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| Date Reviewed: 08/18/2007 |
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Strengths: Cheaper than a 30GB Ipod Video, built-in radio, hard plastic exterior unlike the ipod which is very easily scratched, big screen, and wifi.
Weaknesses: bulkier than the ipod, setup was difficult, the zune software is not as good as itunes, almost no instructions, only supports wmv videos.
Summary: This device is great if you set it up properly. On my first try, the zune froze at the charging screen and would not be recognized by windows or the zune software. When this happens, you have to let the zune battery run out and try the setup all over again. Besides that, the zune is great: the sound is clear, the screen is nice and big, and the menus and buttons are simplistic. Also, it did not come with any sort of manual or instructions, besides a little card that says install software, plug in zune, let charge. When I ran into problems I had to use the internet and find the zune support number online. I'm not sure if the 5th gen ipod video is easy to set up, but considering the price and the functionality of the zune after the setup, it's a great buy.
 100% of People (4/4) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/10/2007 |
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Strengths: Better sound quality than a comparable iPod, integrated FM tuner, scratch-resistant exterior, streamlined interface is much easier to use than iPod's, unique doubleshot styling, wi-fi capabilities.
Weaknesses: Lack of gapless playback, equalizer options are limited, wi-fi capabilities are severely restricted.
Summary: The Zune was Microsoft's first stab at taking a piece of the MP3 player market's pie. Well, with all the hype that it got prior to its release, many people (including myself) anticipated that it would be an iPod killer and introduce some serious competition in the market.
Hear me out - I am NOT a fanboy for Microsoft or Apple. The Zune hasn't lived up to the initial "iPod killer" rap, and it's because it's NOT an iPod killer; it's a better alternative to an iPod, but there currently aren't an overwhelming number of reasons to switch to a Zune if you already own an iPod unless you're looking for something nice with an integrated FM tuner or wi-fi sharing is really your cup of tea.
That's not to say that the Zune will never gain traction. I believe it will eventually become competitive with the iPod based on two factors - my personal opinions and Microsoft's demeanor.
First, my opinions. Having owned a 30gb 5.5g video iPod and Zune, I can say with confidence that the Zune is very much a superior product unless you're looking for gapless playback or a more flexible equalizer. It sounds better, looks better (the "doubleshot" effect is very impressive), and is easier (and more fun) to use thanks to its user-friendly interface and larger screen. And if you've got any buddies with Zunes, you can share stuff with them wirelessly! I wouldn't worry too much about the 3 play/3 day limitation of the wi-fi; I have a feeling that it will be loosened or lifted one way or another (if you catch my drift). The best part about Zunes is that its outer layer is scratch and fingerprint resistant; there is NO NEED to buy a case! I've stuffed my Zune in my pocket with other objects and it's come out clean every time.
And finally, Microsoft is a HUGE corporation that doesn't like losing in the marketplace. They can be slow in taking action, but Microsoft will do whatever it takes to make sure that the Zune succeeds in the mobile music player market just like they did in the video game market with the XBox and XBox 360. Expect to see announcements about additional features from them before too long.
To sum it all up, I believe that while there are very few reasons for choosing an iPod over a Zune, if you currently own an iPod you're fine where you are. For many people, the iPod is a good product which incorporates all they'd need out of such a device, and the Zune doesn't change that. Until Microsoft introduces some additional capabilities to the Zune, like increased wi-fi capabilities or games, the iPod will continue to hold on to its market share. But if you're looking for a new MP3 player, I recommend going with a Zune 100%...oh, and "welcome to the social"!
93% of People (27/29) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/02/2006 |
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Strengths: I like the new toy - zune , a nice white spirit for me. it has big screen for video and good sound qualitiy. the wireless connection is also wonderful feature.
Weaknesses: N/A
Summary: im soooo happy to spend the money for a zune. i had some ipods before, but now i`m free - apple free
i like my zune (white), i like him because the software isn`t more crap than the last itune version, i like him because i can watch videos (on a bigger screen), i like it because i can connect it to every xbox360, and the main point: microsft technolgy is even more cool than apple.
76% of People (13/17) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 11/26/2006 |
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Strengths: We got one for our 15 year old daughter and she loves it. She has over 525 songs and 192 pictures and still has over 25 gbs left. This one is great compared to the rest.
Weaknesses: NA
Summary: My daughter had an mp3 player and could not down load that much on to it. We finally bought her one of these and she loves it. She can down load pictures songs movies and she has it all right there for her. She has been having a great time downloading and enjoying it. I wish we would have gotten something like this in the beginning. You get what you pay for. This is well worth the cost and you will not have to replace it. Valerie
73% of People (16/22) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/03/2006 |
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 Great player, but slow sync Strengths: Picture size and quality is perfect. Zune size & weight is ok.
Weaknesses: No manual. No software. Slow sync.
Summary: Over all is just ok for me. 3.5 stars for me.
I got this for $220. The price for me is ok. Zune size and weight is ok for me. Picture quality is perfect for me. If you talk only about media player, this is good one. If you are want all-in-one package from create right movie format until watch moive, this is just ok. What I don't like is just the package is lack of detail. It just tells me to put CD in before connect the sync cable. May be I'm too new with this kind of equipment. This is the list I don't like.
1. No manual.
2. No convert DVD or other convert software. You must have certain file format and extension before sync program can see or allow you to add.
3. Slow convert and sync. If you want it to sync without convert movie, you will need to use wmv only. I cannot find any info about this in help.
4. Hard to manage files in zune.
May be I just expect too much easier and faster than this :)
JP :)
72% of People (18/25) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/27/2006 |
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Strengths: all features
Weaknesses: none
Summary: Love this gadget, I had two IPODS before this one and don't think will ever go back to using them.
It is a very cooool device, I highly recommend Zune over IPOD
57% of People (4/7) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 04/02/2007 |
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Strengths: High quality large screen, elegant interface, easy navigation + controls, FM radio,
Weaknesses: slow sync from Zune software (PC) to device, not a friendly software, headphone jack is a tiny bit small
Summary: At first I was skeptical about purchasing the Zune, leaning more towards the Creative Zen Vision player. However in the end purchasing the Zune is a much better investment. The screen is amazingly clear, much more so than the ipod in my opinion. You can even play music while you watch a slideshow of your own pictures. Good stuff!
50% of People (1/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 03/27/2007 |
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Strengths: Huge screen, Wi-Fi, FM tuner, scratch resistant,
good sound quality, easy to use
Weaknesses: I didn't see any weak points
Summary: In general, I liked it.
I don't have so much experience with Ipods, but this one is great.
I had Sandisk sansa e280, but I can say that zune is much better.
50% of People (1/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 11/27/2007 |
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Zune 30 GB media player
Strengths: Economic, multi-function, battery life
Weaknesses: Not user friendly, no sofeware support, low speed to copy
Summary: I buy this as a music player because I don't like the most popular music player made by another company.
If just consider the price and the function, this player is one of the best choice. But Microsoft don't know how to beat his competitor and make this unit pretty complicated. I still remember I don't know how to delete a song at the very beginning and lost my temper. It is not as easy as "pull and drag" to copy the file to the unit. Nevertheless, take a long time to copy the files. I have experience to spend more than 2 hour to copy 2 GB of data. How slow!!! It looks like the drive is in a "zip" status.
Also, no software support. When I copy the comic into it, I cannot even switch the layout from portrait to landscape.
This unit is good for music, MTV and cartoon (avi format). Not good for reading a book or watch a picture since the screen is too small.
0% of People (0/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 05/12/2007 |
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Strengths: Larger screen, Wi-Fi capability.
Weaknesses: Slower synchronization.
Summary: This device from Microsoft is a great competition for other hard disk based portable video and audio players. It is really easy to use. Relatively slower sync may be a small problem.
0% of People (0/1) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 04/02/2007 |
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Strengths: SUPERB audio quality, good video quality, 3 inch screen, simple layout
Weaknesses: a little lacking in accessories and extra features when compared to zen products, not a lot of video formats supported
Summary: Coming from a 5gb Zen Micro (no color screen), I must say I am enjoying my experience with the Zune. I was torn between the Zune and the Zen Vision:M. I went with the Zune due to the larger screen. The more I listen to music the more impressed I am with the audio quality. Windows Media Encoder 9 is what i've been using to convert some of my media so i'm able to put it on my Zune. Definitely not the fastest method but I can't seem to find a good conversion program thats free! The Zune does exactly what I want it to which is to play music and videos when I want to so I can't complain a whole lot about the lack of features. All in all though I love it, its a very nifty little toy to play with.
0% of People (0/1) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/02/2009 |
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 DONT BUY A ZUNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Strengths: NONE
Weaknesses: Screen cracked from cold weather when 1 month old.
Summary: I purchased a Zune for my 15 year old son from Buy Dig. After using the unit for only one month, he saw a crack appear on the inside of the screen. I called Buy Dig, but since it was over a month since it was sold, they did nothing. I contacted the Zune folks, and they requested that I sent the unit back for analysis. I did as instructed, and had the unit returned as is. When I called Zune back, they said that they were aware of the problem and would help to get my son a new unit. I waited and waited for a return call from Zune, but they never bothered to call back. When I called them back, they said that there was nothing they could do. I was extremely disappointed after spending all of the money and now having a paperweight. I work never buy anything from these crooks and hope that others will take this advice.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/26/2007 |
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Strengths: Great LCD screen
Easy to use
Battery life
Weaknesses: A little larger than most ipods
Summary: I purchased this Zune when I wanted to get an mp3 player that could also do video. I was very pleased to find that it does both very well, and at a fraction of the price of an Ipod.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/20/2007 |
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Strengths: Compact and stylish, less expensive than ipod
Weaknesses: none
Summary: This is an excellent alternative to the ipod. I holds a ton of music, pictures, and video, is compact, and is stylish. We haven't had an ipod, but after using this, it seems like the difference in cost is not justified for the ipod.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/27/2007 |
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Strengths: Big screen,
Sturdy,
Wireless Sync,
Nice interface.
Weaknesses: Can't play songs bought from some services (ie. iTunes),
Heavy,
Big,
Low battery life (around 13 hours music, 4 hours movie),
Limited accessories.
Summary: The Zune is great, I like it a lot more than the iPod. The big screen makes watching a movie a lot easier. The screen is bright and glossy. The music playback is good, but it doesn't have a built-in speaker unfortunately.
Mind you, I'm reviewing this after the 2.2 firmware update, so it has wireless sync which is very useful (although if you plan on transfering a movie or show, do it with sync cables because it's a lot faster).
The downside is the battery life is below average. I would have liked to see the Zune 30 have a better battery life. It's big and bulky, but it's also very sturdy (save the screen). The last thing that's a downer is the lack of accessories available for the Zune, but every MP3 player except the iPod seems to have this common weakness.
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