Opinion on Microsoft Zune?

[Kitsunexus]

OK, this is a thread of mourning. My Creative Zen Sleek Photo 20GB, has finally bit the dust. I will be able to retrieve all the data from it, but it now takes 4 minutes to load up, and every thing it does comes with a lot of hard drive clicking. So I must bid my fathful little player a fond farewell, and apologize for the couple of times I cursed at it, because it really didn't deserve it, it was that bastard Creative's fault.


I'm never buying Creative again, my shitty $10 MP3-CD players lasted longer than this thing! I'm not buying into Apple either, it's too rich for my blood and my computer HATES iTunes.

I wanted an iRiver or an Archos, but the closest store near me only sells the $300 model, which is way more than I can afford.

So I'm thinking of going with the Microsoft Zune, my friend had one at work, looks pretty sweet. Nice screen, 10GB more than my last player, haven't exactly listened to much beyond a demo at a Target one time.

Also, there's a port of Rockbox in the works for this, unlike my Zen.

What's the audio quality like, and the battery life? Keep in mind, I'm either getting the plain black or the plain red one, fuck these content-packed color scheme editions.

What do you think? Buy the Zune or hold out for something else? If worse comes to worse, I still have my PSP to play MP3s, but I really like carrying around my entire library, so please help me out here! ^_^

[WoodyXP]

I have a Zune and I love it.  The audio quality is good, it has power and a good 'thump' with the
right earphones.  The screen is what sold me on it though.  I primarily use my Zune for watching
movies.  I usually get about 4 hours video out of the battery before it dies.. I never pushed it with
MP3's. 

The design is great too.  It's thick, sturdy and doesn't look all gheyed out like an Ipod.

My only knock on it is that it doesn't play well with Linux.. I gotta boot Windows if I want to add
any content to it.

[SignOfZeta]

After seeing the new iPod Nano in action the other day I'm really impressed. Things have really come along since the b/w days. The storage is small, but that's never been an issue with my 4GB Mini. The new Nano is $150 (4GB), and $200 (8GB) I think. The unit is small, but the screen is still large enough and very clear.

I'm pretty sure this is cheaper than a Zune. I'd avoid a Zune pretty much no matter what, honestly. I'd either have an iPod or one of these:

http://www.minidisco.com/Sony-MZ-M200;jsessionid=0a0002421f43fb0bfb5b46904ae9b5108542f367ff83.e3eSc38LcheTe34Pa38Ta38Nchf0?sc=1&category=-101

[PCEngineFX]

You aren't talking about the 1st gen Zune right?  You know that the 2nd gen Zunes are coming out around Nov 13th and they kick ass.  The headphones are way higher quality than anything Apple has, and the Zune itself is super slick - the OS is fast & flashy, has WiFi and built-in FM tuner. .  I recently bought a iPod Classic but I'd so return it for one of these.

Zune 80GB (2nd gen) - $249

http://www.amazon.com/Zune-Digital-Media-Player-Generation/dp/B000WG6XW6/ref=pd_ts_c_th_2/105-8170169-7322043?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=right-4&pf_rd_r=1AHA9HWZHYRCAR2003E5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=293812301&pf_rd_i=283468011

or

Zune 8GB (2nd gen) - $199

http://www.amazon.com/Zune-Digital-Media-Player-Generation/dp/B000WFZSBE/ref=pd_ts_e_20/105-8170169-7322043?ie=UTF8&s=electronics


Video of the Zune 2 user interface:

[nat]

I'd personally stay far, far away from anything with the name "Zune."

There you have it-- my very own, personal, well-informed opinion.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

.....headphones are way higher quality than anything Apple has.....

But that's not really saying much - Apple bundles poo with iPods.  Have you seen any specs (S/N ratio, THD, crosstalk, etc.) comparing the new Zune to the latest iPods?  The Zune 2 interface looks pretty sweet, and if it's a performer too, I just might have to get one.

[Kitsunexus]

I actually got an Archos 404 for $169, I think I will like it better than the Zune.

[PCEngineFX]

.....headphones are way higher quality than anything Apple has.....

But that's not really saying much - Apple bundles poo with iPods.  Have you seen any specs (S/N ratio, THD, crosstalk, etc.) comparing the new Zune to the latest iPods?  The Zune 2 interface looks pretty sweet, and if it's a performer too, I just might have to get one.

Yah that is true (poo with iPods).  I think this is the spec on the ear bud Zune phones:

Model Number: 9NZ-00001
Frequency response: 20 to 15000 Hz (+/- 68 dB)
THD: Less than 1 percent at 2 mW, 1 kHz
Driver type: Dynamic
Type: Binaural
Form factor: Ear-buds
Impedance: 16 ohms (+/- 15 percent) at 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 96 dB SPL (+/- 3 dB) at 1 mW, 1 kHz
Sound output mode: Stereo
Maximum output: 107 dB SPL (+/- 6 dB)
Nominal output: 3 mW
Peak power input: 15 mW (1 second, pink noise)
Connector type: 3.5-millimeter mini jack
Cable length: 4.6 feet / 1.4 meters
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

[WoodyXP]

I'd personally stay far, far away from anything with the name "Zune."

Why?  :

[Seldane]

Zune? Puh-lease. This is what you need:

/44337718618578d43ebmp7.jpg

[nat]

Zune? Puh-lease. This is what you need:
/44337718618578d43ebmp7.jpg

I'd personally stay far, far away from anything with the name "Zune."

Why?  :

I don't actually have a substantial reason, but "Zune" sounds stupid, and I'm not a big fan of Microsoft to begin with.

[guyjin]

ZUNE=FAIL. THIS=FACT.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

ZUNE=FAIL. THIS=FACT.

Why's that?  The Zune became the best selling PMP that wasn't an iPod, which ain't bad considering that it only comes in one flavor.  While the various iPods are pretty good, there are many competing players that are equal or better and at a better price. 

[WoodyXP]

Sometimes I wonder if Microsoft ever considered selling it's products under a different
company name.  If the ignorants didn't know that the Zune came from Microsoft it would
be kicking more ass.

[Joe Redifer]

My only knock on it is that it doesn't play well with Linux.. I gotta boot Windows if I want to add
any content to it.

That really sucks.  It needs to be OS independent.  Didn't Microsoft learn anything from Apple?  The Apple iPods can be used on pretty much any OS if I recall, and they are anal-raping the Zune in sales without any kind of lube!  I don't think iPods require iTunes unless you want all of that synching crap.  I don't blame people for hating iTunes, though.  There might be a 3rd-party software alternative for syncing with an iPod, not sure.  However I don't like iPods either, as the sound quality sucks and I just don't like the user interface.  So far there has not been a portable music player that gets my seal of approval.  I'm still happy with MiniDisc. 

[Turbo D]

my ipod mini boots linux 

[Tablet]

I'm still happy with MiniDisc. 

Amen