I don't know, but I am going to find out. I have had my zune in the car continuously playing for 2 weeks now. I have taken it inside to sync once, but other than that, it's been sitting in my car attached to the Zune car kit playing continuously. It started off because I forgot to take it in, then I got busy, then I forgot, now it's a science project. How long before it dies?

It's taking some nice Alabama heat during the day, so this might play into it's life expectancy, but I am going to just let it keep going until it dies. Might be next week, might be next month, or even next year. We'll see.

Right now, it's sitting at 2 weeks 1 day. I'll update here and there on the status. My Black Zune 80, Bigdaddyzune, is protected well with an Incipio flip case and I keep it covered with papers when I am at work to keep those walking by from getting tempted.

Wish BigDaddyZune the best of Luck.

 My Zune ('Hikaru' meaning light / brilliance) has arrived a few days too early to get in on the new Artist Tattoos and a few thousand miles away from Canada where I could have gotten my engraving for free for a limited time (until Sept. 15).  But I still enjoyed every moment of opening the box, naming, upgrading and transferring files to me new Zune.

Below I have shared some great photos of the 80G Red Zune, the artist tattoo I chose and the artwork poster that came with the Zune.  I liked the cards and artwork just enough to put it all in a frame and put up on the wall for others to enjoy (I'll turn around the artist card so they can actually read it).  The package is very nice and can be re-gifted if that's your thing.

I did notice that I have never ONCE received an offer for a Zune Pass trial (I'm angry) and it would have been smart marketing to make this a standard.  Netflix does it and look at them!

 

More photos after the break...

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The folks over at Zunited.net got there hands on some interesting info. It appears as though the zune software contains evidence of a Black-Backed Zune 80, and a black-backed red 4/8. On top of that, the 4/8 seems to have a black touch pad.  Could this be a developer exclusive like the citron zune? We can't be sure now, but no matter they are, they look great. Any thoughts?

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Yes, you read right, the Zune is coming to Canada! Our lucky neighbors to the north will be getting the Zune 4/8/80 models. The 4 and 8 will be available in red, black, and pink. The 80 gets red and black. Prices range from $140 to $250. Canadians can download the Zune Software from Zune.ca.

source: http://www.zuneboards.com/zune-news/zune-arriving-at-canada-on-june-13.html

We saw it come and go and then come again at Zune Originals. I guess they say the great response on this hot color. Maybe one day they will listen to me and come out with....

A BLUE ZUNE

I would prefer the color of the blue that is in the left most right sidebar here on on gotzune. The lighter of the two blues.

Some of you may have noticed already, but Red Zune 80s are beginning to make their way into retail stores. After returning to Zune Originals, Red Zune 80 will soon be available for purchase at retail stores.

Thanks Cesar!

If you can get through all the ads, Futurelooks has a good review up on the Zune 80.

Microsoft still has some work to do, but they've made huge strides with the Zune 80GB, especially when compared to the brown brick known as the Zune 30GB. For starters, they might want to offer the Zune 80GB in colors other than black (the red was discontinued after Valentines Day 2008).

Pros
* Much improved menu interface
* Zune Pad is a huge leap in the right direction
* Streamlined audio and video podcast support
* Wireless synchronization capability
* Great set of premium earphones

Cons
* Still too large for my tastes, Zune 4/8GB might be better
* Muted colors while watching videos, only QVGA resolution
* Crippled Wi-Fi capabilities; wheres web surfing and Internet radio?
* Less than stellar battery life
* No AC/DC power adapter included

Now, I can live with some of the cons. I have no true arguments with them, but what the heck is he smoking? Less than stellar battery life? Huh? No, it falls short to the iPod Classic by a few hours, but 20+ hours on a hard drive based player, especially with the huge screen, *is stellar. Less than stellar... LOL

Read the complete review at Futurelooks

There has been quite the absence of quality Zune 80 cases out there, but the flash Zunes ( Zune 4 and Zune 8 ) have had quite a few releases. Anyhow, I was quite excited to hear that Incipio was finally throwing down some Zune 80 cases. I have 3 Zune 80 and 3 Flash Zune cases to look at and I have recorded a couple videos to show them all to you!

Here are the cases I am taking a look at today:

• Butter Creme ORION Sleeve Case for Zune 4GB 8GB
• theDUKE Raw Leather Wallet Case for Microsoft Zune 4GB 8GB
• White Leather Flip Case for Microsoft Zune 4GB 8GB
• Black Leather Kickstand Case for Microsoft Zune 80GB
• Brown Leather Flip Case for Microsoft Zune 80GB
• VERTIGO Black Leather Holster Case for Microsoft Zune 80GB

Read on to check the videos out!

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Customizable gift options and themed playlists from Zune Marketplace help consumers share the love this Valentine's Day.

Responding to consumer excitement for the Zune 80GB, Microsoft Corp. is making the popular wireless digital media player available in red with Zune Originals, just in time for Valentine's Day. Inspired by the themes of love and sharing, an exclusive collection of 20 new laser-engraved designs will be available to consumers for a limited time at http://www.zuneoriginals.net; in addition, Zune Marketplace will feature Valentine's Day playlists that can be shared with friends or loved ones Zune to Zune or via the Zune Social online music community.

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Here is a video where a Microsoft Employee walks us through the features of the Zune. I know, we've seen this all before, but a) it's a video b) it's Zune and c) the interviewer isn't bad to look at.

I have never heard of these guys, but we are hungry for accessories and protection for our Zunes, right? This is a company called Agent 18 and they have Zune Gen 2 cases for $25 each!

Their Zune cases for the Zune 80 are called Dragon Shield. Nice Name.