I don't care how many times it gets reviewed, we are going to post links to them all. hehe
Pros
- Large screen and big font is better on eyes.
- The normal startup time is quick, but a “cold” start--i.e. being off for a while—isn’t too impressive.
- Wireless syncing eliminates the need for another wire.
- Note: Wireless syncing is great, but it is a battery hog. The thing to note here is that Microsoft’s original intention is to wirelessly synchronize only while the Zune is being _charged_, when battery life is not really an issue.
- You can use your own pictures as the complete background, making the Zune more “you.
- The soft fabric cable for the headphones give it a unique look and fell, and the in-ear design results in an awesome sound. This material also seems much more reliable than the standard plastic cable. There is one exception, please see the “cons” section.
- Pros of the new Zune software.
- The new look is excellent.
- Marketplace will take a little time to catch up to iTunes’ collection but this is definitely a good start.
- File system monitoring is an awesome feature. I no longer have to worry about files missing from my library because I either moved or renamed them!
Cons
- You are limited to a simple “no heart/heart/broken” heart rating system.
- Headphones are too good. So good that sometimes you hear the drive spinning when you switch between songs! Also, when in low-noise environment, like an office, the soft fabric cable cover produces an audible sound when it rubs against the zipper of your jacket or a shirt. Obviously, you won’t notice this if you are listening to Papa Roach or Slipknot.
- There is no option to search the songs on the device. This is disappointing and surprising considering that this is an 80GB model!
- The large screen is great, but Microsoft should have adjusted the resolution accordingly. As it is, the iPod screen will be smaller, but more crisp, since it is packing more pixels in a smaller screen.
- Zune is not compatible with Mac or Linux.
Head over to read the rest of the review. (hint: the content is in the middle of the page)
Thanks Luigi and the Author of the review for sending this one in.
Zune Videos Zune Tutorials Zune Support Zune Software Zune Social Zune Rumors Zune Resources Zune Pricing Zune Phone Zune Originals Zune Music Zune Mods Zune Marketing Zune Limited Edition Zune Launch Zune Hardware Zune Guides Zune Flash 4/8 Zune Firmware Zune Features Zune Events Zune Deals Zune Commercials Zune Commentary Zune Cases Zune Backgrounds Zune Accessories Zune 80 Zune 30 Site Items Reviews Off Topic Important Got Zune Week in Review Got Zune Poll Got Zune Contests Docks Cases After Market Accessories
28 Responses for "Zune 80 Reviewed… Again…"
Interesting review. I think they got it right.
"I don’t care how many times it gets reviewed, we are going to post links to them all. hehe"
I don’t care how many times you post a review for it, I am still going to read them. haha
Good review.
Well, In general these reviews seem pretty possitive.. however main concerns seem to be compatibility, and some simple problems such as album art malfunction… The good news is.. these can be easily fixed.. and I’m expecting that fix either zune 3, or b4.
Hmm, as far as zune wireless sharing goes.. Anyone experienced problems with sharing from zune to zune? because My friend with a zune 4, tried to share with my friend with a zune 80.. and they were having trouble "finding" eachother… I’m not sure if they’re just zune noobs
but has anyone else noticed anything with that? because for them it seems 2 be a bit of a "con"
I have never had issues w/ it.
good review. YAY ZUNE!
oh, BTW check out the worlds cheapest zune stand
^Why didnt I think of that. I have a suitcase full under my bed.
(reply 2 rock4christ) "I have never had issues w/ it." were you refrering to the problem I mentioned in my article? Because I havent noticed NE thing else online.. and I guess if you havent noticed it either.. maybe their just confused.. or possible malfunction with one of their devices.. idk, but btw, I had also looked at that video a few days ago.. and thats a pretty creative idea! I mean.. a casset tape is pretty genious. Although.. idk how stylish
soccerfreak24: the first time I tried to sync with another zune it took a little bit of time. Once synced it took no time to get the songs over. Now when we were first trying the other person I was trying to sync with had their wireless turned off . . . he had forgotten he turned it off.
Going a little off subject, soccerfreak you watch the ManU vs. Newcastle game Saturday? GREAT GAME!
Kaseyart: Ahh, Ic what your saying.. although they did both have wifi on.. However, I believe it was their 1-2nd time trying so it could be something like your situation…. I’m not rly sure.. I guess i’ll check in with them 2morow at school, see whats up.
Going a little off subject reply, Kaseyart: Unfortunately, no Sadly I don’t watch much soccer on TV, I just play it. I probably should watch more though b/c you do learn a lot(at least I have in teh few games i’ve watched) but how was it? and btw got 2 questions regarding zune info.. How do u upload pics? and just curious.. lol who won the first 2 zunes?
soccerfreak: 1.) upload pics to the Zune? you do it through the Zune software just like uploading music. Upload pics on “gotzune.com”? you have to register in the photos/background section. 2.) Not sure who won the 1st Zune, but Antonio won the second.
off subject reply-reply: Great game ManU won 6-0. All 6 goals scored in the last 20 minutes. Ronaldo got his first hat-trick with United.
Kaseyart: Hmmm, I have put em on my zune software… it was this site that I was having trouble with .. when u say register in that sec.. do u register to submitting pics, or just have 2 have registered an account? Because The account registration isnt working 4 meh.. so i’ve tried contacting Chris.
(just Like half the rest of the world) Mainly I watch a lot of joga tv fromt he podcast
which is pretty awesome. (although idk how helpful)
off subject reply-reply-reply: OH wow!!! hahaha thats a pretty insanely high scoring game.. and then in the last 2o min! thats crzy. Thats pretty impressive for ronaldo.. I like him, but I rly idol ronaldinho
soccerfreak: Okay I thought that is what you meant, but wasn’t sure. I had the same issue. I contacted Chris and he got back with me within a day. You have to register in both areas.
reply-reply-reply-reply: (haha) Oh yes, ronaldinho is awesome! I check out joga tv too. Oh and hey every little bit helps.
Kaseyart: Well ya, thx.. I’ll try registering in the picture section after this… see how that turns out
reply-reply-reply-reply-reply: Well ya, i’ve been playing club soccer/ highschool soccer and I really love it.. Atm i’m in the offseason.. so i have a lot of free time.. to do things i like..(mainly reserch zune
) and chill with friends.. So do you play soccer? or just enjoy watching and etc. Also, do you have a zune? haha
Soccerfreak: Hope the register works. If not just do the contact and they’ll get it working.
reply-x6: played for 10 years. Can’t anymore (knee) wish I still could I loved it. So now I watch. Free time is always good, I always enjoyed the offseason, but was ready to get back after some time. Yes, my wife got me a Zune for Christmas. Just need to get her one now. She stills mine all the time. You have one?
Kaseyart: well, the register worked.. but I rly didnt have 2 much 2 rly upload.. just put up 2 pics my friend gave me of his original zune 80 with the cracked LCD screen which is prettty interesting..
Reply x-7: Sry bout your knee man… My soccer coach had a similiar problem.. that eneded his soccer career, some knee injury. But soccer’s a great sport even for watching. And ya, which type of zune did you get? and alas still don’t got my zune yet.
I ordered one off club.live 2 weeks ago.. but idk if it’l even ship.. and if it miraculously does it’s 12 week shipping and on top of that its just a zune 30. But ya, so I take it your liking yours?
soccerfreak: I’ll have to check those photos out. Cracked LCD? Not good!
reply x8: I was crushed when it happened, but I plan on coaching this next season with a good friend of mine. I hope you get your Zune soon. I love mine (when my wife doesn’t have it)
I have a black 8gb.
Kaseyart: Haha, ya, the cracked LCD wasnt fun.. and unfortunately microsoft was not very helpfull. After a few days, they had finaly worked out with micorosft that they would send out a box, he would put the zune in.. then send it back.. then they would decide if they would replace the damage, or if it was his fault. 3 weeks later he still had no box, so they just refunded him. Next day he went to walmart picked up a zune 80 gig.
reply x9: Well, coaching is always a fun alternative, and you’ll get 2 show some youngins how 2 play :D. And ya, my friends all love theirs(when I havnt stolen them!) I’ve managed 2 convert a couple of my friends.. so now we got our own little zune army of 2 80 gigs, a 4 gig, and a 30 gig.. compared 2 what seems like millions of ppl with ipods. But ya, I originaly adored the 80 gig.. but have been leaning toward a flash based player.. presumably the zune 8 green or red. My only concern is the lack of screen usage with the black bar around the LCD but, seems like you get used to it fast and it’s not a problem. Btw, u having any problems with jumbled album art?
soccerfreak: WOW, does sound like you have an army going.? haha I love the flash player. The screen . . . at first I noticed it when I looked at the screen. Now it doesn’t bother me at all. Screen is bright and crisp and I hardly notice the black bars anymore. I have had a few issues with cover art that I upload. The software pulls it’s own cover art. After syncing to the computer a couple times it has fixed itself. Not sure if that is what you mean by jumbled, but that is the issue I have had.
Hmm, for me I seem to be having trouble with some of my albums taking other albums cover art.. and a lot of other people seem to have noticed the same thing.. although it doesnt actualy cause much trouble, it is a tad annoying. And ! I just found the craziest vid i’ve seen in a long time, and a great way to utilize your zune if your at places with it.. It’s one of microsofts table type touch sensitive computers.. and in music mode u can drag songs around into playlists and such.. but if you just leave your zune on the table-screen it recognizes it.. and you can atualy drag songs onto it! and it goes into your 3 play collection! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRFAQkWmXcg It seems pretty awesome
Haven’t had that issue. Hope I don’t ever have that one.
That video was awesome. Very very cool.
Well, I’m gonna call it a night
I’ll have to check back on this site 2morow during my typing class.. b/c I never have NE thing to do then
G’night.
5 out of 5 just because it’s probably the first time i’ve seen an "official" zune review,while being written by a zune fan,being so objective and accurate to the point where you seem unable to add something more to it.Amazing work,amazing article!!!
The wireless syncing being a battery hog got me
Couldn’t agree more on the non compatibility with linux/osX being a very important issue [though dual boot and vm allows you to run windows in a linux/osX based system so yeah…still a hustle].Lack of search option can be extremelly annoying over time.And screen resolution not being perfect…well i kinda feel justified cause i’ve already pointed that out in one of my comments on "Zune 2.0 the best player on the market" article some days ago
yoohoooooo
Once again great review and the fact that it is so objective makes it n01 on my list
keep it coming mate.people need those reviews more than ever nowdays [marketing hype era]
oh i guess i found something to add to the cons…
Since this is a Microsoft product,and MS has a long history in "promoting and accepting" third party apps for its products i was really hoping to see some of that work being done for the zune.This would be really easy and impressively pretty on the zune 8gig but it could also give some amazing features on zune 80 as well.I mean maybe someone could mess with the software and give that search option,which would be highly appreciated from the public.I got no idea if MS follows Apple’s bad example when it comes to not allowing 3rd party apps [i must say though that i got no signs of such thing] or if MS hasn’t just been pushing things on that field.Anyway,just throwing a thought out there.But god i can’t wait to load some amazing freeware to my zune,as i’ve been doing to my windows based computers all these years
ya i wish osx was supported cause i have 2 macs and i will just have to use dual boot on 1 if i get a zune. Kind of a hassle but worth it!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080115.wgtzune0115/BNStory/Technology/home
"We’re developing a brand that is more warm, more welcoming, kind of a smarter alternative," says Jason Reindorp, a marketing director at Zune who earlier helped Audi position itself as the cooler alternative to the nouveaux riches’ BMW. "The folks on the cutting edge of that group said, ‘I don’t want a waify little iPod. I like the colour of the Zune. I like the chunkiness.’"
i always enjoy a little meat on things…haha…got to have some…
Azaas: I agree with what your saying, and it would be nice to be able to add to the zune device.. but idk the chances of microsoft doing that.. I think they just need to be more open to peoples suggestions, and make sure that their not forgetting simple things such as: Not being able 2 remove songs from quicklists, no searching, not being able to sort playlists by things like artist.. and etc. And I agree with what you were saying bout microosft following in apples footsteps.. I think if they want to get an edge they need to really branch out, and spend time working on getting more options on it that make it further stand out from the ipod, becuase the wifi and radio help, but arent doing enough. Maybe better utilizing wifi even better or adding some features that no ipods ever had(such as possible microphone, or being able to change menu font/size, or maybe even an atempt at sort of built in speakers.. ) Another huge thing would be competetive pricing, just lowering it a little would help change the minds of many, considering the zune is the underdog.. it should be a better price.
I always enjoy getting different people’s perspective on the Zunes. Overall, a good review. I do agree that a search feature would be a big help, especially if you are using the Zune80. My music collection is not very large, but it can still be hard to find a certain song when you want it.
soccerfreak24: about that wifi improvements and other things that MS has to do in order to not just follow Apple’s footsteps but create its own path i’ll once again redirect you to my posts on that "zune 2.0 the best player in the market" article.I’ve written my thoughts on what features can be added,what features can be improved and what features have to stay the same.Microsoft [according to some of my sources,and trust me when i say that they are credible
] seems to be putting a lot of work both on flash based memory and how they will solve compatibility and update issues through that and touch tech.So,my humble opinion,is that it won’t be long before MS makes some amazing products.
For the first time in its history MS seems to be determined to not only make things perfect both on software and on hardware fields,but also start innovating things.It took them more than 20 years to do that.Let’s just hope that they won’t stop that and do,not only those things they’re capable of,but also those things they’re "MEANT" for….
My vision is : a 80/160 gig flash based zune,with each and every thing the iPhone has.But the real deal would be for Microsoft to make it compatible with 3rd party apps and to have exclusive partnerships with some amazing companies out there.For example i can see this product being compatible with various bluetooth headsets.Maybe an exclusive Logitech headset,if those rumors of MS taking over Logi are true [ even trying to push Logi into the cell phone accessories market ].
Anyway,i can just rumble on and on and on.But to end it right here,cause i know it’s already too long of a text [lol],all i wanna say is hold tight cause there are some amazing things waiting around the corner for us [meaning the consumers]
ps:i know it’s getting old,but once again : GOD THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME LIVE THE DIGITAL ERA!!!!!!!!!!!!
azaas: well, that was a pretty long but, but very interesting. I’ll have to trust your sources here
, and I too was expecting a big improvement on the next model, based on microsoft’s business ways. 80/160 gig flash would be AMAZING but the thing is, it would cost way too much at this moment in time.. However, I think a smaller version.. such as a 30 gig flash would be nice.. because a lot of people don’t use 80 gig, or 160 so 30 would be more cost effective, and provide enough flash memory. Another thing is.. people like big screens sometimes.. so would it be the size of the 4/8’s or would it be the size of an 80? I guess having both sizes available for both sizes would be the best bet.
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