55
Microsoft Zune 30
$200.00
Released November, 2006
The Pros:Large 3" screen; good for video (4:3). Integrated wireless for sharing songs (with some limitations) and photos. Can be found for $99 if you shop around.
The Cons:Cannot be used as a hard drive. Not backwards compatible with WMA-DRM9 audio. Proprietary USB connector.
Microsoft's first foray into the portable media world and take on the iPod head on. The Zune is set to release in holiday 2006, and will come in a variety of colours. Wireless connectivity is the standout feature for the Zune as the integrated wireless adapter allows Zune players to communicate with one another and share music.
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Microsoft has also created a Zune specific music store called Zune Marketplace, where people can purchase music to play on their Zune or Media Center computer. Gamers with an Xbox 360 can connect the Zune to share media, and even use their Microsoft Points to purchase music from the Zune marketplace. In November 2007 Microsoft launched their second generation Zunes with improved WiFi sharing, and a better Zune Marketplace. Instead of abandoning this first generation product, all the software features of the new Zune are incorporated in this first model through a firmware update.
Features
- 3 inch screen with 320x240 resolution
- 30GB hard drive
- WiFi capabilities for sharing music and photos with other zunes
- WiFi syncing with host computer
- Integrates with Zune marketplace
- FM Radio with RDS support
- Image formats: JPEG
- Audio formats: unprotected AAC, MP3, WMA
- Video formats: h.264, MPEG4, WMV
User Reviews (14)
Pros & Cons
-
9
Large 3" screen; good for video (4:3)
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8
Integrated wireless for sharing songs (with some limitations) and photos
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8
Can be found for $99 if you shop around.
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7
Solid core competency of playing audio, video, photos
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6
Intuitive and colorful interface
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6
Nicely integrated with Zune Marketplace
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6
A lot of accessories available
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7
Cannot be used as a hard drive
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6
Not backwards compatible with WMA-DRM9 audio
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6
Proprietary USB connector
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5
WiFi can't be used to stream, sync, or download content
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3
-
2
Small max capacity (30GB compared to 80GB iPod)
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2
Screen Resolution only 320x240.
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2
Only 64k color (16bit compared to Creative Zen X-fi)
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1
Only compatible with MS Windows
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1
Not compatible with iTunes
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0
Requires Windows Media Player to use
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-2
Poor video support. Cannot play protected content
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Comments (11)
Omar:
#microsoft_zune_30 I so wish WOOT shipped to Canada. I had to look on with envy as you guys got that incredible deal. A $90 Zune is a friggen steal!
Nov 22, 07
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winkdot:
#microsoft_zune_30 You can find the brown ones for about $89.00 to $99.00. Great deal if you don't really care about the color.
The new firmware and Zune PC software is a great improvement. It adds wireless sync and podcast which I like a lot. I was lucky and got the black one for $99.00 at Woot.
Nov 22, 07
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cybernaut:
#microsoft_zune_30 I got my white Zune thru the $ 129 Woot deal and another black refurbished one at $ 99. I'll give one to my wife and keep the other in my laptop bag. xCan't wait for the firmware update.
Oct 7, 07
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riku0093:
#microsoft_zune_30 I agree with Erik and come on y are they trying to make so many things just to put ipods out of business they beat microsoft in music, big deal microsoft has them beat hands down in everything else.Overall if i had to give it a 1 out of 10 score i would give it a 5.
Oct 6, 06
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Omar:
#microsoft_zune_30 You really think so? It's bulkier and the battery life isn't as good as the new iPods. I guess it really depends on the software that MS supplies. I'm not too fond of iTunes, so if Microsoft upgrades Windows Media Player appropriately that could make this thing pretty cool. I actually haven't upgraded to WMP11 yet, maybe I should.
Oct 5, 06
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