Home
»
Electronics
»
iPods & Portable Audio
»
MP3 Player Reviews
»
Microsoft - Zune (80GB) Media Player
»
chasfh's Review
Zune Beats Ipod on most attributes.
a music lover!, somewhat tech savvy, computer literate
AUG
17
2008
Microsoft - Zune (80GB) Media Player —
The Microsoft Zune 80GB media player is expensive, yes. Is bigger than the Ipod, yes. Is made by The Evil Empire, yes. (I know, there are lots of Evil Empires. I'm talking about the one in Redmond.) But there are a lot of things to recommend this player over the Ipod:- It sounds great, better than an Ipod in my opinion, and I have pretty finely-tuned ears.
- Its N-S-E-W nav pad is easier to operate quickly than Ipod's wheel, particularly when you are on the run and not looking at the device while trying to operate things like volume
- The video screen is larger, at 3.5", than any Ipod model, so it's much easier to view.
- Ironically, it processes podcasts better than Ipod, important for me since I'm a podcast junkie. Specifcally, it automatically removes podcasts you have both listened to and that exceed the limit you set for the podcast.
- When you plug into your computer overnight to power up, it will add and sync new podcasts as they come in while plugged in
- You can share music with friends wirelessly (I don't use it, but you might find it helpful)
- Tough screen is very scratch-resistant
- Has an FM radio built-in
- Very fast song transfers
- Updated firmware features gapless tracks -- great for listening to Dark Side Of The Moon or Abbey Road, or live albums
There are some ways I would improve it, of course:
- I would add a search function for songs/photos/podcasts
- I would add an equalizer
- I would set 25 increments for the volume instead of the current 20
- I would improve the selection and usability of the podcast marketplace within the software
- I would add an AM radio as well
- Does not allow MPG video -- must convert to WMV
- Not without its bugs: my unit's nav pad went inoperational and I could not reset the device since it depends on the nav pad to do so (it eventually reset itself after a period of dis-use); and it repeats labels for podcasts, so the three podcasts I have for a program shows up as nine podcasts in the program listing
- Not as many additional "toys" as Ipod
All in all, this product is a sold 4. If you're serious about your music and podcasts, this is the device for you.
Last edited on Dec 18, 2008
Microsoft - Zune (80GB) Media Player is recommended by chasfh
Comments about chasfh’s Review
More reviews by chasfh
Sultan's Market - Chicago, IL Review - "Great food and very customer...
Old Chicago - Omaha, NE Review - "Decent Food Served By Nebraska-Nice...Lou Mitchell's - Chicago, IL Review - "Omelettes Ahoy!"Silk Road - Chicago, IL Review - "All Lunches Great and Cheap Start Here"
MP3 Players
Samsung MP3 Player - YP-T9J
4.88 overall from 8 reviews
4.88 overall from 8 reviews
SanDisk Mp3 Player- Sansa Clip (1 GB, 250 Songs)
4.79 overall from 14 reviews
4.79 overall from 14 reviews
Sony - Walkman MP3 Player
4.71 overall from 7 reviews
from $140 at 2 merchants
4.71 overall from 7 reviews
from $140 at 2 merchants
