This is a 2 part comparison video of the Zune 80 to the iPod Classic 80. Please excuse my gruff voice, I am pretty sick with the weather going from 40 to 70 ever other day.

Video 1 of 2

Video 2 of 2

Let me preface this with envy. This website has the very best domain name on the internet. I think I have had to mention that at least 10 times on Mobilitysite, but this is the 1st opportunity for me to link these guys here.

Anyhow, Anything but iPod thows down their Zune 80 review....

The bottom line is the Zune is a fantastic device but may not appease the hardcore crowd. The DAP enthusiast will miss the countless features that other brands offer and may feel a bit trapped by a single piece of software and single choice for music services.

I would without a doubt fall into that hardcore DAP enthusiast category but I do really appreciated the Zune for its simplicity and clutterless features set. The first Zune round I was not impressed with, it was a nice player, but not to unlike everything else on the market. With the introduction of the new firmware and the Zune 80, I am definitely enjoying it. The form factor is compact and the design is solid and scratch resistant. The interface is a very easy pick up and use interface much like the old one, just dressed up a little more. The wireless has finally been put to use with wireless sync. The social aspect they started touting in the first generation is just now starting to show its head with the ability to show off your listening preferences at Zune.net.

The Zune could without a doubt use more codec support, there is no reason not to include free license codecs like OGG and FLAC. DivX/XviD native support would also be a great edition or at the very least let ups easily convert these file types with the Zune software. There are a few bug fixes and tweaks that the Zune needs so it is by no means perfect. But I still see the Zune as a work in progress much like the XBox 360 where updates will add more functionality and this could be drastic like Zune 30 owners saw with the firmware update.

Read the entire review

Ok, how about a segment here... Let's call this the Useless Zune Video of the Week (UZVOTW)...

In this one, someone takes a knife and destroys the Zune 30 Hard Drive just for the hell of it. He cuts his finger open too.

Cesar has posted some videos over on Zune.net...

The Zune team and I produced a series of videos meant to highlight the four areas of Zune this year: Device, Social, Software and  Marketplace. These were originally meant for journalists and folks in the media,  but I thought you’d be interesting in seeing them.

In each of the videos, we asked different folks within the Zune organization to talk freely about their experience on the Zune team, what they tried to accomplish, and the rationale behind some key product features. We have a few hundred folks on the Zune team, and this video is just as much about the people behind Zune as it is about the product. Have a look at the videos (they're on zune.net/press) and let me know what you think!

Here's one of the four videos - about Zune Marketplace

Video: Zune Marketplace 2007

Zune Insider

Here is a little video preview of the DLO TransDock for the Zune.

The TransDock micro is the most flexible, cost-effective car solution for the Zune you can buy. It comes with a removable USB charge and sync cable that can be used at home or on the road. That’s an added $20 value! TransDock micro also features a beautiful black and white color scheme that matches any car’s interior.

The TransDock micro broadcasts the Zune's music to any FM radio frequency from 88.1 to 107.9 while keeping it charged. The new TransDock micro is a complete Zune solution for your car, yet it requires no installation. This makes it a great alternative to expensive custom installations. Its all-in-one functionality and superior sound quality elevate the TransDock micro above lower-end, bottom-mounting FM transmitters.

Like the TransPod, the TransDock micro also features an auxiliary input, allowing it to broadcast the audio from any MP3 player or audio device like an iBook, MacBook Pro, a Sony PSP gaming system or a travel DVD player. The DLO TransDock micro also gives you the choice of connecting to your car stereo with a cassette adapter or mini plug cable with its auxiliary line output.

 Get one from DLO

I don't have my Xbox 360 anymore, but I have heard of MyGamerCard. This is a service that offers a custom image based version of your Gamertag. Now they are working on a similar service for the Zune Cards. Really a neat item since not all forums allow for flash in your signature.

MGC has released an image-based Zune Card as a small beta to preclude a new site, MZC (bet you can't guess what that stands for!)

With our Zune Card, we look nearly the same as the official Flash version, but with our signature flair that you've come to expect from MGC. Artist names are displayed underneath the album images, and the last three songs are populated in the upper corner. Images are updated every 30 minutes, for those with active listening habits.

Source : MyGamerCard via Generation Zune

This looks like a good idea for a contest, but lots of work. Either way, it's a contest to win a Zune and who here doesn't want a Zune eh? The picture on the site is a Zune 80, but I didn't see any indication of what Zune is up for grabs. It just says Zune. ( Update: The 1st paragraph states that we are giving away a "Microsoft Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player Black (2nd Generation)" ) Thanks Jeff.

Contest Details:

There will be a few ways to enter the contest, and we will keep track of each entry you make, giving you more of a chance to win.

1. Post a Comment - just post a comment on any post and that will count as an entry. You can only rack up 10 entries with this meaning we will only count ten of your comments as an entry.
2. Add This Blog to Your Technorati Favorites - this counts as one entry.
3. Post a link back from your website or blog with the one of the following keywords - Hollywood Gossip, entertainment news, celebrity news, movie news, weird news, celebrity gossip, celeb gossip, Celebrity Sex Scandals - 1 entry per keyword
4. Post a review on your blog - review Stupid Celebrities Gossip, minimum of 250 words, provide a link to the main page with one of the above keywords and post a link to your favorite post - 3 entries
5. Subscribe to the RSS feed - then post what it says as a comment at the bottom of this post in the RSS feed

Contest Will End Nov 30 @ 11:59 PM EST, Consider this an early christmas gift!

Stupid Celebrities Gossip » CONTEST! ( Update )

I just added two more good resources for Zune info and commentary to the Blogroll here!

Zune Luv and Zune Brothers

My name is Paul Colligan. I'm a big fan of Podcasting and Portable Media Players. Microsoft, so far, has done terribly with both subjects.  Zune, possibly could change that. This blog covers the possibilities. Team Zune Luv is at your service.

We still need you hanging out here for our coverage, but we aren't afraid to send you off to other great resources.

There were some expeiremental Zune Card embedding info online at the Zune.net forums this week, but this is the 1st application I have seen. One problem I don't like is the fact that the user has to click the profile to activate it, but anyhow, it's a good step.

You can see it on my Facebook Page... You can also access the application yourself at http://apps.facebook.com/my_zune_card/.

Here is a wrap up of Zune Videos I have put online. There are more to come, trust me, but for now.

• Zune 80 Wireless Sync Demo
• Zune 2 Video Comparison
• Zune 2 8GB Flash Zune 1st Look
• Zune Dock Cradle Remote Works with New Zunes

What do you want to see next? We have accessories on the way too!