| Entertainment and sharing to go. That's the Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player. The Zune plays music and videos, displays images, and unlike the iPod, it even receives FM radio so you can stay on top of local news or sports. Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery, and community, Zune connects people and empowers them with the tools needed to share entertainment experiences. The Zune experience is centered around connection--connection to your library, friends, community, and other Zunes. It's powered by software that allows users to manage files on the player, rip audio CDs, and buy from a wide selection of music and videos at the Zune Marketplace. 
The Zune lets you share music and pictures with other Zune users in the area. | 
The controls are designed to be familiar and easy to use so you can jump right in and start having fun. View larger. | 
Zune software can find compatible music files on your PC and copy them to your Zune device. | 
Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing lets you share your favorite tracks and photos. | 
Browse more than 100,000 artist bios and hundreds of playlists in the Zune Marketplace. | The Zune is a 30 GB digital media player, but there's a twist. You can wirelessly share selected full-length sample tracks, playlists, pictures, or your own home-grown tunes directly from Zune to Zune (within 30 feet). You can listen to the full-length songs that you receive up to three times in three days, flag the ones you love, and easily buy them the next time you sync up--its like test-driving songs before you purchase an album. The Zune's navigation is simple and intuitive with a scroll wheel and basic buttons, and the big, bright screen makes it easy to browse music and show off your favorite pictures and videos. This attractive, smart device stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 100 hours of video. Get creative. Make playlists on the go and watch slide shows while you're listening. And if you're watching video on the Zune, you'll be pleased with the landscape mode that allows you to get the most out of the vivid display. Zune-to-Zune Sharing
Don't forget the primary principle of the Zune: sharing. With this device in hand you're holding an opportunity to share music and photos wirelessly from one Zune to another. Send your favorite tracks or images to your friends, or just about anyone with a Zune that's within your reach. Whether you're walking down the street, in a room with a bunch of friends, at a concert, at the airport, or on the bus, you can whip out your Zune and see all the other Zune devices that surround you. In the blink of an eye you're connected to your best friend and you can send over your band's newest song. Another friend might get the hilarious podcast your little brother made at school, plus that hot new song you just downloaded from the Zune Marketplace. And, of course, there's all the good stuff that your friends want to send back your way. The connections are made and the Zune community grows. Best of all, the song you sent (or received) isn't a short 30-second preview--it's the whole song. Your friend can sample the song up to three times in three days, flag it on their device and then buy it from the Zune Marketplace. You can send pictures, too. If you loved the photo of your dog at the park and you just have to share it with your buddies, shoot it off to whoever is around. And any pictures that are sent or received can be kept and viewed indefinitely. Sometimes you don't want to be noticed, and the Zune allows you to fly under the radar. All you need to do is turn the wireless function off, or adjust the privacy settings to control whether people can see you are online. And if you want to keep your Zune private while studying in the library or reading the newspaper on the bus, you can also block Zune devices in wireless range from sending you a song. Zune Marketplace
Zune makes it easy to find music you love--whether it's songs in your existing library or new music from the Zune Marketplace. You can easily import your existing music, pictures, and videos in many popular formats from your PC and browse millions of songs at the Zune Marketplace where you can purchase individual tracks or buy a Zune Pass subscription to download as many songs as you want for a flat fee. Plus, you can apply Microsoft Points towards the purchase of music so you can buy online without a credit card for added security. At the Zune Marketplace you can read over 100,000 artist biographies and features from leading magazines including XLR8R, NME, and FADED, and you'll have easy access to Billboard Charts, including Billboard 200, Hot 100 Songs, and more. You'll even be able to browse what people in the Zune community are listening to by checking out the Zune Charts. Pre-Loaded Content
Zune is a vehicle to explore new sounds and share entertainment experiences. With that in mind, the Zune comes pre-loaded with a variety of songs and videos from hot, new artists, as well as some fun films and images. With something for everyone, the pre-loaded Zune content may help you discover your new favorite band, but at the very least you'll have some entertainment at your fingertips so you can start connecting and sharing. Zune pre-loaded content includes loads of audio tracks, music videos, and film shorts, plus 12 classic rock posters from "Art of Modern Rock: The Poster Explosion." Zune Accessories
You can choose from a full line of accessories to outfit your Zune. These three Zune Accessory Packs provide complete solutions for Zune in your car, in your home or while you travel. Individual accessories are also available. - The Zune Car Pack includes everything needed to hit the road with a Zune device, such as the built-in FM tuner with AutoSeek and the Zune Car Charger.
- The Zune Home A/V Pack enhances your experience in the home through five products that integrate Zune with the TV and music speakers: Zune AV Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Sync Cable, Zune AC Adapter and the Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock.
- The Zune Travel Pack is a set of five products designed to keep friends and family entertained on the road: Zune Premium Earphones, Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and the Zune AC Adapter.
What's in the Box
Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player, earphones, USB cable, and sleeve. |
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 Review by Actual Zune and IPod owner |
| Review Date: December 10, 2006 |
| Reviewer: SmellsLikeScamSpirit, Seattle, WA, USA |
I own a 5th generation iPod and bought a Zune last week. Why? Primarily because I am a gadget-freak and I like the idea of a bigger screen and WiFi sharing of songs.
The Zune comes in a very nice package and with clear installation instructions. I didn't run into any problems on Windows XP SP2 so I cannot comment on some of the problems other people have encountered.
After using it for a week this is how the Zune stacks up against the iPod:
iPod has the advantage in:
-Size: Zune is slightly longer and thicker than the iPod but it's not that noticable. Slight advantage for iPod.
-Software: Zune software is nice and works but iPod's software is more straightforward and easier to use. Yes, even my iPod software occasionally crashes but overall I like it better.
-Applications & Games: no games and apps on Zune yet, some nice apps on the iPod but the games on iPod are pathetic. That's what my Nintendo DS is for.
-Many more accessories! It took me a while to find a nice case for the Zune but I assume this will get better over time. Still iPod rules the accessory market.
-External USB Device: I can use my iPod as a giant "memory stick", the Zune has this function disabled - although there is way to enable that (do a Google search).
Zune and iPod are even:
-Battery Life: Zune (WiFi turned off) and iPod are about the same, 13 1/2 to 14 hours with screen off.
-Interface: I liked Zune's menu structure much better than iPod's but I miss the iPod's great click-wheel. Also interface responds quicker on the Zune.
-Sound Quality: listening to music with my Sony headphones I could not hear any difference in sound quality.
-Headphones: the included headphones with the iPod and the Zune are equally crappy. The first accessory you buy should be new headphones.
Zune has the advantage in:
-Screen: ZUNE WINS by a huge margin, screen is bigger and brighter, absolutely stunning!
-Materials: iPod's sensitive chrome shell always bugged me and the screen on my iPod is horribly scratched despite a protective case, Zune's black/blue shell looks very nice and it seems to be impervious to finger prints, Zune's screen seems much more scratch resistent too.
-Video: Forget the iPod! I converted some DVDs to WM9 and watched them on my Zune, it's a delight! The screen, the landscape mode, the brightness - wonderful. On a high quality setting I was able to fit around 60h of video onto the Zune.
-Pictures: again thanks to the screen the Zune beats the iPod. Finally I can show off some baby pictures without people squinting.
-WiFi: yeah, I like it. Granted the 3-day/3-play limitation is annoying but I have received a few cool songs so far. Problem is: there aren't too many Zune owners yet.
-Radio: HUGE advantage for the Zune. I am at the gym, watching TV and tuning in to the sounds on my Zune. Why Apple hasn't included this yet in the iPod is beyond me.
-Song purchase: I love the option of the "all you can eat" for $15/month. Granted most of my music is ripped from CDs but $15 per month for all the music I want is pretty compelling.
OVERALL VERDICT: I love my iPod, I LOVE MY ZUNE EVEN MORE. If Microsoft can write some applications and games and improve the Zune PC software they'll have a perfect consumer device.
To be fair: if you already have an iPod and have no need for radio and better video capabilities then there is no need to upgrade to a Zune. If you want better video, like the idea of radio and WiFi then the Zune is the way to go. If you are in the market for a new MP3 player in the $250 price range the Zune should be on the top of your shopping research list.
Most important: ignore all the fanboy garbage of "Microsoft is evil" and "Apple sucks" and stick with the facts. Reading some of the very loud "reviews" below I can only wonder how many of these writers actually own any of these devices.
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iPod user gone Zune!
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| Review Date: December 2, 2006 |
| Reviewer: C. Lux, Indianapolis, IN |
I have had my Zune now for just over two weeks now and am really enjoying it. Here are some of my thoughts. I am a PC user and have had an iPod mini for over two years now that I used constantly. Many of you are probably considering upgrading from an iPod to a Zune so I'll compare my experience of the two. To be fair, I realize that the iPod mini is old technology now and not comparable to the Zune.
Brown Color: You either love or hate the brown zune. I love it. The green double shot is really attractive and the dark metal border around the screen and center button offer beautiful contrast.
Screen: The screen is absolutely gorgeous! It is very big, very bright, and the first thing everyone asks me about when they see it.
Controls: The center wheel is a four direction button with a center button and not a touch wheel like the iPod. My first instinct was to spin the wheel like apple devices and the lack of response was a bit of a let down... at first. iPod users will no doubt be familiar with trying to navigate menus with the spin wheel and way overshooting what you're looking for or endlessly spinning the wheel to get to the end of your list. Within an hour or so, I was very much enjoying the simplicity of changing volume and tracks by a single button instead of sliding.
MP3s: Sound great as you would expect. Great organization. Love the cover art!
Radio: I actually find myself using it quite a bit. The tuner picks up digital information from many stations and lists the station name, genre, and song artist and title. It's a really nice feature.
Video: The Zune comes preloaded with some videos which are fun. My digital camera (Fuji V10) takes beautiful video that looks great on the Zune. I have been using free Microsoft software (PhotoStory and MovieMaker) to splice music, video, and pictures into videos that I can carry around in my Zune. This promises to be huge fun in the future. Also, with a bit of searching, you can find great products that let you put DVDs and Tivo recordings on your player as well.
Zune Navigation: The menus take a few seconds to get used to, but are very intuitive and easy to navigate. I love that I can put one of my pictures and make it my background. It looks very personal.
WIFI: I can't find any other Zunes out there to share with yet. I'll be searching for them at the gym and work after Christmas.
Battery Life: They say 14 hours, I think it's closer to 12. Definitly last more than a full day of use. If you are watching video, it will be less of course. No complaints here.
Zune Software: Wow, does it feel like a beta version! Install required a reboot and managed to crash what I thought was a fairly crash proof PC. The software seems to want to be the only thing running. Any other software seems to make it hang for long periods of time. It looks and feels very much like Windows Media Player 11 which also tends to hang a bit on my computer. As for usability, it has a lot of good features: auto playlists (right click on `create playlist'), stacked album cover display, video and picture tabs, built in burning, etc. Hopefully, they will get this thing running better with updates in the very near future.
Zune Marketplace: I find it a joke to buy MP3s from services like this. DRM (digital rights management) protected music is quickly showing its limitations. Microsoft is a terrible example of the problem and here is why. The Microsoft Zune will NOT play Microsoft `Plays for Sure' files purchased in the past! Nor, will it play iTunes purchased files or anything other than Zune Marketplace DRM files. I WILL NOT purchase DRM music. All of my music is ripped directly from CDs. It sounds better, can be used however I want and I will never be locked into a specific media provider for my music. You get a free 14 day pass with your Zune, but I wont' be trying it.
Carrying case: While not often in the description, the Zune comes with a soft form fitting faux-suede pouch for your Zune. I love it! It looks great, lets the player slide smoothly into my pocket, protects the screen and allows me to feel and operate the buttons through the case. I know already that I will eventually lose it, but that will be a sad day.
Headphones: They are magnetic to try and prevent tangles, but the magnets aren't strong enough to keep them connected. They are earbuds which many people don't like, but they happen to nestle perfectly in my ears and I'll use them for the time being.
Size and Weight: It's a little bigger and a little heavier than my iPod mini, but the added features easily make up for the slight increase in size. I use it at the gym, slide it in the pocket of my jeans at work and sometimes just hold it to watch videos. Its smaller than it looks in pictures.
What I miss from the iPod: In general, not much. I'm giving my mini to my little brother. One thing is podcasts. You can put podcasts on the Zune, but right now, it's a pain in the rear.
The future: Microsoft will no doubt be releasing upgrades for the Zune player and software in the very near future. This was a feature sorely lacking from my iPod. It did the same thing from the day I got it out of the box to today. There are a tons of possibilities that promise to make the Zune grow better with age. Wireless syncing over your home network, internet radio, podcasting, radio recording, contacts and calendar options, better synchronizing options, and much more.
The Zune has been a great upgrade for my needs and I can't wait to see how Microsoft makes it better in the future.
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The Best Kept secret in MP3 Players
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| Review Date: November 21, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ryan RC Rea, Allentown, PA, USA |
| Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2K1O0Q6GAPJT2 How to Do Everything with Your Zune (How to Do Everything)The Zune Pocket GuideZune 80 GB Digital Media Player Black (2nd Generation)Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player (Brown)Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player (Red)Apple 80 GB iPod classic (Black)Apple 8 GB iPod nano AAC/MP3 Player Black (3rd Generation) |
Review by actual Zune and IPod owner
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| Review Date: December 10, 2006 |
| Reviewer: SmellsLikeScamSpirit, Seattle, WA, USA |
I own a 5th generation iPod and bought a Zune last week. Why? Primarily because I am a gadget-freak and I like the idea of a bigger screen and WiFi sharing of songs.
The Zune comes in a very nice package and with clear installation instructions. I didn't run into any problems on Windows XP SP2 so I cannot comment on some of the problems other people have encountered.
After using it for a week this is how the Zune stacks up against the iPod:
iPod has the advantage in:
-Size: Zune is slightly longer and thicker than the iPod but it's not that noticable. Slight advantage for iPod.
-Software: Zune software is nice and works but iPod's software is more straightforward and easier to use. Yes, even my iPod software occasionally crashes but overall I like it better.
-Applications & Games: no games and apps on Zune yet, some nice apps on the iPod but the games on iPod are pathetic. That's what my Nintendo DS is for.
-Many more accessories! It took me a while to find a nice case for the Zune but I assume this will get better over time. Still iPod rules the accessory market.
-External USB Device: I can use my iPod as a giant "memory stick", the Zune has this function disabled - although there is way to enable that (do a Google search).
Zune and iPod are even:
-Battery Life: Zune (WiFi turned off) and iPod are about the same, 13 1/2 to 14 hours with screen off.
-Interface: I liked Zune's menu structure much better than iPod's but I miss the iPod's great click-wheel. Also interface responds quicker on the Zune.
-Sound Quality: listening to music with my Sony headphones I could not hear any difference in sound quality.
-Headphones: the included headphones with the iPod and the Zune are equally crappy. The first accessory you buy should be new headphones.
Zune has the advantage in:
-Screen: ZUNE WINS by a huge margin, screen is bigger and brighter, absolutely stunning!
-Materials: iPod's sensitive chrome shell always bugged me and the screen on my iPod is horribly scratched despite a protective case, Zune's black/blue shell looks very nice and it seems to be impervious to finger prints, Zune's screen seems much more scratch resistent too.
-Video: Forget the iPod! I converted some DVDs to WM9 and watched them on my Zune, it's a delight! The screen, the landscape mode, the brightness - wonderful. On a high quality setting I was able to fit around 60h of video onto the Zune.
-Pictures: again thanks to the screen the Zune beats the iPod. Finally I can show off some baby pictures without people squinting.
-WiFi: yeah, I like it. Granted the 3-day/3-play limitation is annoying but I have received a few cool songs so far. Problem is: there aren't too many Zune owners yet.
-Radio: HUGE advantage for the Zune. I am at the gym, watching TV and tuning in to the sounds on my Zune. Why Apple hasn't included this yet in the iPod is beyond me.
-Song purchase: I love the option of the "all you can eat" for $15/month. Granted most of my music is ripped from CDs but $15 per month for all the music I want is pretty compelling.
OVERALL VERDICT: I love my iPod, I LOVE MY ZUNE EVEN MORE. If Microsoft can write some applications and games and improve the Zune PC software they'll have a perfect consumer device.
To be fair: if you already have an iPod and have no need for radio and better video capabilities then there is no need to upgrade to a Zune. If you want better video, like the idea of radio and WiFi then the Zune is the way to go. If you are in the market for a new MP3 player in the $250 price range the Zune should be on the top of your shopping research list.
Most important: ignore all the fanboy garbage of "Microsoft is evil" and "Apple sucks" and stick with the facts. Reading some of the very loud "reviews" below I can only wonder how many of these writers actually own any of these devices.
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Lived Up to All My Expectations
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| Review Date: May 12, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Larry Flowers, Atlanta GA |
Up front, I want to say that I have owned a number of MP3 players and have always avoided the iPod products for 3 reasons. The quality of the downloads from Itunes is not what it could be. ITunes is not offered as a subscription service. You can't download and install iTunes software with out also installing Quick Time. If you aren't pretty good technically with your PC, Quick Time makes a lot of changes to your PC with out asking permission.
With Microsoft's Zune, you also have to download software, but that's all you download.
As to the Zune unit itself, It performs exactly as advertised. 30GB of storage that should prove more than adequate for all but the most rampant audiophiles. Beautiful widescreen LCD panel. Straightforward and easy to use. Truly incredible sound. Synchronizes beautifully with your PC INCLUDING Windows Vista. Excellent battery life. The radio works exceedingly well.
To be completely upfront, I do not use the included headphones. I have a set of Shure E3C's that I have used with every MP3 player I have ever owned and I never use the included headphones of any MP3 player and I recommend that you do the same.
I expect Microsoft to both expand this product line and to update this unit with additional features. |
Excellent MP3 Player - Review from 17 Year Old High School Music Lover
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| Review Date: February 4, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Skylar Goldman, Atlanta, GA USA |
I bought the Zune shortly after the Holiday season after living off my friends 5.5g iPods or my Ipod minis (which had far too short of a battery life for me to enjoy). My Zune is already loaded with 7000 songs and a few videos (and it runs quite smoothly). After having used both the players I can say without a doubt that the Zune is a better device than the rivaling 30gb 5.5g ipod. My friend who has the iPod I would use sometimes is now waiting for it to break so he can buy a Zune and we can share music.
HARDWARE
Zune Versus Ipod
-The Zune's 3" screen size is noticeably larger than ipod's 2.5" screen which makes movie watching far more pleasurable. (I'm ripping Season One of the Boondocks to it right now)
-To add to that the Zune comes preloaded with about 10 music videos and 3 extreme sports clips whereas the Ipod comes with nothing (and from what I see in school, kids never actually do put video on their ipods)
-The Zune's "D-Pad" touch is actually a lot easier to manipulate than the iPod's scroll wheel once you become accustomed. With iPod's scroll wheel I found myself passing songs and artists all the time and having to slowly scroll back. Witht he Zune you can just click one-space at a time if you need.
-The Zune's interface blows the Ipod's away. You use the left-right controls to switch between artists, playlists, songs, etc. and the up-down controls to scroll. With the iPod you need to actually pree back and then scroll down to the menu you want and then load that menu.
-You can customize Zune's background which is actually one of the reasons I choose to buy the Zune instead of the iPod. This makes my iPod using friends pretty jealous.
-The style of the players are equally cool in my opinion but target different audiences. The Zune looks and feels very laidback with it's soft-plastic casing whereas the iPod has that shiney, sleek, and thin appeal. I happen to be a kind of grungy teenager though so the laid-back style suited me fine.
-The Zune's wi-fi is more cool than it is practical. I've used it with one person in one of my classes at school and it was fun, but I only got to listen to one of the songs he sent me before I ran out of time. Even still, Zune has wi-fi, iPod doesn't. Even if it isn't strong it's still a one up.
-The Zune has a radio-tuner that shows you details of the station and what you're listening to which is pretty cool (and I don't usually even listen to the radio)
-Battery life is at least that of the iPod. I haven't really tested it but for what I need it's perfect. I use it in the car going to school, for about half the day, and on the drive home and it still has half it's charge. For video it could probably play about two full videos before dying. If you're looking for extended battery life the Belkin battery pack should work (although I can't say I have it).
-Playback is smooth and transition time between menus is shorter than that of the iPod.
-The Zune feels much more sturdy than the iPod and it's soft neoprene type plastic shell is far more scratch resistant than the iPod's shiney metalic finish (and what good is that finish if it's all scratched up?).
-One annoying downside to the Zune is that it doesn't show you the time like iPod does. I find myself checking my Zune to see what time it is but then realize I can't. This isn't too bad though since I have a cellphone anyways with the time. I feel like most people do. Firmware updates may eventually bring a clock to the Zune
-The Zune doesn't have games available like the iPod which is a little upsetting. I used to play Solitaire on my iPod mini's more than I listened to music. Maybe firmware updates will bring games about eventually too.
-You can't listen to music while viewing pictures which is a little strange. Again, firmware updates are needed.
SOFTWARE
Zune versus Itunes
-The biggest fault of the Zune is that the Zune software itself is horrible. I still use itunes to play my music and I only use the Zune software to sync my Zune up. The Zune software has it's few upsides like keeping a universal playcount among music players and automatically uploading new music when it comes to your computer, but overall it seriously lacks what iTunes is capable of.
-Zune software is horrifically slow next to iTunes.
-Sync speed is about the same between Ipod and Zune.
-The Zune store is pretty weak next to iTunes. It has a smaller music selection and movies are still not yet available for download. On the upside though, songs are 20 cents cheaper ($0.79) and you can get a "Zune Pass" that works somewhat like Rhapsody where you can download as much as you want to your Zune for a monthly fee of about $15 I think.
-Although the Zune software is weak, it's important to keep in mind that Itunes software is on it's 7th version whereas the Zune software is still on versions 1.1. Updates to the software will come and eventually the Zune software won't be as weak.
OVERALL
I give this five stars when really it's probably more of a 4.5 due to a few features that are lacking and weak software. The 5 stars are really to compensate for people's underrating of this device. This whole Apple craze took over and people forgot that Mac almost dissappeared fromt he market at one point and the iPod is what saved them. Microsoft has been the giant of computers for years and is obviously a trustworthly brand. The Zune and it's software are still devloping though and if that bothers you it may be wise to avoid the device. But overall I think that the device is still better than the 5.5g iPods and that firmware + software updates will eventually make the Zune the number one MP3 player if you don't already think it is. |
never a problem
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| Review Date: November 20, 2007 |
| Reviewer: E. Briggs, mankato, MN |
I've had my Zune for 7 months and I've NEVER had a problem with it. Not once!! The software works and has worked perfectly for me (including the brand new update!)
It's an amazing device to bring on vacations because with proper applications, DVD movies, and tv shows recorded from my computer can be put onto the Zune.
It's fantastic. I treat my electronics wonderfully and take care of them so I never have any problems. Some of the people who have troubles with the Zune are not doing something right. It's easy to blame an electronic device when it's really the users fault...think about it ;) |
The Zune is the MP3 Player of Choice
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| Review Date: November 11, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Adam, Florida, Miami USA |
I bought my Zune on December 31, 2006. I gave some time before the review.
When I got my Zune I bought it in the color brown for $250.00. I will say the brown is very unique and complete, with the green finish.
For the Zune's external, it is beyond 5 stars. It never gets scratches, looks great, and is comfortable in the hand or pocket. I have dropped it many times and I don't have a case. It's still in great condition.
Now, for the internal, I will admit I am still astonished to this day. Browsing through the music library is easier on the Zune than any other player. The battery has to be charged around one or twice a week, and I use it daily. With 30 gigs of storage, you can hold all the videos and music you want.
My sister had a Zune in black so I have experienced file sharing. A whole CD of music (13 songs) is sent and recieved in around 15 seconds.
Overall, I am most pleased with this device. Only now my eyes are even more fascinated by the 80 GB Zune.
Hmm, the negative things about the Zune...
All I have experienced is if you have 4000 songs it might take a little bit to get through the list.
Negative hardware... maybe if you have a Mac there is a problem.
Here is something funny:
my Zune has not frozen (it's been over 10 months) so I am yet to need to reset it.
My sister had to reset her iPod video the day she opened it, and continues to reset it quite often. The iTouch looks neat, but I will stick to my beloved Zune.
P.S.: some very neat things happen when connected with a XBox 360 :-) |
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