Microsoft Zune 30 Gig Review
This article is dedicated to the Microsoft Zune 30 gigabyte
hard drive based MP3 player, version 1, the original Zune. I was one of the early adopters of the new Microsoft product that was trying to take a chunk out of the iPod market. As this hasn’t happened, I felt it necessary to let consumers know that the Zune is an excellent MP3 and video player, and I will layout the pros and cons of this initial Microsoft product.
PROS:
- Excellent and high quality video playback.
- High fidelity audio playback.
- Large and colorful album art display.
- Strong battery life.
- Built-in FM receiver.
- Wireless squirting to other Zunes nearby.
- Good earphones included.
- Audio/Video output accessory. (sold separately)
CONS:
- Software (WMP-like) is not very useful.
- Video encoding is extremely slow.
- No games support.
- No podcast support.
- Navigation is somewhat finicky on the device.
- Can not replace battery.
- No built-in voice recorder.
The Zune 2.0 software package is much better. It includes podcast support and a supremely better user interface in both the software and the device.
A few weeks ago Microsoft released version 3.0 that has Audible support for playing back audiobooks via their service. There are more features and enhancements, but as of yet I have not installed the software update.
All in all I think the Zune is a viable alternative to the hugely successful iPod franchise. It is definitely worth taking a look at a Zune before you purchase your next MP3 player.
