ears. Oakley's latest, the Thump Pros, have made it into the office. I have to say, while I'm not into the style, they are incredibly comfortable. Look for Jasmine France's review later today.

Available in up to 1GB, the lunettes de soleil electroniques are based on the athletic style of the open-edged Bottlecap. Details … Read more

Though Microsoft officially unveiled the Zune portable media player 48 days ago, the actual device has only seen a scattered few non-Microsoft hands, and usually within the confines of the Microsoft campus. Tomorrow, we finally get a hands-on demo of the Zune, which is slated for a November 14 release. Check back Wednesday evening for my first impressions of the Zune in the flesh, including how it looks and feels in person, Zune-to-Zune sharing, and an in-depth feature list. Look out for the First Look video, too.

(Photo: Microsoft)