Here ya go again...

I am guess that Steve Jobs is trying to get into the news since Microsoft and Mobile Phone makers are making all the headlines at CTIA this week. Anyhow, he's got some really big slams for Zune in there....

I have known Julie (the Gadgeteer) for quite some time and her reviews are always quite thorough.  This is the case for this review, but this one is written by Claire Strodtbeck, one of Julie's team. The overall impressions don't seem too bad, but there are some snipes at Zune too.

I like my Zune. A lot. I didn't think I would, but it's a pleasure to use. The firmware interface is slick and intuitive, and the hardware is really pretty great. Mine has more or less replaced my iPod for taking my music with me - if I can find a car dock for it that includes an RF remote control, I'll definitely be getting one. There aren't many cases or other accessories available for the Zune line, because it's just not as popular as the iPod. Hopefully this will change with time.

The software is utterly atrocious. I hope that Microsoft realizes that they have something great going with Windows Media Player, and will allow Zune users to use that instead of the crappy software that is currently the only real option. In the meantime, I'm managing all right.

Two of my real complaints about the hardware can be fixed with firmware updates - the "All songs" view for an artist, and gapless playback. The lack of video output on the device itself, however, is inexcusable - especially since the flash-based Zunes can play video files.

Overall, this second generation of Microsoft's digital audio player is a noble and worthy effort. It's a great device, and I would actually recommend it as a viable alternative to the Apple iPod line.

Read the rest of her review at The Gadgeteer.

I HAVE A ZUNE is asking this question today. I have to admit, it's been hectic for me lately and I have been meaning to get back here and report this... 

As you can see above, Brittney, my daughter had me to order a new Zune Original for her. If you recall, she broke her 1st Zune and the Green one I bought her to replace it is being given away here. She saved up her allowance and Report card money to get this with her own coin.

So, I HAVE A ZUNE and Zune Boards are reporting these charges, what do you think? Me personally, I don't see a problem. I say this only because the price of the Base Model Zune has been lowered, but with these charges, the Originals remain at the same price they started out as.

A few months later, what are the top songs, artists, etc that Zune owners are listening to? Well, those that use the Zune Social share their music listens with us all and Zune.net shows these as the most played...

most played songs

• Apologize by Timbaland (634,937 plays)
• Bleed It Out by Linkin Park (486,902 plays)
• Low by Flo Rida (458,005 plays)
• Never Too Late by Three Days Grace (308,970 plays)
• Shadow Of The Day by Linkin Park (295,062 plays)

most played artists

• Linkin Park(8,318,610 plays)
• Eminem(5,276,742 plays)
• Kanye West(3,644,464 plays)
• Nickelback(3,409,775 plays)
• Three Days Grace(2,878,188 plays)

most played albums

• Minutes To Midnig... by Linkin Park (2,725,371 plays)
• All The Right Reasons by Nickelback (2,063,784 plays)
• One-X by Three Days Grace (1,934,564 plays)
• Graduation (Parent... by Kanye West (1,817,815 plays)
• Exclusive by Chris Brown (1,250,400 plays)

NOT!!! I've demonstrated this before, but here is another demo just to show how much nicer the Zune's Video playback in comparison to the iPod Classic. I can hear the iSheep already, "but the Touch... The touch does this... the touch does that...." iSheep, listen (or read) closely to the words coming off my fingertips... THE IPOD TOUCH COST MUCH MORE THAN THE ZUNE 80... It's like comparing apples and oranges.

Anyhow, the Zune is on the right, the iPod Classic on the left.

Not that big of a deal, but I had a little encounter with the Zune 80 out in town today. My town isn't all that big, so it's pretty odd to see one around here!

OK, so I pull up to the gas station this morning and I get out of my car. 1st thing I see is a rubber mat on the dash of the car next to me. It was keeping a Zune 80 in place. I wasn't casing out his car or anything, but I also noticed the Gen 2 FM modulator in his back seat. (the rubber Zune pad on the dash comes with this kit)

Luckily the owner of the car pops out of the store as I was walking towards the entrance. I asked him how he liked his Zune and told him about Got Zune. He said that he'll check us out. So, if he does... whatever your name is, tell us what you think of the Zune 80.

Which is it? Are there just too few Zune 80s made or are they more popular than we think? I dunno... Either way, Some entrepreneur is selling on Amazon at $399.99, just a tad above sticker price. (or a huge tad rather)

I am very optimistic about the future for Zune, but I don't really think the Zune 80 is all that popular yet. Throw in some color choices and I think we can open the doors a bit. It's still early for Microsoft in this game,so I am not expecting them to outsell anyone yet.

If you gotta have this $400 Zune, check out Amazon. Thanks Matt for the heads up.

This is a little late, but you still have time. (my email server was backed up and all my email from the last 5 days were finally delivered)

Head over and vote for your favorites. It's not that long, in fact... surprisingly short.

Zune Zune. I am happy to see that Crave included the Microsoft Zune in the mix!

The year Microsoft and Sony stepped-up their game

Let's face it: the first-generation Zune was released amid plentiful skepticism and criticism and--although it had plenty of redeeming qualities--the Zune didn't really come into its own until the second iteration. The design was slimmed down, the Wi-Fi features were refined and expanded, and the already excellent interface got a refresh. Plus, the player sounds great. While we're on the subject of stellar audio quality, let's talk Sony. The electronics giant made a lot of people really pleased when it finally gave up on its horrific SonicStage software, and moved its new Walkman's to the more user-friendly MTP platform. Sony added support for both AAC and WMA, while retaining its reputation for excellent battery life and sound. As a result, the NWZ-A818 is one of the best players I've ever laid hands on (I even bought one for my own brother). Other players of note: the fabulously green flash Zune, and the FM radio-sporting Sony NWZ-S615.

Not only did the Zune get some love, they were also happy with the Sony line of players. You can win a Sony player from Mobilitysite, and I am announcing Got Zune Contest #5 on Got Zune today! If you care, they also talked about the Creative Zen and even the "iPod Touch". Head over to Crave to read more.