Microsoft Zune (second generation, 80GB, black)
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"The Zune is Back (with almost razor sharp teeth)!" on by godzla69
Pros: hi-def 3.2" screen, wifi, updated software, sleeker dimensions, squircle nav. button
Cons: Still No Bluetooth! , Microsoft poor backward compatability with accessories from 30 gb
Summary: Hey it really irks me that Microsoft is still playing this game of backward compatability issues with previous zune accessories... ie..The a/v pack dock cradle wont fit my new 80 gb. What I say about that "Microsoft, your not the big kid on the block with MP3 players, dont make the few faithfull you have, buy all new accessories by not making them compatiblewith the newer versions of your players, come on". Ohh yeah, still would rather have this then any Ipod, but really no bluetooth, what the heck, look all around you...the blue wave cannot be denied...well except for maybe buy the new zune products. I rate this an 8.75 on a 1-10
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"Love the look and functionality! Just test try it out and you will fall in love with it." on by JIGGY24
Pros: Super Fast Gui, Zune pad is incredible sensitive, great glass screen, premuim headphones
Cons: doesnt come in brown, need more people with Zunes to get the feeling of the social to share songs, pics, etc
Summary: I had a hands on test of the Zune 80 and MS sure has a winner this time. The design is incredible compact, 80g HD, GLASS Screen, and with the new Firmware with the podcast, that even the old Zune will get. Also the Zune 80 comes with premuim headphones already that are better then the $40 I spent for the old Zune premuim headphone. The Zune pound for pound and better overall device, and with future updates the Zunes are going to be force to reckon with. Zune FTW
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"The Second Generation Zune is a winner!" on by jchew1125
Pros: Slim form factor, 80G of storage, GUI, scratch-resistent back, large 3.2 glass display
Cons: Zune Marketplace, lack of accessories
Summary: The Zune 80 is Microsoft?s second generation MP3 device. Its first attempt to wrest MP3 market share from Apple was the 30G Zune which had its fans, but by and large was not successful. The Zune 80 is a slimmer, MP3 device with 80G of storage space for your videos, music and podcasts. With a price at $249 it is inevitable that comparisons are not made between the Zune 80 and the Ipod Classic (also priced at $249). Both have the same storage capacity of 80G, but that is where the similarities end. The Zune 80 has a larger, beautiful glass 3.2 inch screen which looks enormous compared to the Apple Ipod Classic 2.5 inch screen. The resolution is 320 by 240. Images are sharp, and bright, and the extra real estate makes it actually fun to watch a TV show, or a movie on the subway or the bus. I found myself squinting to see the tiny screen on an Ipod classic. The Zune 80 also carries forward the innovative features such as WIFI sharing, FM radio.
The Zune 80 came attractively packaged. What I liked was that right out of the box, there was music, video and podcast content already loaded on the player. I was able to experience right away the rich offerings of the Zune 80. I thought that was a nice touch. The Zune Marketplace (which is where Zune users buy songs and video content) has potential (especially in the Podcast space), but I found it slightly buggy. That would be one of my only grips with my Zune 80 experience.
With respect to the look of the Zune 80 I really like these words from a CNET reviewer "? the Zune 80 has this unapologetic square-nerd-sexy thing going on that just does it for me. It's like seeing Angelina Jolie in a pair of thick, black-rimmed glasses. Throw in custom etching and a cool background image, and this might be love."
All in all, I am extremely happy with my Zune 80. As a first time MP3 user, I find the Zune experience to be relatively pain-free, and, of course when I see another Zune user on the subway, that?s an added bonus. -
"Great balance between everything a good mp3 should have, with extra quality and intuitive comfort" on by MLZaccaroCT
Pros: podcast support, user sharing, wirless sync, large LCD with HD display, great interface, FM radio, superior sound and video quality.
Cons: no buying media from device, not compatible with Mac OS, no clock or game features, lac of accessories.
Summary: My iPod broke a week after my apple-care plan ended, so in frustration I bought a Zune. Afterwards I realize that people buy the iPod as victims to fear of change, and smart brainwashing marketing schemes.
New generation iPods are either fairly lame interface with massive storage, or amazing interface with useless low amount of storage. The Zune offers a good mix of both.
I have it to set to wirelessly sync when I walk into my dorm room with it, which is amazingly easy and convenient. I can see detail on the big screen as well as watch High Definitions displayed videos.
The interface is practical, intuitive, and fun and easy. Although some people like the touch click wheel on iPods, which is understandable, but I found it too much and annoying. whipping my thumb around hundreds of times and then having it click 2 more times when I lift my fingers off. I find it easier to hold down until what you want comes up.
The FM radio is a neat perk to have added at no cost, I can listen to New England Sports Radio on the walk to class or work during Red Sox and Patriots season.
I have been able to find accessories that I desire, but not as easily, and the wireless sharing is another neat thing to have, although I have not done much of it.
Although many of ideas and features are copied from the iPod, the functionality and features outweigh the competition for the price. Microsoft has made another successful attempt at hardware following the X Box success, so if you are looking for a functional quality mp3 players, the 2nd gen Zune is a great choice. -
"Buy a Zune" on by chasedebnam
Pros: I love the Zune's minimalist and customizable interface, good battery life, Podcast support, FM radio, the entire social network aspect, Zune Marketplace, attractive design, large display screen, amazing sound quality
Cons: No clock. No EQ, but this isn't a problem on devices with high sound quality
Also no free trial to Zune Marketplace anymore.Summary: I was an ardent iPod user for about 5 years before I bought a Zune. It was the lack of subscription services for the iPod that made me switch. Let me dispel some rumors that may be preventing your from buying a Zune.
Most (not all, but most) of the songs I bought from the iTunes store still play on my Zune. I'm not sure why some work and some don't, but the whole 'compatibility' issue really isn't that sever.
Also, I don't see the problem with Zune Marketplace. It's wonderful. Unlimited downloads for $15 a month, and I've yet to find an album that wasn't available (that was available elsewhere, like the iTunes store or Rhapsody).
If you're looking for something super simple to use without a cluttered excess of unnecessary features, get this.
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