Microsoft Zune (second generation, 80GB, black)

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.