Insanely Absurd

Brief Description and History

The Zune, Microsoft’s prodigy to be pitted against the now legendary iPod, was first released on November 14, 2006. The miniature versions, available in 4 and 8 GB, as well as the 80 GB were announced on October 2, 2007. Both the 4 and 8 GB Zunes are flash-based and are smaller than the 80 GB in physical size. As a side note, since the release of the 80 GB Zune, the 30 GB Zune is no longer being produced. And now in September of 2008 the 120 GB has been released, as well as the 16 GB.

The Zune can play music, videos, and view pictures; and receive FM radio. The Zune has the capabilities to share files wirelessly with other Zunes and via USB with Xbox 360s, and can sync wireless with Windows PCs.

The Zune Software runs on Windows XP and Vista as well as the Xbox 360, which allows user to manage files on the player, rip audio CDs, and shop on the online Zune Marketplace.

The Zune comes in Brown, black, white, red, pink, hot pink, orange (only 100 were made), dark brown (Halo 3), black (Halo 3), black/red (Wisin and Yandel), pink w/ diamonds (nylon edition), black (adult swim edition – very rare).

The price range is about $129.99 for the 4 GB, $149.99 for the 8 GB, $249.99 for the 16 GB, $229.00 for the 80 GB, and $249.99 for the 120 GB.

3.0 Firmware and Software Update

The Zune software and firmware has been upgraded a version recently, they are running on version 3.0. This version comes with the ability to now buy the songs played from your FM stations, access to wireless hotspots, Zune channels that deliver personalized playlists from various sources, and also it now provides you with a clock and two free games “Texas Hold’em” and “Hexic”.

Review

I would say that I’m a fan of the Microsoft Zune, though it does have a few problems, which could be fixed over time.

Pros:

I like the way the Zune organizes your music information on the device itself. For a novice user, you’ll be able to find the music you want on your Zune quite quickly, though it might not be exactly where you like it. As a more knowledgeable user, you’ll be able to setup your device through the software to look exactly the way you want it too, with time that is.

The Zune actually plays MP3’s as opposed to the iPod which makes you convert your music files into the format they feel needed.

The video is crystal clear, it looks great, and I was very surprised at how well it played. It also plays quite well when hooked up to a monitor.

The device is very easy to use. Any child could pick one up for the first time and be able to play any song without much problem.

The FM tuner works quite well, I like how it picks up the station and song information and displays it for you.

Cons:

The Zune Software was bad. It still isn’t great, but it has definitely taken a step up with the 3.0 update.

The Zune default video software can only play .wmv’s, .m4v’s, and some .mov’s, opposed to Creative’s Zen which can play .avi’s.

As the iPod, music can’t simply be dragged to the Zune; you need to install the Zune Software.

Conclusion

As mentioned, the Zune has a few problems, but nothing that can’t be dealt with in a future software update. The hardware is great, and durable. The video is great, and the sound is wonderful. I’d give the Microsoft Zune a 4 out of 5.