Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category

Review: DLO Portable Speakers

Posted by Soccerfreak24 on 11/9/08

Vendor: DLO

Price: 49.99

Welcome to another GotZune product review. I'll be taking a look at DLO's new portable speakers, and before anyone says anything, yes, these speakers are advertised as iphone speakers. However, they easily work with any mp3 player, so I thought I'd check them out. These are fun little portable speakers, designed for use on the go.

Play your iPhone music and videos in room-filling stereo sound - even turn your iPhone into a speaker phone;

Use with batteries or with included AC power adapter;

Portable speakers and base fit together for quick and compact travel;

Extra-wide sound stage and bass vents for lively, spacious stereo sound

(more...)

0 Comments

Filed under: Reviews

Review: DLO Action Jacket Case for Zune 4/8/16 and 80/120

Posted by Soccerfreak24 on 10/12/08

Vendor: DLO

This will be the first of multiple DLO product reviews in the near future, this one in particular featuring the Action Jacket case for both the flash and hard drive players. Check out these exercise oriented cases.

Features:

Neoprene case with clear window protects Zune from sweat and the elements

Total access to all Zune controls and connector port

Washable armband fits a bicep circumference of 9" to 20"

(more...)

3 Comments

Filed under: Cases, Reviews

Review: Ihome Zn9 Clock Radio/Audio System

Posted by Soccerfreak24 on 09/15/08

Vendor: Ihome

Price: $99.99

In this review I'll be taking a look at Ihome's new Radio/Audio system for zune. At the moment it's the only product of it's kind for zune, being the only zune alarm clock on the market, and one of the few Zune audio systems. Overall testing this product out was an enjoyably experience, with just a few annoyances. Enjoy!

Meet the new ZN9, the worldâ€™s first clock radio for Zune. The ZN9 features several innovative solutions, including wake and sleep to your Zuneâ„¢ music or AM/FM radio presets, a 7-5-2 feature for separate weekday and weekend alarm times, and an extra large, backlit LCD display with dimmer.
With our Reson8 speaker chambers, youâ€™ll be able to enjoy stereo sound around the clock. The new ZN9â€¦ treat yourself and your Zune right.

Wake or sleep to Zune, AM/FM Radio or buzzer

Charges Zune while docked

Auto-Set Clock sets itself

Programmable Snooze

High-fidelity stereo drivers in specially designed Reson8Â® speaker chambers deliver astounding clarity, depth, and power

Gradual Wake and Gradual Sleep increase/decrease Alarm/Sleep volume so as not to startle the user

Clean contemporary design complements the look of the Zune

Dual alarm with AM/FM presets

7-5-2 feature for separate weekday and weekend alarm times

(more...)

3 Comments

Filed under: Docks, Reviews

Review: Incipio Metal Slider Case for zune 4/8 and 80 gig

Posted by Soccerfreak24 on 08/9/08

Vendor:Â Incipio

Price: $19.99 (4/8) 29.980)

Just a few days ago I received a package from Incipio containing the new chrome and black metal slider cases. I was quite excited for these cases, and I'm happy to say they sure lived up to my expectations. I'm sure by the end of this review you'll see why I say that.

Quote:

The metal case by Incipio is made of the finest quality, anodized aircraft-grade aluminum. Designed to hold your Zune securely in place, the Metal case features a removable vertical belt clip as well as a kickstand clip, allowing you to easily carry your Zune and watch your favorite movies anytime, anywhere. Backed by Incipio's Legendary Lifetime Warranty.
FeaturesÂ

* Made of high quality anodized aluminum.
* Protective EVA foam padding on all sides: holds your Zune securely in place, and helps protect against shock and collisions.
* Easy access to all buttons and features.
* Dual Clip - vertical clip and kickstand clip.
* Strong frontal shield protecting the device's display.
* Backed by Incipio's Lifetime Warranty.

With me in this review, I have theÂ ChromeÂ andÂ BlackÂ 4/8 models, as well as theÂ ChromeÂ andÂ BlackÂ 80 cases. Aside from these colors though, there isÂ pinkÂ for the 4/8 as well asÂ CopperÂ for the 80.

Each of these cases is a solid shade all around, with the only exceptions being the "Incipio" text and logo near the top on the back. As you can see this is reversed on the models so it stands out. Also notice all models have the black kickstand/belt clips regardless of color.

Each case is made with solid aluminum, but to protect the zune there is also the soft EVA foam lining. This is a fairly thin layer, but it's quite necessary to prevent the zune from scratching on the aluminum. This foam also acts to make the zune fit quite a bit more snugly within the case. The lining covers the entire bottom piece of the case, and the bottom half of the upper piece.
Â

As mentioned, these cases do slide. It's quite easy to open/close them simply by sliding the top layer up and off then pulling the zune out. The cases do stay in place due to the small knobs on the sides of the cases.(as can be seen below).

This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 1024x768.

The detachable Kickstand on the back is fairly solid, and easily snaps into place. A single screw is used to lock it into position after you attach it to the back. This provides a decent viewing angle, without one having to hold the zune in place. It also allows the zune to sit either horizontally or vertically, but remember, vertically for the 4/8 means no earbuds.

Like the kickstand, the belt clip is also made of black plastic, but adds a bit more mass to your device. It clips on exactly the same as the kickstand, and opens to the top putting the zune upside down. I'd actually prefer if it were the opposite way, but it really just depends on personal preference. This is an improvement compared to the other Incipio belt clips though, and uses a spring to keep closed.

As you can probably tell in some of these pictures, this case does leave access for the necessary functions. Openings at the top/bottom allow for the Sync Cable, Earbuds, Lanyard, and Hold switch.

The screen is covered with thick plastic, which is always nice to see, and the buttons are left open.

Like most plastic screen protectors, depending what you put your zune through, it can begin to scratch up fairly easily. I've already begun to notice some scratches on the screen protector of my chrome 4/8 case(which I use most often) but it's more of something you notice when the zune screen is off. When on, it's a lot harder to notice them at all.

Another thing to note is that although the chrome has more of a glossy/reflective look, that does attract smudges. The black may not stand out quite as much, but if finger prints/smudges are something you pay attention to, black may be a better fit. I removed the kickstand in the following pictures to give you a better idea of the material.

And, just for fun, here's a little animation showing the chrome 4/8 case and all it's glory.

This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 1024x768.

Conclusion

To sum these cases up; They're great. I really struggle to find any real problems with them that could really cause someone to dislike them. I highly advise anyone looking to protect their zune to consider these cases. They look great, protect nearly all of the device, have access to all functions, a kick stand, a belt clip, and most importantly don't add much bulk at all to the player. These cases are well worth they're prices at $ 19.99 and $ 29.99 (And don't forget the lifetime Incipio warranty!)

-->

The Good

Â· Protects just about everything

Â· Good quality Kickstand/Belt Clip included

Â· Accessibility to controls and cables

Â· Lightweight and thin.

Â· Foam lining provides some shock resistance, and great fit

Â· Slick look

The Bad

Â· Screen cover can scratch

Â· Chrome Versions can Smudge/Scratch.

Got Zune Rating (out of 10)

Value Just About everything is protected, with additional features that go above and beyond expection.	10
Protection Covers everything that needs to be covered, using high quality aluminum and a plastic screen protector. The only downside is it can scratch which becomes an annoyance.	8
Accessibility of Controls All controls can be easily accessed.	10
Total	9.33

3 Comments

Filed under: Cases, Reviews

Review: Incipio Kickstand folio for Zune 80GB

Posted by Adam Stafford on 07/21/08

Vendor: Incipio

Price: $24.99

This review is for Incipio's kickstand case, in black leather.

The Incipio KickStand Case is a compact case that provides easy access to your Zune at all times. The case is elegant, slim, and made of premium top-grain leather. The durable construction offers long-lasting protection for your Zune and is backed by Incipio's legendary lifetime warranty.

Features

Kickstand folio design allows you to watch your videos while the case holds your device.
Made of high-quality, premium top-grain leather.
Suede lining on the inside.
Clear shield protecting the screen
Easy access to all buttons and features.
Backed by Incipio's lifetime warranty

(more...)

0 Comments

Filed under: Cases

Review: Incipio Wallet for Zune 80GB

Posted by Adam Stafford on 07/16/08

Vendor: Incipio

Price: $24.99

This review if for Incipio's Zune 80 wallet case, in caramel leather.

The Incipio Wallet is a snug fitting quality leather case with a suede insert. It can fit a few cards such as your drivers license, credit card and some cash. The stitching encompasses the entire case adding to the overall presentation.

Features

Quality leather and suede.
Designed to allow access to all controls and inputs.
Compact design to easily fit in pocket or purse.
Protects well against damage or scratches.
Backed by Incipio's Legendary Lifetime Warrant

Incipio Wallet Video Review

(more...)

8 Comments

Filed under: Cases

Review : Incipio dermaSHOT Case for the Zune 4/8

Posted by Soccerfreak24 on 07/5/08

Vendor: Incipio

Price: $12.99

This review covers Incipio's first zune 4/8 silicone case, the dermaSHOT. Incipio currently has a much more vast selection of leather based cases, but i'm glad to see they've branched to silicone as well. The review for this case will be fairly simple, being it's a silicone case, but i'll try to cover just about everything you could need to know.

Tight fitting anti-slip case for your Zune. The Incipio dermaSHOT silicone case is curved to the shape of the Zune so that you can access all the device's features.

Features

High density silicone.

Play-through design for full function while in case.

Anti-static coating grips the device, not your clothes.

Shock absorbing silicone helps protect against damage.

Cut-outs give easy access to controls and inputs.

Backed by Incipio's Lifetime warrant

(more...)

3 Comments

Filed under: Cases

Review : Incipio Flip Case for the Zune 80

Posted by Chris Leckness on 06/29/08

incipioflip Vendor: Incipio
Price: $19.99

One of the 1st things that anyone needs to do when spending a decent amount of cash for a gadget is to protect it. Cases, cleaners, screen protectors, etc... When the Zune 80 hit the streets, there really were not many options other than the "Zune Branded" Black case. Now that some time has passed, there are more and more cases becoming available. One of them is the Incipio Flip Case I am presenting today.

This classic design offers great access and excellent protection. Your Zuneâ„¢ has to be ready for today's fast paced world. The Incipio Flip case is up to the task. The Flip case is made of premium supple leather on the outside and soft micro-suede lining.
Features

Made of high-quality, premium Top-Grain Leather
Easy access to all buttons and features
Clear shield protecting the screen
Backed by Incipio's lifetime warranty

(more...)

2 Comments

Filed under: Cases, Zune Cases

Zunerama Reviews iHome ZN9

Posted by Jonathan Flowers on 06/12/08

The kids over at Zunerama got their hands on the iHome ZN9 and have tons of pics and a pretty thorough review written up. It's the first clock/radio designed specifically for the Zune. Check it out!

2 Comments

Filed under: Docks, Zune Accessories

[Review] Black Aluminum-Lined Leather Case - Proporta

Posted by Soccerfreak24 on 04/27/08

First Impression's: This case looks very nice, as it's nearly completely leather, and is strong and sturdy as well. Black is the base color throughout the case, with clean white stitching and a silver Proporta logo/magnet clip.Â It's a fairly simple design; just aÂ leather flip case that holds the zune in place using two clip-like side pieces. To close the upper flap, a strap is used with a magnetic connector(as can be seen below). While in use this case leaves the earphone jack exposed, and the majority of the side of the zune. Unfortunately the strap does cover the sync cable, but you can easily unstrap the case to charge.