Microsoft - Zune (80GB) Media Player Review

Before I give my review of the Zune 80GB Digitial Media Player, I should say up front that I have always been averse to joining the iPod craze.  Perhaps its the non-conformist gene in me, but the anointed coolness of the iPod franchise has always seemed to cause Apple to take for granted its sales and skip the part where they make sure their product meets all the needs of the market.  Microsoft hit a home run with me by delivering what I need.

- Wireless connectivity

I can share music without wires with my fiancee while we run or exercise (or whatever else you can think of two people doing at the same time to music). 

I can synchronize my Zune at the push of a button without digging through my stuff for the cable.

You have to get the iPod Touch to get Wi-Fi.  All Zune models have wireless.

- Stylish interface

Great graphics, and the Zune software will pull in the album art whenever you rip or buy tracks.

Also, the 3.2" screen is certainly what prompted Apple to put a 3.5" screen in their Touch model.

The touch pad is very easy to use, particularly when you can't actually look at what you're doing such as when running or driving.  iPod's controls are good, but relatively clumsy compared to the Zune.

- Large capacity

Until we start carrying around full-length movies on a portable, 80GB is more than sufficient to hold my entire library.

- Fantastic sound quality

One of the reasons that I had considered buying an iPod was the high quality with which iTunes rips tracks and with which the iPod pumps out the music.  In contrast to my old MP3 player (a Toshiba Gigabeat) I felt the pull of Apple's siren song.

The Zune sound is stunning.  Without any need for equalizer settings, tracks have the appropriate depth, roundness, and balance.  I have tested some of my favorite tracks on an iPod and then on my Zune and I am sqaurely on the side of the Zune in terms of the listening experience.  It also sounds equally impressive over car speakers, losing nothing in power or range.

Until Bang & Olufsen sinks their teeth into a portable unit, I think the Zune has the pole position in terms of sound quality.

I could go on an on, to mention that the Zune store for purchasing media is super-easy to use and has a great selection of free podcasts, the headphones that come with the unit are top-notch buds, and even the attention paid to the packaging will make this an impressive gift for someone special.  But I think I will just say that this is the first product I have ever bought that completely satisfied me.  I cannot think of any improvements I would suggest.