Zune (30GB, black)

Pros: Sound Quality

Cons: Size

Summary: I will try to be very objective (a bit different from most of the reviews posted here. I will start stating that I own two I-pods (Mini-6GB and the Ipod Video 30 GB) and they will be the precedent to make up my ideas. I got me a Zune this morning on my way to work. I been playing wit the Device all day long, (by the way, I am not lazy. I work for a firm that provides consulting services and I am in charge of technology.) I have the Black Zune in my hands and I feel safe to say that the device has been beautifully crafted. The case is Transparent? And material? I am sure that it will take more than regular wear and tear to get scratch. It is bigger of what I expected, compared it with the ipod but the screen is big as well and perform like a dream. I had been amazed for the picture resolution. This is huge if you are thinking and use the device for photos and video. The menus are extremely user friendly and easer to operate compared with I-pod. Of course if you own and I-pod, it won’t make any difference since it menu has not changed dramatically between generations and models. My point is that everything on the Zune is easier to find and operate and even if you have no experience whatsoever in this devices, you’ I be able to rock and roll with it out of the box. Sound? ……. Well… I am sorry to every Ipod user, but the quality of sound of this device is way much better. May be the headphones? Just in case I tested Zune Vs Ipod using different Headphones and external Speaker and the result was the Zune audio reproduction quality blowing the competition? The difference is very easy noticeable. I use the same MP3 file to conduct the test.
I did not performed any test of the Wi-Fi capabilities (since It takes two or more Zune), but based on the software, it’s more than sharing songs between your friends. It allows you to search for Zune users in your range, and create a “Virtual Social Network”. The way I see it, the possibilities are infinite since the hardware is already in and it will take a simple update to add new functions.
I am not much of a radio listener and to me the radio Perform “like radio”. Some stations fine and some others…. well you know at least you won’t have to run and buy a portable radio in case of an approaching hurricane.
So far I been impressed with the performance of Zune, and I found only one thing that is bothering me………… When you are listening at your music and you switch to view photos, the music will stop…. Hey Microsoft nerds!!!….. I got you a software update on the first Day! I will continue playing with the device and I will post new findings. Good Luck!!