The Microsoft Zune...
Well, MS has been bold enough to enter the already competitive mp3/pmp segment with its Zune but does it have what it takes to stand the test of time needless to say the attention it needs from music lovers all over?
Let’s find out…
[BREAK=What’s Bundled?]
Here's what you'll find inside the box..
The Zune 30GB
Earbud type earphones
USB 2.0 Cable
Suede Pouch
Software Disc
[BREAK=Design]
How well does the design work?
For starters,it is just a tad beefier than the ipod classic, longer yes but there’s a very good reason for that, it’s superb 3†screen !
Beneath the screen is the navigation control that looks like a clickwheel but isn’t.It the basic up/down/ok navigation.Two more controls, the “Back†and “Play/pause†button rest on either sides of the nav control.
On top,you’ll find the Hold switch and the 3.5mm headphone jack.The bundled earphones looks rather wacky but does the job well !
The design practicality is quite acceptable and the all matte finish gives it a serious advantage as far as fingerprints & scratches are concerned.
So all in all it works but the dimensions of this player suggest a rather passive user, someone who probably enjoys sitting back and enjoying what the Zune has to offer.
Size Difference...
The Zune with my ipod nano 1G
[BREAK=Specifications]
Here are the specs:
Storage Capacity 30 GB
Number of Songs 7500
Family Line Zune
Main Storage Type Hard Drive
Audio Format MP3 • WMA • AAC
MP3 Bit-Rate 320 kbps
WMA Bit-Rate 320 kbps
Video Capabilities
Video Format MPEG-4 • H.264 • WMV
Video Bit-Rate 1,500 kbps
Max Video Resolution 320 x 240
On Screen Display ID3 Tag Info • Battery Level • Elapsed Time
Screen Size 3 inch
Interface USB 2.0 • Wi-Fi
Outputs Headphone Jack
Additional Features FM Stereo Tuner
Power Source Rechargeable via USB cable • Internal Battery • AC/DC Adapter
Battery Type Rechargeable Lithium Battery
Battery Life Up to 14 hrs.
Width 2.4 in.
Depth 0.6 in.
Height 4.4 in.
Weight 5.6 oz.
Warranty 1 Year
[BREAK=Usability & Performance]
Usability & overall performance !
As far as usage is concerned, it’s simple and straightforward ! You use the navigation button to move up and down,selelct using the centre OK button.The back button is used to go to the previous menu and last but not the least the Play/Pause button which is also the power button.
The Menu is pretty simple to understand and navigate and all options arranged accordingly.So the learning curve is quite easy.
Now, coming down to where it really matters ! The audio performance is very much comparable to the likes of the ipod & the zen.In fact ,I’d say it was excellent ! Also the bundled earphones do a pretty good job and is slightly better than the one bundled with the ipod classic.The Highs & Lows sound pleasant and there’s minimal distortion!
Video Playback is yet another treat primarily because of the bright and colourful 3†display,a major advantage over the ipod classic.Playback is smooth and the controls are appropriate.You’d be tempted to watch movies & tv series on it all day long,provided you spend enough time CONVERTING THE VIDEOS.
^^^ This brings us to the supported formats.With only 3 audio & 1 video format supported by the Zune, the playable content is rather limited ! I’d definitely not enjoy spending hours converting all my favourite videos into the wmv format.But then even the ipod requires conversion of divx,xvid videos.Im pretty satisfied with MP3 & AAC content so I’m not complaining about the audio format support.
FM Radio is rather essential in today’s gadgets with the no. of great stations to tune in to ! And MS was wise enough to add a radio to the zune. The tuning interface is pretty straightforward and easy to use and the reception is quite good too! Beat that ,darn ipods !
Last but not the least, the rather note-worthy feature of the zune is its Wi-fi capability !
But let’s not get carried away because the Wi-fi only allows sharing of files from one zune to another but under such circumstances it sure is great !
The zune with a 700mAh battery is rated at 14 hours of music or 4 hours of video.But the 3†lcd and wi-fi feature don’t help in achieving that figure ! Nevertheless the battery life is decent enough for normal usage.
[BREAK=Zune Software]
The Zune Software
It basically is an ALL-IN-ONE software that manages both playback features & organizing media(audio/video) content.The software is relatively easy to use but rather abrupt & can be initially confusing, a bit too straightforward I suppose? But then certain users would appreciate the “I’ve got everything I need right here†interface.I’d personally prefer the well organized itunes interface anyday but hey the zune software does its job and provides the same functionality as itunes but in its rather MICROSOFTish way !
Both audio and video format conversions take a reasonable amount of time for completion.Updating the software is relatively simple and the file size is quite reasonable considering the flashy interface.It’s the same with the firmware update.You just connect the Zune,check for firmware updates and it basically upgrades the zune’s software without any hassles !
Zune social is basically a community where one can share his/her zune content with other zune owners and of course interact ! socialize?!
[BREAK=Verdict]
Verdict !?
In a Belkin Leather/suede case...
Rest assured there enough skins,cases other accessories to keep a zune owner satisfied !
It is a rather entertaining device but handicapped considering the limited no. of formats.It could do with a lot of improvements.
However,It looks decent enough ,sounds great and plays videos smoothly on its 3†display ! Add to that a good FM radio & a rather limited Wifi capability and you get a product well worth considering for around 200$ !
The great 3†display & wifi capability are definitely the standout features of the Microsoft zune that might just lure you into getting one ! Also considering the fact that ipods are becoming too common these days,do you dare to be different?
IMHO, the new Zune models (both flash & hdd based) look rather ODD but have a few improvements under their sleeve,especially a 3.2†screen ,the pressure sensitive touch pad navigation & extended wi-fi capability !
Hope you like the review !
And plz do post your queries that are not addressed in the review..
Cheers !
Well, MS has been bold enough to enter the already competitive mp3/pmp segment with its Zune but does it have what it takes to stand the test of time needless to say the attention it needs from music lovers all over?
Let’s find out…
[BREAK=What’s Bundled?]
Here's what you'll find inside the box..
The Zune 30GB
Earbud type earphones
USB 2.0 Cable
Suede Pouch
Software Disc
[BREAK=Design]
How well does the design work?
For starters,it is just a tad beefier than the ipod classic, longer yes but there’s a very good reason for that, it’s superb 3†screen !
Beneath the screen is the navigation control that looks like a clickwheel but isn’t.It the basic up/down/ok navigation.Two more controls, the “Back†and “Play/pause†button rest on either sides of the nav control.
On top,you’ll find the Hold switch and the 3.5mm headphone jack.The bundled earphones looks rather wacky but does the job well !
The design practicality is quite acceptable and the all matte finish gives it a serious advantage as far as fingerprints & scratches are concerned.
So all in all it works but the dimensions of this player suggest a rather passive user, someone who probably enjoys sitting back and enjoying what the Zune has to offer.
Size Difference...
The Zune with my ipod nano 1G
[BREAK=Specifications]
Here are the specs:
Storage Capacity 30 GB
Number of Songs 7500
Family Line Zune
Main Storage Type Hard Drive
Audio Format MP3 • WMA • AAC
MP3 Bit-Rate 320 kbps
WMA Bit-Rate 320 kbps
Video Capabilities
Video Format MPEG-4 • H.264 • WMV
Video Bit-Rate 1,500 kbps
Max Video Resolution 320 x 240
On Screen Display ID3 Tag Info • Battery Level • Elapsed Time
Screen Size 3 inch
Interface USB 2.0 • Wi-Fi
Outputs Headphone Jack
Additional Features FM Stereo Tuner
Power Source Rechargeable via USB cable • Internal Battery • AC/DC Adapter
Battery Type Rechargeable Lithium Battery
Battery Life Up to 14 hrs.
Width 2.4 in.
Depth 0.6 in.
Height 4.4 in.
Weight 5.6 oz.
Warranty 1 Year
[BREAK=Usability & Performance]
Usability & overall performance !
As far as usage is concerned, it’s simple and straightforward ! You use the navigation button to move up and down,selelct using the centre OK button.The back button is used to go to the previous menu and last but not the least the Play/Pause button which is also the power button.
The Menu is pretty simple to understand and navigate and all options arranged accordingly.So the learning curve is quite easy.
Now, coming down to where it really matters ! The audio performance is very much comparable to the likes of the ipod & the zen.In fact ,I’d say it was excellent ! Also the bundled earphones do a pretty good job and is slightly better than the one bundled with the ipod classic.The Highs & Lows sound pleasant and there’s minimal distortion!
Video Playback is yet another treat primarily because of the bright and colourful 3†display,a major advantage over the ipod classic.Playback is smooth and the controls are appropriate.You’d be tempted to watch movies & tv series on it all day long,provided you spend enough time CONVERTING THE VIDEOS.
^^^ This brings us to the supported formats.With only 3 audio & 1 video format supported by the Zune, the playable content is rather limited ! I’d definitely not enjoy spending hours converting all my favourite videos into the wmv format.But then even the ipod requires conversion of divx,xvid videos.Im pretty satisfied with MP3 & AAC content so I’m not complaining about the audio format support.
FM Radio is rather essential in today’s gadgets with the no. of great stations to tune in to ! And MS was wise enough to add a radio to the zune. The tuning interface is pretty straightforward and easy to use and the reception is quite good too! Beat that ,darn ipods !
Last but not the least, the rather note-worthy feature of the zune is its Wi-fi capability !
But let’s not get carried away because the Wi-fi only allows sharing of files from one zune to another but under such circumstances it sure is great !
The zune with a 700mAh battery is rated at 14 hours of music or 4 hours of video.But the 3†lcd and wi-fi feature don’t help in achieving that figure ! Nevertheless the battery life is decent enough for normal usage.
[BREAK=Zune Software]
The Zune Software
It basically is an ALL-IN-ONE software that manages both playback features & organizing media(audio/video) content.The software is relatively easy to use but rather abrupt & can be initially confusing, a bit too straightforward I suppose? But then certain users would appreciate the “I’ve got everything I need right here†interface.I’d personally prefer the well organized itunes interface anyday but hey the zune software does its job and provides the same functionality as itunes but in its rather MICROSOFTish way !
Both audio and video format conversions take a reasonable amount of time for completion.Updating the software is relatively simple and the file size is quite reasonable considering the flashy interface.It’s the same with the firmware update.You just connect the Zune,check for firmware updates and it basically upgrades the zune’s software without any hassles !
Zune social is basically a community where one can share his/her zune content with other zune owners and of course interact ! socialize?!
[BREAK=Verdict]
Verdict !?
In a Belkin Leather/suede case...
Rest assured there enough skins,cases other accessories to keep a zune owner satisfied !
It is a rather entertaining device but handicapped considering the limited no. of formats.It could do with a lot of improvements.
However,It looks decent enough ,sounds great and plays videos smoothly on its 3†display ! Add to that a good FM radio & a rather limited Wifi capability and you get a product well worth considering for around 200$ !
The great 3†display & wifi capability are definitely the standout features of the Microsoft zune that might just lure you into getting one ! Also considering the fact that ipods are becoming too common these days,do you dare to be different?
IMHO, the new Zune models (both flash & hdd based) look rather ODD but have a few improvements under their sleeve,especially a 3.2†screen ,the pressure sensitive touch pad navigation & extended wi-fi capability !
Hope you like the review !
And plz do post your queries that are not addressed in the review..
Cheers !
, too lazy for that.