Microsoft Zune 30GB Digital Multimedia Device (White) - Audio Player, Video Player, Photo Viewer, FM Tuner - 3 LCD - 30GB Hard Drive
Microsoft
- JS8-00002
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Reviews
(30)
+ 1 likes
I don't want to come across too negative , so I want to mention a few things I like first.
1. The larger screen size is a little better for video then the iPod's screen size. Not night-and-day (if you actually compare the two it's not as dramatic as it looks) but there is a little difference in the Zune's favor.
2. The bigger screen is nice, but the feature I liked a more was being able to customize your background image. It's something that I'd love to be able to do with my iPod.
2. The WiFi connectivity between Zunes was a clever idea.
3. The FM tuner was a nice inclusion.
There are a whole bunch of issues that Microsoft has to address for the Zune's next release though.
1. The unit's really big, both in size and weight. Much bigger then the iPod and I'd be willing to bet, one of the largest and heaviest players on the market.
2. Although Apple's just as guilty on the same topic, first-party accessories for the Zune are outrageously expensive.
3. There's only one 30 gig
1. The larger screen size is a little better for video then the iPod's screen size. Not night-and-day (if you actually compare the two it's not as dramatic as it looks) but there is a little difference in the Zune's favor.
2. The bigger screen is nice, but the feature I liked a more was being able to customize your background image. It's something that I'd love to be able to do with my iPod.
2. The WiFi connectivity between Zunes was a clever idea.
3. The FM tuner was a nice inclusion.
There are a whole bunch of issues that Microsoft has to address for the Zune's next release though.
1. The unit's really big, both in size and weight. Much bigger then the iPod and I'd be willing to bet, one of the largest and heaviest players on the market.
2. Although Apple's just as guilty on the same topic, first-party accessories for the Zune are outrageously expensive.
3. There's only one 30 gig
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3 price(s)
+ 1 likes
I had a little money to burn so I thought I'd pick up an .mp3 player with some decent space and the ability to play video on the go. In the end I figured I would choose between the "Elephant in the room" Apple's iPod or Microsoft's Zune. After all, Microsoft has a reputation for getting into technology and catching up in a hurry. Just look at the xBox line and Windows mobile.
What really sold me on the Zune was the screen. If I'm going to be showing people my home videos and downloading a DVD or two I like on it I might as well get something that will show it off well. So I got the Zune.
The screen does do well. My home videos look AWESOME after converting them for the Zune. I even put a DVD on it but had to find 3rd party software to do that. The screen has not let me down.
The sound is also pretty good. I have another mp3 player by Rio and this does seem to make the music sound a bit better. So I have no complaints there.
However, there are two shortcomings that really irk
What really sold me on the Zune was the screen. If I'm going to be showing people my home videos and downloading a DVD or two I like on it I might as well get something that will show it off well. So I got the Zune.
The screen does do well. My home videos look AWESOME after converting them for the Zune. I even put a DVD on it but had to find 3rd party software to do that. The screen has not let me down.
The sound is also pretty good. I have another mp3 player by Rio and this does seem to make the music sound a bit better. So I have no complaints there.
However, there are two shortcomings that really irk
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+ 1 likes
The Zune is a decent media player that has a few areas that need a lot of improvement. First off, the wi-fi is worthless at the moment and should not be any reason to purchase the device. As an mp3 player it really does a decent job which gives it a chance to survive in the mp3 player world. Navigation is nice and in some terms a superior alternative to the iPod's. Sound quality is on par with other media devices. As an mp3 player it's off to a good start. Now the unit as a whole leaves the user some things to be desired: more custom menus and functions, A CLOCK with alarm, sleep timer, etc., little extra features like games and contacts, calendar, etc. Now what gives the 1G Zunes promise is updateable firmware which can lead to these features popping up on later updates (especially if the Zune users voice the need and want for additional features). Overall, if you want to support another company besides Apple, be an early adopter, or want a Zune for some niche reason like fashion
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+ 0 likes
I find this to be a good product for the music fan. There is more than enough space even for the average enthusiast. There is so much space on here that sometimes I forget what I have stored on it. I have had some issues where the device will "lock up" on me. Examples of this are trying to turn it on and nothing happens. Often I have had to turn the lock switch on and then off again prior to pressing the on button. Also, there are times when after pressing play to begin a track, you will see the track time counting but the actual song will not be playing.
The size of this item may get anoying after a while, but it does not bother me too much. I just like the fact I have cd-less music on the go. Movies on here look marvelous! The screen is a very good size. The tuner on it picks up local stations well but don't expect to be able to tune in AM channels. It simply does not and I wish it did because I listen to a lot of AM sports talk radio.
Considering the fact that I purchased this primarily
The size of this item may get anoying after a while, but it does not bother me too much. I just like the fact I have cd-less music on the go. Movies on here look marvelous! The screen is a very good size. The tuner on it picks up local stations well but don't expect to be able to tune in AM channels. It simply does not and I wish it did because I listen to a lot of AM sports talk radio.
Considering the fact that I purchased this primarily
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+ 0 likes
it is a good item but i have found that on some of my music it has spaces or just wont play when it works on the pogram and on my mp3. i have taken and cleared my zune and tried reloading it but that does not seem to have worked out that well to fix the problem. but other then that it really is a good product. i think this just might be an opperator error.
+ 0 likes
I love my new Zune! It is easily operated. At 54 I have bought three MP3 players and could not tackle turning them on and off or getting music to easily download. The Zune is made for people like me. Don't have to go to a special web site to download music, syncs with ease. It does not get any better than this.
+ 0 likes
Good product on the whole. I have purchased 4 of the 30 gig Zunes. I had a slight problem upgrding it but I called in and got help over the phone. I also have had this product since it's launch and the only negative thing taht I can cay about it is the programming always seems to give a problem I am always calling in about it. The customer service is good causeb they always help o rtry to help but it is sturdy and the space is greeat for the money.
+ 0 likes
I was so excited to purchase a Zune 30 GB with a fair price for my son.
But when I recieved, containing box was kind of old and now Zune display screen does work any more.
Zune 30 GB doesn't even last 30 days.
My son is so disappoined !
But when I recieved, containing box was kind of old and now Zune display screen does work any more.
Zune 30 GB doesn't even last 30 days.
My son is so disappoined !
+ 0 likes
I really love this product. It's the first I-pod type thing that I've ever purchased. I specifically chose the Zune so I could have the radio. It is so useful! If I get sick of listening to NPR, I can switch over to my music!
The only little complaint I have is that it does not come with directions on how to synch pics/music/etc. I'm a technology immigrant (versus a native who has grown up their whole lives surrounded by tech) and so it took just a few trials to figure this part out. But now that I have it down, it's super easy. I just love my Zune!
The only little complaint I have is that it does not come with directions on how to synch pics/music/etc. I'm a technology immigrant (versus a native who has grown up their whole lives surrounded by tech) and so it took just a few trials to figure this part out. But now that I have it down, it's super easy. I just love my Zune!
+ 0 likes
I
ordered this for myself and use it mostly in the car (I also ordered
the adapter for this purpose). It is very simple to use; easy to
download music to. I LOVE IT! I am one of those people that have a
zillion CD's in their car, so this is great to remove the CD clutter. I
listen to my Zune more than the radio or CD's. I would definitely
recommend this product for fellow music buffs. My 12 year old son wants
me to order one for him, too.
ordered this for myself and use it mostly in the car (I also ordered
the adapter for this purpose). It is very simple to use; easy to
download music to. I LOVE IT! I am one of those people that have a
zillion CD's in their car, so this is great to remove the CD clutter. I
listen to my Zune more than the radio or CD's. I would definitely
recommend this product for fellow music buffs. My 12 year old son wants
me to order one for him, too.
+ 0 likes
I got my zune last week from overstock.com and I really like it. Microsoft has posted a firmware update so they will run just like the second gen models. I personally have a hard time justifying the money required for a electronics purchase, and I wouldn't have bought this if I didn't have a gift card. But I really enjoy it. You might go out and look for a better deal online, I found quite a few. Overstock will give you the difference in store credit if you do. And then you can use that to get a protective case, which helps.
+ 0 likes
I cant t ell you how much I love this product. It arrived quickly, it was very easy to download the initial program and very easy to download songs and create lists. I use it at home, in my car,at the gym , and my husband and I own a reastaurant/bar, where I now play D.J.. The screen quality is awesome, ,although I have not figured out how to download movies onto it yet. I highly recommend this product, blows my daughters i-pod away.
+ 0 likes
a better product for less money than the ipod classic. great picture and sound quality. plenty of memory for all your media needs. get one, you'll love it
+ 0 likes
i had a color photo ipod and it broke down one day so i decided to upgrade. i was going to get the video ipod but i remembered that the zune had come out. i decided to go with that one just because it was cheaper and it was the best decision i have ever made. not only was it cheaper, but it also had a wider screen, the same amount of memory, complementry videos and songs, and a radio. i love it!
+ 0 likes
The storage capacity is phenomenal. I currently have 1175 songs/podcasts, 141 photos, plus a few videos loaded and there are still 19.44GB free. The screen is a really nice size and my photos and videos images are crystal clear. (Album covers are displayed with music.) The FM radio feature is easy to operate, but I only use it when I'm showing off my Zune. (Who needs radio with XM and MP3s?) It is super easy to load and sync. It is fairly light weight and the headphones that come with it are decent. I got the car pack with an FM Transmitter, so it will play through my car speakers. Now when I am driving and want to hear a particular song or album it's much easier than digging through a CD case.
The only negative is that that I haven't found a way to put the podcasts in a catagory apart from the music--if it's even possible.
The only negative is that that I haven't found a way to put the podcasts in a catagory apart from the music--if it's even possible.
+ 0 likes
After a few weeks with my Zune I am very happy with it. The rest of my extended family all have IPods so I'm quite famailiar with them as well. My main reason for going with the Zune was the on-board raido for use at work as well as the superior video capability. With the Bose earbuds I already owned this is a fantastic package. Had Microsoft came out with this product before the IPod the IPod would have seemed somewhat lame in comparison.
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I was hesitant to buy the Zune. I had researched mp3 players for weeks, knowing I wanted anything but ipod, and was convinced a portable media player was the way to go as the Cowon A2 and Archos 604 had everything I could possibly want feature wise. So why did I end up getting a Zune which is no comparison to these players? Well the answer is: cost, size, weight, accessories you can touch and see because they're in tons of stores, and finally because I read some individuals successfully changed the hard drive to a 80+gb (a feature/size you can only find in the Archos 504 portable media player).
Yes this is a mp3 player and not a portable media player, I know. I might still one day get a Cowon or Archos portable media player, but Zune is a great substitute or possibly, distraction until then. My point is despite the lack of features, this mp3 player has a lot of potential- especially if you replace the 30gb hard drive for an 80gb.
Cons:
- you can only put music via the Windows Media
Yes this is a mp3 player and not a portable media player, I know. I might still one day get a Cowon or Archos portable media player, but Zune is a great substitute or possibly, distraction until then. My point is despite the lack of features, this mp3 player has a lot of potential- especially if you replace the 30gb hard drive for an 80gb.
Cons:
- you can only put music via the Windows Media
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+ 0 likes
Let's face it, we live in an ipod world. Technically the Zune is superior to the 30GB ipod in every way. Unfortunatly the Zune software and marketplace leave alot to be desired. The firmware upgrades for the device are not comming fast enough. Good luck trying to find accessories readily available.
I use my Zune every day and love it's performance, but come on Microsoft, unlock this beast's potential already.
Until there is adaequate support, I would recommend to anyone looking for an MP3 player to buy a Zen.
I use my Zune every day and love it's performance, but come on Microsoft, unlock this beast's potential already.
Until there is adaequate support, I would recommend to anyone looking for an MP3 player to buy a Zen.
+ 0 likes
I have only had my Zune for a week, but I am thoroughly enjoying all of the features I've tried so far. I still love my iPod, but after a freak accident with an open water bottle in my bag, the backlight on my iPod went out and could not be replaced without spending almost the equivalent of a new one. So I still listen to the music on my wonderful iPod, but the pictures have gone dark.
Back to the Zune. The instructions were simple enough. I went to the Zune site, inserted the codes that came with my device, then plugged the Zune into my laptop and off we went. I quickly downloaded tons of new albums then easily synchronized to my Zune and charged at the same time. I haven't experienced any of the problems referenced by some of the other reviewers and my laptop works from Vista. I haven't listened or played with it 24-7, but after listening to several albums -- Dreamgirls, BeBe Winans, Chris Botti, Alison Krauss, Michael Hoppe, Stevie Wonder, and watched the preloaded videos and loaded
Back to the Zune. The instructions were simple enough. I went to the Zune site, inserted the codes that came with my device, then plugged the Zune into my laptop and off we went. I quickly downloaded tons of new albums then easily synchronized to my Zune and charged at the same time. I haven't experienced any of the problems referenced by some of the other reviewers and my laptop works from Vista. I haven't listened or played with it 24-7, but after listening to several albums -- Dreamgirls, BeBe Winans, Chris Botti, Alison Krauss, Michael Hoppe, Stevie Wonder, and watched the preloaded videos and loaded
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+ 0 likes
I have owned two Creative Labs MP3 players (most recently the Zen Vision:M) and I can say that the Microsoft Zune is superior in almost every way.
Pros:
- Well designed and constructed; solid feel, and has an exterior shell to prevent scratches and damage from drops.
- Best looking video screen of any MP3 player, by far.
- Sound quality is top notch
- Zune Marketplace offers a subscription model, which I like (I add and delete songs all the time, I don't want to pay per song), and it works much better than Napster and similar services
- Controls on the device are simple and work well
- Built in FM radio
- Wireless has potential
- Works on Vista x64 without issues
Cons:
- Wireless features leave a bit to be desired; I assume this will be corrected with future firmware updates.
- Better EQ control would be nice
Overall this is a great MP3 player. If you want an alternative to iPod, this one is far superior to the offerings from Creative Labs (and the Zune Marketplace software is a LOT
Pros:
- Well designed and constructed; solid feel, and has an exterior shell to prevent scratches and damage from drops.
- Best looking video screen of any MP3 player, by far.
- Sound quality is top notch
- Zune Marketplace offers a subscription model, which I like (I add and delete songs all the time, I don't want to pay per song), and it works much better than Napster and similar services
- Controls on the device are simple and work well
- Built in FM radio
- Wireless has potential
- Works on Vista x64 without issues
Cons:
- Wireless features leave a bit to be desired; I assume this will be corrected with future firmware updates.
- Better EQ control would be nice
Overall this is a great MP3 player. If you want an alternative to iPod, this one is far superior to the offerings from Creative Labs (and the Zune Marketplace software is a LOT
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+ 0 likes
I got my Zune just after Christmas this year when everyone was showing up at work with their new iPods, Creative Zens, and other personal media players. Feeling left out, I decided to go check out the market to see if I could find a product that would meet my needs as a consumer. After a week of research and checking out the store displays, I decided to purchase the Zune player and I've been very satisfied with the product overall.
During my research, I found some bad reviews about syncing issues and battery life for the Zune player. However, as I researched further into other products I found this was not uncommon for almost every player on the market, especially the iPod. Although it stands to reason that the iPod would have more issues posted on the internet since it is the most popular personal media player.
So it came down to 3 players from which I decided to choose: Apple iPod (30 gig), Creative Zen Vision M, and the Zune. Each of these products had the feature set I was looking
During my research, I found some bad reviews about syncing issues and battery life for the Zune player. However, as I researched further into other products I found this was not uncommon for almost every player on the market, especially the iPod. Although it stands to reason that the iPod would have more issues posted on the internet since it is the most popular personal media player.
So it came down to 3 players from which I decided to choose: Apple iPod (30 gig), Creative Zen Vision M, and the Zune. Each of these products had the feature set I was looking
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+ 0 likes
I bought a black 30 gb Microsoft Zune a week before Christmas at a local Costco store. I enjoyed the device for 3 and a half months with no complaints at all. In early March I was charging my device and returned to find a crack in the LCD screen due to a mechanical flaw. Me along with many other dissappointed Zune owners discovered that while charging, the Zune's battery starts to overheat and and the battery expands putting pressure on the LCD screen. The screen then cracks under the pressure. I called the Zune tech support and their reply was, "We cannot fix the crack in the LCD screen because it is not under warranty. We do not know any retailers that can fix your device." In a nutshell they told me that there is nothing they can do about it, it is not under warranty, and that they don't know where you can take it to be fixed. Apparantly I am not the only one to call regarding this problem and I would not recommend the Zune to anyone. You should wait for the second generation Zune so
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+ 0 likes
My Cowon iAudio X5 is pretty much standing on its last legs, so I decided to pick up a white Zune at Best Buy (I had some Reward Dollar coupons to blow, otherwise it would have been an Amazon purchase for sure). Determined to get the full Zune experience I also decided to sign up to the Zune Marketplace via the Zune Pass, which is a subscription based music service with unlimited downloads as long as you remain a subscriber, at $14.95 a month. Yay for me!
Upon opening the box my initial impressions were 100% positive. The overall design of the look and design of the player are what won me over the iPod--namely the larger screen, the scratch resistant finish, and a set of simple controls I am used to. There is no touch sensitive wheel here, only a basic 4 way directional pad with center select button, a play/pause button and a back button, which works very similarly to other DMPs out there like the X5 and Toshiba Gigabeat. The music playing options are also pretty robust, from choosing
Upon opening the box my initial impressions were 100% positive. The overall design of the look and design of the player are what won me over the iPod--namely the larger screen, the scratch resistant finish, and a set of simple controls I am used to. There is no touch sensitive wheel here, only a basic 4 way directional pad with center select button, a play/pause button and a back button, which works very similarly to other DMPs out there like the X5 and Toshiba Gigabeat. The music playing options are also pretty robust, from choosing
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+ 0 likes
I had an I pod Nano for a year and I ended up so confused by the software. I also hated that less than a month after having it, it looked like it had been in a fight. I love my Zune, I have downloaded music videos and tv shows and have been able to use it for three days without the battery running out. My Ipod ran out after about an hour. I love how I can change my wallpaper and the ease of the menus. The software is easier to use...especially the drag and drop feature.