Zune user reviews (30GB, brown)

Pros Easy to Use, Great Video, Nice Interface

Cons Having to wait for future planned software upgrades

Summary I purchased the Zune as my first MP3 player. It has been disappointing to read the negative feedback because I think it is an excellent MP3 player. Most of my friends have IPODs so I wanted to try a new product and I have been extremely happy. I showed it to my IPOD friends and the first thing they said is that they like the case because the material will not get all scratched up like IPODs cases apparently do. They also liked the widescreen video, the feel of the device, the color(brown) and the ALBUM ART feature I talk about below.

I compared the interface to the IPOD and it is nearly identical. One cool feature that the Zune has that IPOD doesn't is the ALBUM ART feature. When you search via the ALBUMS section on the ZUNE you actually see the ALBUM ART next to each album with information about each album. When you play your music the ALBUM ART is on the screen as well which creates a nice look and is another feature IPOD doesn't offer. Also, when you click on an individual ARTIST it opens up and shows each of that artist's albums with the ALBUM ART, etc.. again. You can pick the ARTIST's album that you want to hear by clicking on the ALBUM art. I think the ALBUM ART feature alone makes the Zune standout when compared to an IPOD.

The Zune software and marketplace are easy to use. I have a large selection of CDs that I am ripping so I haven't had a need yet to join the subscription service but I really like the fact that it is available if I want to be able to download all the music I want for $15 a month.

People complain about podcasts. In time with planned upgrades the Zune will work more seemlessly and be able to download podcasts. If this is of interest I have read some reviews that discussed how to have podcasts delivered now. Microsoft has already said they will be providing software upgrades in the future that will make it possible to get podcasts in the Zune software. From what I have read, it isn't difficult to do RIGHT NOW if that is an important feature for you.

Microsoft has also said they intend to expand the functionality of the wireless capabilities. I think it is pretty cool that I could be sitting in a Starbucks and send someone else with a Zune some songs and they could send me some songs to check out. The wireless feature looks similiar to the wireless you see on your PC with the names of other available Zunes in the area. The Welcome to the Social Ads are very appropriate because of this so I disagree with the other reviewer. Because I am older, I probably won't use the feature like I would if I was in Jr. High, High School, or College where many friends would be able to share songs amongst their Zunes. If I was in one of those groups, I know I would use it all the time. The same way that age group uses text messaging all the time.

It seems like most of the people complaining are hoping that Microsoft doesn't have success with this product. I don't see any reason why someone would pick a 30GB IPOD over this product unless they like the IPOD scroll wheel? I personally don't think that it makes much difference from the experience I had comparing the devices before I decided to pick the Zune.

There are already plenty of accessories for the Zune as well with many more planned for the future. It obviously isn't at IPOD level yet since it is so new but I think you will soon see more and more as people decide to give the Zune a chance and buy it rather than an IPOD. My only advice, go and compare the Zune and IPOD side-by-side and see for yourself. Just because IPODs are the most popular device doesn't mean they are the best device.

I am glad I waited for it to come out and very happy with my choice!

Pros Large screen,brightness control, nice resolution,in-box content.

Cons Heavy, not as sexy as some other players, missing prestige factor,FM-tuner gives poor sound.

Summary I've had the Zune for a day now so I don't have the full picture yet, but so far so good. I've owned a couple of iPods in the past and I was just looking for something else. Coming out of the box it was very easy to use as one would expect,no big manuals or anything. It is recommended that you charge the Zune for three hours via USB and I did that.The installation on the PC does require Windows XP Service Pack 2 but most people should have that if using XP. The installation was very smooth but it did however take a while for the program to check for updates(similar to windows update).After restarting the computer I was ready to go. The Zune Marketplace was very similar to Windows Media Player 11 and Urge, pretty easy to use and very intuitive especially for Microsoft. The video playback is very good and the music sounds extremely nice.I found the FM-tuner to be staticy and not worth the effort using it. So far, I think the Zune is better than the iPod and everybody looking for a replacement should def give it a try.

Pros Excellent interface, excellent sound

Cons Bulky, Rubbery

Summary I have been an ipod fan for many years and would not part with it for anything, but I will say that you should keep your eyes open for the Zune. I suspect that by next year, Microsoft will have the problems ironed out, and by then, we may actually have an ipod competitor. They are headed in the right direction. Thumbs up to Microsoft for an excellent first attempt. They may have a Microsoft convert sooner or later.

Pros Fantastic navigation, beautiful screen and Excellent built-in radio

Cons Only launched in the US. Zune Marketplace should include videos

Summary Some of the images on the web do not do justice to the Zune. I actually got my Brown Zune from US as I am living in Finland for the moment. When I showed it to some of my friends, they were all surprised that it was actually attractive, the screen size is big, yes! Bigger than any Ipod I have seen so far, the music quality is also excellent. I just wish that Microsoft comes up with a pricing scheme that should allow people to buy two Zunes, just to be able to enjoy more quickly the WI-FI built-in features.
However, I wish the Zune was launched worldwide as there are many early adopters out there just craving to touch it. With regards to the Zune Marketplace, it should have come a video downloading service. It does really make sense to me to have a video capable device without any supply chain supporting it.
Otherwise, a truly nice music and video player, though not social yet!