My Review of the Microsoft Zune

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Conclusion:

All in all I believe the Zune is a very capable device and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who doesn?t already own an iPod. Even if you do have an iPod, I suggest looking into the Zune. Microsoft has put out Zune kiosks in many retail stores including Gamestop and Target for you to try them yourself. A+ Microsoft!

Yeah, 'cause I want 2 mp3 players! :roll:

I mean like, maybe someone who enjoys video more than music would like the Zune better than the iPod. The screen is much bigger and all iPod videos work on the Zune.

To be fair, the video display is a novelty. Since the battery drainage while watching video vs listening to songs is a considerable amount, on both systems, one isn't going to watch videos exclusively on their mp3 player.

Then what would one watch videos on?

Computer or other non-mp3 player.

 

[fs5]

if you want my advice, pick a new domain for your website. you spelled the product name WRONG in your URL. that can't be good for traffic.

 

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: fs5
if you want my advice, pick a new domain for your website. you spelled the product name WRONG in your URL. that can't be good for traffic.

It's not actually my site. I just work for the site. If you type in Google "zune mp3 player", our site comes in 3rd or 4th place. So it doesn't hurt that much.

 

[BillyBatson]

ok i have owned many several different ipods and love them. i will admit i REALLY want a zune at the moment but amny things are not attractive about it, i do not like its size (compard to the ipod 5.5g it is really thick), the plastic outside is both a blessing and a curse since it is durable but looks/feels cheaper than the ipod like it has less class. The wi-fi is crap at the moment and has no usable function. Thent he controls are clearly not as good as the ipod. There is a Toshiba mp3 player that costco use to sell and it did NOT sell well at all and the few that did were returned within a week. The zune looks just like it but with a larger screen and a circle disk played over the original Toshiba controlls. Oh and everyone is ragging on the zunes brown color with the green accent but it happens to be my fav color! it just looks different and unique and when i buy one it will either be the brown or the white (i am afraid the white not having a smooth finish will get dirty sort of like a touchpad on a laptop)

you did a decent review but more pics of different angles, the headphones, and detailed menu shots would be nice. also you sound like you were paid to do the review since even the points that you dislike you do not complain about you just quickly glance over them and refer to the future and how things can be updated for the better using firmware (like when you compare the ipod controls to the zune, and the wifi) which may never happen or happen too late

 

[randomlinh]

Your review lacks a quick bullet point summary. Or at least a pro/con summary. As stated before, the wifi functionality is a HUGE killer on the zune IMO. They had a chance to really smack apple upside the head.. ad hoc wireless syncing w/ a computer anyone? I would almost buy one because of that (I would only use it in the car).

The size is an issue as well for me if I were looking at toting it around. As for being #2 behind the ipod... you should back up that statement with links. Granted, I know it's true, but at the same time, it was a very distant 2nd....

But yeah, the screen and interface are actually fairly nice (from what I can tell playing with it at the target kiosk).

Microsoft has some issues to address still tho for Zune 2.0 before it can be a real ipod threat. And I agree about the website... how many people would take a site seriously if they spelled the product incorrectly? Then again, never underestimate humanity.

 

[fs5]

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: fs5
if you want my advice, pick a new domain for your website. you spelled the product name WRONG in your URL. that can't be good for traffic.

It's not actually my site. I just work for the site. If you type in Google "zune mp3 player", our site comes in 3rd or 4th place. So it doesn't hurt that much.

3rd or 4th for typing in almost your exact URL? :thumbsup:

 

[rikadik]

All in all I believe the Zune is a very capable device and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who doesn?t already own an iPod

 

[manly]

Originally posted by: randomlinh
Microsoft has some issues to address still tho for Zune 2.0 before it can be a real ipod threat. And I agree about the website... how many people would take a site seriously if they spelled the product incorrectly? Then again, never overestimate humanity.

Fixed.

Originally posted by: rikadik

All in all I believe the Zune is a very capable device and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who doesn?t already own an iPod

Think different.

 

[ultimatebob]

I don't see much on the Zune software or Zune Marketplace in your review. You might want to add something about that.

And, for God's sake, at least briefly mention that any DRM'ed content that you bought on iTunes or PlaysforSure compatible stores like Napster and Walmart.com will probably not work on the Zune. Your "review" is not really a review unless you mention at least some negatives about the product... It's a sales pitch.

 

[chambersc]

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Conclusion:

All in all I believe the Zune is a very capable device and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who doesn?t already own an iPod. Even if you do have an iPod, I suggest looking into the Zune. Microsoft has put out Zune kiosks in many retail stores including Gamestop and Target for you to try them yourself. A+ Microsoft!

Yeah, 'cause I want 2 mp3 players! :roll:

I mean like, maybe someone who enjoys video more than music would like the Zune better than the iPod. The screen is much bigger and all iPod videos work on the Zune.

To be fair, the video display is a novelty. Since the battery drainage while watching video vs listening to songs is a considerable amount, on both systems, one isn't going to watch videos exclusively on their mp3 player.

Then what would one watch videos on?

Computer or other non-mp3 player.

I'm arguing that the video player aspect of the mp3 player isn't a necessity to an mp3 player. Moreso, since it uses a significant portion of the battery at a considerable rate, buying an mp3 player to watch videos isn't practical and rather foolish.

 

[Fritzo]

Sounds like you wrote the review right after you bought it, so you're suffering from puppy love with your Zune. Use it for a few weeks and THEN write back with all the likes/dislikes.

You don't list any cons, which is a sure sign of a biased review

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Conclusion:

All in all I believe the Zune is a very capable device and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who doesn?t already own an iPod. Even if you do have an iPod, I suggest looking into the Zune. Microsoft has put out Zune kiosks in many retail stores including Gamestop and Target for you to try them yourself. A+ Microsoft!

Yeah, 'cause I want 2 mp3 players! :roll:

I mean like, maybe someone who enjoys video more than music would like the Zune better than the iPod. The screen is much bigger and all iPod videos work on the Zune.

To be fair, the video display is a novelty. Since the battery drainage while watching video vs listening to songs is a considerable amount, on both systems, one isn't going to watch videos exclusively on their mp3 player.

Then what would one watch videos on?

Computer or other non-mp3 player.

I'm arguing that the video player aspect of the mp3 player isn't a necessity to an mp3 player. Moreso, since it uses a significant portion of the battery at a considerable rate, buying an mp3 player to watch videos isn't practical and rather foolish.

If you want to watch portable video, you want to watch portable video - and portable video usually consumes a lot of power. Most have 6 or fewer hours of battery life when viewing videos. I need 12-15 hours of battery life from a portable video player, so I spent $15 on an external battery pack that will give me another full charge off 4 AA batteries.

 

[chambersc]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: Duddy

Originally posted by: chambersc

Conclusion:

All in all I believe the Zune is a very capable device and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who doesn?t already own an iPod. Even if you do have an iPod, I suggest looking into the Zune. Microsoft has put out Zune kiosks in many retail stores including Gamestop and Target for you to try them yourself. A+ Microsoft!

Yeah, 'cause I want 2 mp3 players! :roll:

I mean like, maybe someone who enjoys video more than music would like the Zune better than the iPod. The screen is much bigger and all iPod videos work on the Zune.

To be fair, the video display is a novelty. Since the battery drainage while watching video vs listening to songs is a considerable amount, on both systems, one isn't going to watch videos exclusively on their mp3 player.

Then what would one watch videos on?

Computer or other non-mp3 player.

I'm arguing that the video player aspect of the mp3 player isn't a necessity to an mp3 player. Moreso, since it uses a significant portion of the battery at a considerable rate, buying an mp3 player to watch videos isn't practical and rather foolish.

If you want to watch portable video, you want to watch portable video - and portable video usually consumes a lot of power. Most have 6 or fewer hours of battery life when viewing videos. I need 12-15 hours of battery life from a portable video player, so I spent $15 on an external battery pack that will give me another full charge off 4 AA batteries.

I guess I'm one step ahead of your pragmatic argument and see the futility of portable video. If one had any self-control and would simply suppress their urge until they are capable of watching a video in the comfort of non-battery power then they would be better off. Oh well. I concede this argument.

 

[James Bond]

Completely biased review.

Serves zero purpose.

I might as well read a review from www.microsoft.com.

 

[BillyBatson]

Originally posted by: Tizyler
Completely biased review.

Serves zero purpose.

I might as well read a review from www.microsoft.com.

lmao that is what i said but not in such a funny way

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: chambersc
I guess I'm one step ahead of your pragmatic argument and see the futility of portable video. If one had any self-control and would simply suppress their urge until they are capable of watching a video in the comfort of non-battery power then they would be better off. Oh well. I concede this argument.

You didn't concede anything, you just resorted to insulting people who aren't like you. :roll:

Why is audio worthy of portability but video is not? I use my portable media player primarily on airplanes or long car trips. I don't use it because I lack self-control, I watch it because I prefer to do something other than stare at the seat in front of me. I also read, but I prefer not to read for an entire flight. Watching TV and movies makes the time pass like nothing else does.

 

[dwell]

What did Microsoft pay you to write that? It reminds me of the seven blog posts that cropped up overnight when the Zune launched praising it, all using nicely crafted tables comparing it to the iPod:

http://zuneinsider.com/archive/2006/09/25/1153.aspx

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: Chris
What did Microsoft pay you to write that? It reminds me of the seven blog posts that cropped up overnight when the Zune launched praising it, all using nicely crafted tables comparing it to the iPod:

http://zuneinsider.com/archive/2006/09/25/1153.aspx

Compared to This Article Duddy's review seems fair and balanced! Man, Apple fanboys are annoying.

 

[chambersc]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: chambersc
I guess I'm one step ahead of your pragmatic argument and see the futility of portable video. If one had any self-control and would simply suppress their urge until they are capable of watching a video in the comfort of non-battery power then they would be better off. Oh well. I concede this argument.

You didn't concede anything, you just resorted to insulting people who aren't like you. :roll:

Why is audio worthy of portability but video is not? I use my portable media player primarily on airplanes or long car trips. I don't use it because I lack self-control, I watch it because I prefer to do something other than stare at the seat in front of me. I also read, but I prefer not to read for an entire flight. Watching TV and movies makes the time pass like nothing else does.

You emphasize my point. I have no qualms with portable media players since their purpose is in the name. mp3 players have only one purpose and it certainly doesn't inclue video. Thus my argument of "the video display is a novelty."

By "I concede this argument" I mean that I will stop arguing my point because we're arguing two different things.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: chambersc

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: chambersc
I guess I'm one step ahead of your pragmatic argument and see the futility of portable video. If one had any self-control and would simply suppress their urge until they are capable of watching a video in the comfort of non-battery power then they would be better off. Oh well. I concede this argument.

You didn't concede anything, you just resorted to insulting people who aren't like you. :roll:

Why is audio worthy of portability but video is not? I use my portable media player primarily on airplanes or long car trips. I don't use it because I lack self-control, I watch it because I prefer to do something other than stare at the seat in front of me. I also read, but I prefer not to read for an entire flight. Watching TV and movies makes the time pass like nothing else does.

You emphasize my point. I have no qualms with portable media players since their purpose is in the name. mp3 players have only one purpose and it certainly doesn't inclue video. Thus my argument of "the video display is a novelty."

By "I concede this argument" I mean that I will stop arguing my point because we're arguing two different things.

I can agree with that to an extent, because their displays are really too small for video (especially the iPod). But if I cared about listening to mp3s (I don't) I think using an MP3 player as a video player would be better than buying one portable music player and one portable video player.

 

[0roo0roo]

basically where youd need a video player is where you probably have room and time to bring a laptop along... hard to beat a laptop at video

 

[Aimster]

I tested the zune at gamestop of all places ...

IMO it is too much. It's perfect for kids who ride the bus or are in class bored.

The radio sucked. I couldnt get a decent signal at all. Not that I would ever use it.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
basically where youd need a video player is where you probably have room and time to bring a laptop along... hard to beat a laptop at video

As long as you don't need it for more than a couple of hours or you have a way to plug it in. A laptop is what I used to use for long car rides, bought a power inverter to power it.

 

[Grabo]

"So I would say the battery life is exceptional."

dapreview.net:
"Maximum Playback Time, MP3 audio at 128kbs: 14 hours"

..

 

[Duddy]

Originally posted by: Aimster
I tested the zune at gamestop of all places ...

IMO it is too much. It's perfect for kids who ride the bus or are in class bored.

The radio sucked. I couldnt get a decent signal at all. Not that I would ever use it.

The Zune you tested was wired to the kiosk speakers. If you plug in headphones you'll ghet a better signal.