Zune mp3 player help

[Noobtastic]

My brother is getting a Zune for his birthday and I'm concerned that it won't operate as easily as my ipod does. My brother is turning 12 btw.


I read somewhere that the zune only supports zune-authorized songs (meaning you can't download songs from file sharing networks.)


I need to know now since the Zune will be arrive from amazon in the next week or so. I can take it back without a problem, as long as I don't open the package.


I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. The alternative to the Zune would be a non-apple mp3 player in the $200-250 dollar rage. (I was thinking creative Zen, but I don't know if that is better than the zune in terms of ease of use)



apologies for the typo's and sentence errors, I'm super tired.



thanks for any responses,



Michael

 

[SmoochyTX]

I have the Zune and it's easy to operate. The Zune supports the most popular audio formats (mp3, wma, and non-DRMed aac) among others including of course the music you can purchase (if you want to) from the Marketplace. I've never bought any music there but people I know that have haven't had any problems.

The biggest problems I've heard from people are those whose systems aren't running Windows XP with SP2. SP2 is a requirement. So make sure his computer is up to date on all of his updates before installing the Zune software. If the computer's current, just follow the directions included with the Zune when you get it. Then update the Zune software and Zune firmware. You might want to check for Windows Updates again after doing that just to make sure everything's current.

The best Zune forums out there are the ones at ZuneScene. If you search around there, any answers you have should be answered many times over.

I hope he enjoys his Zune.

 

[Noobtastic]

Do you think it's appropriate for a 12 year old?


He's kind of clumsy, and will only use the mp3 player for music and video. (none of that sharing stuff).



I just want to make sure it's good for him. He'll be using it outside and when he goes out.



also, is it very delicate?? We're going to get an Agent18 case but my brother always manages to break something.


Do you think the creative zen would be a better alternative?

 

[SmoochyTX]

Sure it's appropriate for a 12-year-old. But like with any person of any age, it depends on how well they take care of their stuff. The Zune is no less delicate than a Creative Zen, non-flash based iPod, or any other non-flash mp3 player.

If your parents are that concerned with his clumsiness, break him in with a cheap Sansa flash-based mp3 player for a year. If he can take care of that, then move him up to something more expensive.

 

[tank171]

I would go for the Zune. I have one and I love it, though there are some issues with getting the right video format, but you can easily use the free Super converter software - http://www.erightsoft.com/SUPER.html. As for him being clumsy, The Zune is very sturdy. I am not sure how tough it is, because I dont want to break it by testing (even thoug I got the 2 year warranty.) It is pretty scratch resistant, but you dont need to worry about that in a case. I think you only really need to worry about him dropping it into water or something. Once again, I havent tested the water resistance of the Zune, but it is at least as water resistant as most other mp3 players.

On the plus side, the Zune has quick file transfer with its Zune software. Just put your music in your My Documents/My Music folder and your videos into your My Documents/My Videos folder and the Zune software will detect them. As for codec support, it can use any of the following: .wma, .mp3, .mp4, .m4a, .m4b, and .mov. All that you have to do if you have some incompatable music/video is use your Super converter.

The Zune software rips from CDs quickly. I forgot to mention that you can have a nice background picture. Just put your pictures into the My Documents/My Photos folder and Zune will auto detect them.

Now that I typed this all out, you are going to give your brother a Zune. And it will be brown .

 

[Noobtastic]

Yeah he got the brown Zune.


Is that better?


HE is 12 years old, and VERY clusmy.



Is the zune harddrive based? I know flash based mp3 players are more physically able because you can jog and run with the, but what about the Zune?


Is it heavier than an ipod?

 

[Noobtastic]

Does the Zune really weigh 5 pounds??!?!!

My ipod is less than half a lb.


Wtf?

 

[SmoochyTX]

Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Does the Zune really weigh 5 pounds??!?!!

My ipod is less than half a lb.


Wtf?

And to think I was actually trying to help you out. Silly me.

 

[Noobtastic]

I didn't see your post.

 

[tank171]

It is hard drive based. But dont worry, it doesnt skip while running. I have tested that. It weighs 5.6 OUNCES. That is under half a pound.