Zune (30GB, black)

Pros: Nice UI, large Screen

Cons: No Podcast, Clunky Looking, No Gapless, limited wifi, etc etc etc

Summary: C/NET Review:
"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."

I've never seen a DAP on C/NET with such a long list of "Bad" yet get an EXCELLENT rating! That is INSANE and kind of begs the question. Why? I am truly confused more than ever now with C/NET ratings systems.

This player is not deserving of an EXCELLENT. It is more closed off and proprietary than the iPod+iTunes. proprietary USB? What is that? No podcast integration shows Microsoft again is missing the boat/trend once again. I know many people who don't use iPod's but uses iTunes to get Podcast because 1) It is so easy and straight forward 2) Both WMP11 and now Marketplace does not have it built in. Speaking about Marketplace and missing the boat. The point systems used is not consumer friendly. Try telling your average consumer who may have received a Zune this holiday that he/she has to buy points first before he can simply purchase a song. And you need to spend at least $5 for 400 points, and 79 points is the equivalent of .99 cents and MS holds the rest of your point in interest and watch their head spin. They chose not to make the Zune function as a USB mass storage device but use their own proprietary i/o system over USB. Wifi is limited and at this point just a gimmick to make it stand out.

Not deserving of an Excellent C/NET!