- Nov 18, 2005
- 28,799
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I have no plan to purchase anything just yet, so perhaps something better will be released down the line. At this moment, I am just considering my options.
I have been a big fan of Zune Pass. I have Windows 8 on my desktop, and currently use both the Zune software and Xbox Music to access my Music Pass. The Zune software is basically necessary to both sync with the ZuneHD and utilize the monthly 10 credits for DRM-free tracks (grandfathered plan, and that feature is not available in the Xbox Music app).
But the ZuneHD is getting long in the tooth. It does what I want just fine, which is basically act as a massive portable music library to use in my vehicle (sometimes with headphones, but it's been rare as of late... it was heavily used on campus when I was in school).
But suppose I want to upgrade to a new "Zune" device. Microsoft killed that by killing the Zune hardware program, and so far neither Microsoft or its partners have released a PMP-centered, WP8-minus-phone (iPod Touch competitor, if you will) device. The closest thing, and affordable off contract, has been the Nokia 620. It's $250, and while it only comes with 8GB of storage, you can throw in a 64GB MicroSD card. And while many are slamming the 3.8" device, as a dedicated PMP, I think that's great (smaller would be even better). I'll still have my Android phone, and have no plans to drop Android for the smartphone platform. Two reasons: I don't really like the idea of a single device for all my music needs + phone/smartphone use, and it may be 6 months or longer until Xbox Music lands on Android.
Could I, between a Windows 8 PC and the Nokia 620, achieve a similar, if not more well-rounded experience, as a replacement/upgrade for my Zune Pass experience?
I have been a big fan of Zune Pass. I have Windows 8 on my desktop, and currently use both the Zune software and Xbox Music to access my Music Pass. The Zune software is basically necessary to both sync with the ZuneHD and utilize the monthly 10 credits for DRM-free tracks (grandfathered plan, and that feature is not available in the Xbox Music app).
But the ZuneHD is getting long in the tooth. It does what I want just fine, which is basically act as a massive portable music library to use in my vehicle (sometimes with headphones, but it's been rare as of late... it was heavily used on campus when I was in school).
But suppose I want to upgrade to a new "Zune" device. Microsoft killed that by killing the Zune hardware program, and so far neither Microsoft or its partners have released a PMP-centered, WP8-minus-phone (iPod Touch competitor, if you will) device. The closest thing, and affordable off contract, has been the Nokia 620. It's $250, and while it only comes with 8GB of storage, you can throw in a 64GB MicroSD card. And while many are slamming the 3.8" device, as a dedicated PMP, I think that's great (smaller would be even better). I'll still have my Android phone, and have no plans to drop Android for the smartphone platform. Two reasons: I don't really like the idea of a single device for all my music needs + phone/smartphone use, and it may be 6 months or longer until Xbox Music lands on Android.
Could I, between a Windows 8 PC and the Nokia 620, achieve a similar, if not more well-rounded experience, as a replacement/upgrade for my Zune Pass experience?
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