Dec 16, 2007
Review: Microsoft Zune
I had some real reservations with Dawngrrl handed me this little gift bag with a new 8GB Microsoft Zune in it. I had been wanting one for quite awhile, but being the guy with 3 iPods (2 now, I sold one!) I wasn’t sure if this little gadget would find it’s way into the rotation.
I took it out of the packaging, which while not as sleek as the iPod’s packaging, was more clean and elegant than any other Microsoft package I have opened. The box contains the player, the USB sync cable, headphones with a few sets of covers and a booklet.
The Zune Software
The player had very little charge on delivery, so I plugged it into my desktop computer and began setting up the Zune software on my Windows XP Parallels install on my MacBook Pro. The software required me to install flash which I thought was a little odd, but after that, it was up and running. I wasn’t very impressed with the Zune software to be honest. I am sure if I wasn’t so used to iTunes I would find it much less inconvenient, but I am biased. It is quite usable, and after figuring it’s design out it’s not hard to use, but it’s definitely not iTunes. The software is rather sparse looking, with a view for the computer and one for the device, and managing it is a tad confusing. One huge bonus point for the Zune is that you can sync it over WiFi though.
The Zune Player
The Zune is growing on me. I have found quite a few things that are bonuses. I have always said that I could really care less which player I use, it’s all about the software (iTunes) and I have found that to be accurate. Using the Zune is totally painless, the interface is clean and easy to use and had no trouble navigating it.
The interface seems like album art was an afterthought, but besides that it’s very nice to use. The device breaks down into Music, Video, Podcasts and Radio. The Music interface is very simple to get through. The Video and Podcast interfaces are the same, it’s the radio where this little gadget really shines. The automatic scan is great, the data feature is sharp and it’s already become my favorite thing about the Zune. I have never heard a portable device with radio that sounds this good. Credit Microsoft for bundling a nice set of headphones into the mix. The device sounds really good through the bundled headphones and fantastic when plugged into my Sennheiser PX100’s.
I feel the device is a bit light, which gives it a little less substantial feel than the iPod, but it’s built solid enough and there are no loose edges or anything to make it look or feel cheap.
The screen is sharp and clear, not sure how much use video is on one this small but I am sure it looks great on the 30 or 80GB versions.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that it really is a great audio player. I have made it the player I use at work for the last week and have had no complaints with battery life, sound quality or usability. I really like the radio feature and at $149 for 4GB and $199 for 8GB it’s a wash with the iPod as far as price goes. That leaves me to my final decision..
If you are on a Mac, go iPod, using the Zune in Parallels is a pain in the butt. If you are on a Windows PC and do not already have a substantial investment in iTunes store music or a bias towards iTunes like I do, I think you will love the Zune. It’s really a great player and the software isn’t bad. I think when you throw in the FM radio and WiFi capabilities, this little device really does shine.
nice review, i love my 30GB zune. i use it all the time. the ipod just doesn\’t have as much memory as i like for my music and video.
I really like my new zune. I like the features it has and how there are many more than other mp3 players on the market.
I would definitely get this. It seems to me that people who get iPods are getting robbed far too often or shot for their iPods. This seems just as good (of course, that’s from a person with a PC point of view), and maybe even better. And it’s not so well-known, so maybe someone wouldn’t jump me for it.
I have been looking for a good player for general use, your review has definately swayed my opinion towards the Zune rather than an ipod as i don\’t use Mac and have never tried itunes. I love that thge radio feature functions properly as well! My current player is nothing but static when its in radio mode.
is the Zune a US only product? Or does just no one sell them here (Netherlands, Europe). I’ve never seen one in a store or even a webshop…
Anyway, you didn’t mention the controls, thats that roundedcorneredthing? A sort of touchpad? It looks clunky and ugly to me
Great review. However, I have to admit that I’m biased toward the iPod and would have a hard time switching to the Zune. I think that the iPod features a lot more amenities (speakers, upgrades, software) and that Apple will keep innovating.
Nice review, but the question is how hard would it be to convert from an Ipod to the Zune. I have a 4gb Nano are they similar in size? Thanks for you info.
great review i have been searching whether or not to get an ipod or a zune
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Good review. I’m not an Ipod fan, and have been looking for an Mp3 player with a fairly large capacity. I might give the Zune a shot.
i think that was a good review, ive been interested in the zune since it came out, i have a dell dj which is great. but who doesnt like new technology. very informative.
Friend has a Zune and seems pretty impressed with it, keeps buggin me to get 1, but still kind of attached to my ipod , but who knows, mite have to slurge and give it a try
Every time someone asks me what kind of player they should get, my immediate response is, “What are you going to use it for ..MOST?” For example I love my 2nd gen shuffle, its barley bigger than a quarter, has a built in clip that hooks to anything, so for working out, or when you need your hands and want to listen to music that you don’t really need to see on screen or manage too much, its perfect. It’s not so spendy that I am afraid to toss in the gym back either. The Nano is all about the run. Nike Plus .. say no more. My third, and most expensive of the portable media trio needs, would be a touch (first choice) and a Zune (second), because (a) I want the touch features, hack ability, and leash to the net, and (b) I would use it for music only at my desk, in the car, etc.
Great review. My husband and I are thinking about buying our teenager an mp3 and are not sure what do buy. Thanks for helping with our decison.
Good review but i had the original zune. the wifi feature is great but if no one has another zune it is worthless. Also, the iTunes program seems to work great for me and i’ll have to go with the ipod nano.
Review? This website gives more than a review. The review for the Zune was excellent, because it clearly strived to be fair and unbiased; making me trust the comments, in a way I don’t on any other website. It’s more than a review because some of us hear of these products, but aren’t sure what they are, or do. Now, I not only know what a Zune is, but I can recommend it with authority, as well. Thanks for a great review and website!
Great review.
I love the zune,
in comparison to the iPod,
chartwise, with features and everything,
the zune blows the iPod out of the water.
Glad you like it, although…
I have to admit, I’m an iPod user,
it sits in my car eternally though.