So I bought a Zune... Mini Review 12/5 NEW Pictures + iPod Comparison

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GizmoGC

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Bored, and with a bit of extra cash I decided to purchase a Zune. I currently had a video iPod, but got tired of the boring software, and lack of Widescreen. I had debated between the Zune and Archos, but decided upon the Zune since it was more widley known (Did not are for the Creative Zen at all).

I thought maybe about trading in some games/systems at EB to grab it for less, but then fond out Costco sold it so I bought it there with their 'forever lifetime warranty. If I decide I don't like it, or the new iPod comes out, the Zune MAY go back.

Anyway, I get home, unbox it (very much like a 3rd gen 'oragami' iPod) and start playing around with it. It did come with some preloaded music, videos, photos, but I quickly deleted those. Software was pretty easy to setup (maybe 30 minutes or so), but it did have to purge all my iTunes music over which was 10 gigs. The WORST part about this thing is the videos. It can only play .wmv movies. Who the hell has those? All of mine are the already converted .MP4, .AVI, and .MPEG. So yo must convert those...You CAN use programs to do so, but if you don't do it 100% correctly, the Zune software will RECONVERT them. So first you must use one program to make the .MP4 file a .WMV, and then drop it in the ZUNE software to again, reconvert it to the fir the Zune. Ugh. There already are registry hacks to fix this, but out of the box its a pain in the ass. Thats my only big complaint so far.

Software, again, works pretty good. Not as good as iTunes, but that has had 5+ years to improve, so hopefully the Zune software will as well. Its really similar to iTunes 7.0, just lacking a lot of the unique features. Hopefully they add a podcast option soon.

The Zune itself is pretty cool. Any picture can be your background, unlike the boring iPod, to really give it that personalized feel. Ive so far changed it 5-10 times just to see how it looks. While it had most of the same features as the iPod (Albums, Artists, etc). there are some new features that I would have loved if Apple had included.

First - The Radio. It seems nearly every non-Apple MP3 player comes with one, the Zune one is actually pretty damn nice. You can save and set stations, and I get REALLY good reception from the Zune versus other MP3 players I have tried. While listening to the radio you can browse pictures and/or the Wireless network...

Second - Wireless. Well, its useless on the Zune. Had this been implemented into the iPod...WOW. However the Zune has such a small amount of users I have opted to turn off the Wireless to save on battery. I think the only person within 50 miles that owns one of these is 'Chris in California' from this board, and I don't think I will be running into him anytime soon. It does show/tell everyone what you are listening to/watching, so I will make sure to rename all my porn...just in case. Hacks have already been accomplished to allow transfer of Video, Pictures, Music, etc. without the 3 Plays/3Days things to no longer work.

Third - Streaming to the 360. Pretty damn cool. I just plugged in my Zune, went to the appropriate option on my 360 (Music, Video, or Pictures) and the Zune shows up. Video is somewhat jaggy due to the low resolution. There is a way to do this through WiFi...I just have not had any time to try this.

Overall I am happy with the purchase. I may wind up returning this though just because of the time it takes to convert, then convert, then Sync 1 movie file.

If anyone has any questions regarding the Zune....feel free to ask.

12/5 Edit: PICTURES!!!


Here is how it looks when browsing through albums...I still need to add more pictures however as more then half are blank (Zune software can find SOME of the album pictures...not all.


This is the main menu. MS seems to love to capitalizing words. Its so emo.


Look! My useless WiFi is on!!!!! I was too sad topost the picture that says 'No Zune devices nearby...closest is 26 miles away'


Radio function!!!!


The video menu...Love Angry Nintendo Nerd


This is just what it looks like when you are playing music.



 
Ive ben wanting to check out the Zune, but I doubt I would like it more than the Ipod. If it aint broke dont fix it. Maybe Ill get my gf one and just mess with hers.
 
I was looking at one at Target the other day and they look pretty cool, but how would you rate it out of 10 compared to an iPod?
 
Compared to an iPod? Well I don't rate the iPod a 10 AT ALL.
On a scale though, I'd rate the newest iPod Video a 7.5 and the Zune a 6. It needs better software like iTunes and less crap like converting and converting again.
 
[quote name='DeathDealer']If you would rate the ipod a 7.5 what is a 10?[/quote]

The Ipod is missing a true wide screen as well as a built in FM reciever. Those are two of my main issues with it and ones that would drop it a couple of points. That and that I find Itunes to be very cumbersome to use and a real hog on resources. The screen is also very easily scratched.

OP, good job. This has to be one of the most comprehensive reviews of the Zune I've read. Better than the cnet and other sites articles I have read on it. Perhaps I'll try to get enough trade in credit to get it at EBGames, or just save up for one.
 
[quote name='DeathDealer']If you would rate the ipod a 7.5 what is a 10?[/quote]

Maybe he's just picky like me and hates everything unless it's super perfect :).

Thanks for the review! All the info helps on this.

*waits for a good review of Zen Vision W*
 
I dont think widescreen or fm tuner is all that important. I would see those as a reason to score a mp3 player higher because it has them but not penalize because it doesnt. Those are like excuses to score it lower. First if it was widescreen, what would that be an extra half inch? The screen is so small it doesnt really matter, and video is more something extra. If you are looking for a true video player you shouldnt get an Ipod anyway. Video is just icing on the cake for an Ipod. The fm tuner, eh, if you want to listen to the radio then why have 30gb of music in your pocket? 30gb is enough for everything you would want to listen to.
Of course thats my opinion and you have yours so Im not trying to start any big arguements or anything, I like the Zune. I just dont think the Ipod should be scored lower because of those things. The only real downside I see with the Ipod is the awful battery life when watching video.
 
[quote name='DeathDealer']I dont think widescreen or fm tuner is all that important. I would see those as a reason to score a mp3 player higher because it has them but not penalize because it doesnt. Those are like excuses to score it lower. First if it was widescreen, what would that be an extra half inch? The screen is so small it doesnt really matter, and video is more something extra. If you are looking for a true video player you shouldnt get an Ipod anyway. Video is just icing on the cake for an Ipod. The fm tuner, eh, if you want to listen to the radio then why have 30gb of music in your pocket? 30gb is enough for everything you would want to listen to.
Of course thats my opinion and you have yours so Im not trying to start any big arguements or anything, I like the Zune. I just dont think the Ipod should be scored lower because of those things. The only real downside I see with the Ipod is the awful battery life when watching video.[/quote]

It should be scored lower when the Ipods competitors products come with fm tuners standard. That's how you have to compare the product. not only that I don't find the screen on the Ipod to be as great as many make it out to be.

The reason I find an FM Tuner so necessary is the fact that I want to listen to some of the morning shows here in the morning or at least get sports/business radio out here.
 
[quote name='DeathDealer']I dont think widescreen or fm tuner is all that important. I would see those as a reason to score a mp3 player higher because it has them but not penalize because it doesnt. Those are like excuses to score it lower. First if it was widescreen, what would that be an extra half inch? The screen is so small it doesnt really matter, and video is more something extra. If you are looking for a true video player you shouldnt get an Ipod anyway. Video is just icing on the cake for an Ipod. The fm tuner, eh, if you want to listen to the radio then why have 30gb of music in your pocket? 30gb is enough for everything you would want to listen to.
Of course thats my opinion and you have yours so Im not trying to start any big arguements or anything, I like the Zune. I just dont think the Ipod should be scored lower because of those things. The only real downside I see with the Ipod is the awful battery life when watching video.[/QUOTE]


Trust me, the extra half-inch really makes a big difference. I mean look at the GBA screen, and then the DS screen... it's just an extra half-inch, but it makes playing 3D games like Mario 64 worlds better.
 
[quote name='DeathDealer']I dont think widescreen or fm tuner is all that important. I would see those as a reason to score a mp3 player higher because it has them but not penalize because it doesnt. Those are like excuses to score it lower. First if it was widescreen, what would that be an extra half inch? The screen is so small it doesnt really matter, and video is more something extra. If you are looking for a true video player you shouldnt get an Ipod anyway. Video is just icing on the cake for an Ipod. The fm tuner, eh, if you want to listen to the radio then why have 30gb of music in your pocket? 30gb is enough for everything you would want to listen to.
Of course thats my opinion and you have yours so Im not trying to start any big arguements or anything, I like the Zune. I just dont think the Ipod should be scored lower because of those things. The only real downside I see with the Ipod is the awful battery life when watching video.[/QUOTE]


So the iPod should be a 10 just because a lot of people own it? No, it HAS faults. Ive owned almost every incarnation of it so far. I recognize these faults. I personally rated it a 7.5 because of lack of Widescreen & Radio.

iTunes sells TV shows and movies. What do almost all movies get produced in? Widescreen. That means they are screwing up a movie to fit on a 4:3 screen. Not in the case of the Zune. Same with TV shows. What happens when the new Widescreen iPod comes out? Do you think iTunes will put out WS versions of the movies/TV shows? Maybe. Will they let you re-download the ones in WS? No.

Radio is a GREAT addition. Why? If you are at the GYM and tired of listening to the same music over and over. What if you want to listen to the TV in the GYM? You COULD tune into that broadcast. These are the things iPod lacks. I could go on and on how the damn iPod scratches within minutes of opening, and the poor battery life and the lack of personalized features...but I won't. Notice how I scored the Zune LOWER? Lack of features as well. No Clock, Games, Calender etc...shit I WONT USE, but SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. Just because YOU wont use the Radio does not mean others won't. I don't even OWN a radio in my apartment...what if there is an earthquake? I'd love to hear some news on that...

The Zube screen is 44% bigger then the iPod video...thats a BIG difference. Its like going from the Gameboy Micro screen to the GBA SP. You WILL tell the difference.

Like I said, iTunes is NOT a 10. No MP3 player is. How can anything be a 10 when it can't have every possible function I'd want? I'd still love a WiFi sync, download movies/music on the go...etc. Ive tried tons of MP3 players before, and Zune is #2 with me. I LOVE the case (its a hard rubber...no scratches, dents, etc) and the screen is just stunning. Sadly there are alot of features missing, but I beleive future firmware updates will rectify this somewhat,
 
[quote name='hiccupleftovers']OP, good job. This has to be one of the most comprehensive reviews of the Zune I've read. Better than the cnet and other sites articles I have read on it. Perhaps I'll try to get enough trade in credit to get it at EBGames, or just save up for one.[/QUOTE]

Thanks. Ive read A LOT of reviews and even when I got home there were features none of the reviewers touched on. I had NO idea I could stream pictures, music, videos to my 360. It makes sense...but not a single review I read even mentioned that. Same with the Wifi settings showing others what I'm doing. Little things like that make me wonder why so many obvious iPod lovers chose to review the Zune instead of a neutral party, like someone who owns an off-brand MP3 player.

Everything will be reviewed based upon the iPod. Its a staple in the MP3 category. How many times on a TV show is someone USING an iPod instead of something else? VERY VERY RARE. MS got a lot of things right with the Zune...but still has ways to go with making it a true competitor for Apple. Sadly I think when the new iPod launched Zune will be swept under the rug.

Edit: I forgot to mention the Zune software also links to you're 360 account...so who knows whats in store there. You can share points between the Zune and 360...maybe even the downloadable TV shows/Movies? Who knows...
 
How does browsing through a massive list on a zune compare to using the click wheel on an iPod?

One thing I wish the iPod did was let you jump to a letter (so if I'm browsing to Pink Floyd in my list of artists I could jump to P and then go from there.)

Or at least let you scroll backwards from AA to ZZ. Very annoying when I want to get to White Stripes and can't just go backwards from A.
 
[quote name='wubb']How does browsing through a massive list on a zune compare to using the click wheel on an iPod?

One thing I wish the iPod did was let you jump to a letter (so if I'm browsing to Pink Floyd in my list of artists I could jump to P and then go from there.)

Or at least let you scroll backwards from AA to ZZ. Very annoying when I want to get to White Stripes and can't just go backwards from A.[/QUOTE]

Its not that tough. If you search for albums you just press down. It DOES show a small picture of the album as well, something the iPod does not do. Its pretty cool scrolling through albums by just looking at the pictures instead of the text.

I believe the new 5.5 iPod lets you jump to letters...?
 
[quote name='gizmogc']So the iPod should be a 10 just because a lot of people own it? No, it HAS faults. Ive owned almost every incarnation of it so far. I recognize these faults. I personally rated it a 7.5 because of lack of Widescreen & Radio.

iTunes sells TV shows and movies. What do almost all movies get produced in? Widescreen. That means they are screwing up a movie to fit on a 4:3 screen. Not in the case of the Zune. Same with TV shows. What happens when the new Widescreen iPod comes out? Do you think iTunes will put out WS versions of the movies/TV shows? Maybe. Will they let you re-download the ones in WS? No.

Radio is a GREAT addition. Why? If you are at the GYM and tired of listening to the same music over and over. What if you want to listen to the TV in the GYM? You COULD tune into that broadcast. These are the things iPod lacks. I could go on and on how the damn iPod scratches within minutes of opening, and the poor battery life and the lack of personalized features...but I won't. Notice how I scored the Zune LOWER? Lack of features as well. No Clock, Games, Calender etc...shit I WONT USE, but SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. Just because YOU wont use the Radio does not mean others won't. I don't even OWN a radio in my apartment...what if there is an earthquake? I'd love to hear some news on that...

The Zube screen is 44% bigger then the iPod video...thats a BIG difference. Its like going from the Gameboy Micro screen to the GBA SP. You WILL tell the difference.

Like I said, iTunes is NOT a 10. No MP3 player is. How can anything be a 10 when it can't have every possible function I'd want? I'd still love a WiFi sync, download movies/music on the go...etc. Ive tried tons of MP3 players before, and Zune is #2 with me. I LOVE the case (its a hard rubber...no scratches, dents, etc) and the screen is just stunning. Sadly there are alot of features missing, but I beleive future firmware updates will rectify this somewhat,[/QUOTE]

You should go back and read my post again. Like I said in that post also, Im not knocking the Zune at all. Just voicing "my opinion". An mp3 player can be a 10. Things shouldnt be graded on what they dont do. They should be graded on what they doo doo... sorry. With that mentality I think the Ipod is very close to a 10 with the exception of video battery life.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Its not that tough. If you search for albums you just press down. It DOES show a small picture of the album as well, something the iPod does not do. Its pretty cool scrolling through albums by just looking at the pictures instead of the text.

I believe the new 5.5 iPod lets you jump to letters...?[/QUOTE]

Are you saying v5.5 of the firmware? I haven't updated in a long time. Have a 4G - I think - clickwheel iPod. Guess I should grab the current version and see if it adds this.
 
[quote name='wubb']Are you saying v5.5 of the firmware? I haven't updated in a long time. Have a 4G - I think - clickwheel iPod. Guess I should grab the current version and see if it adds this.[/QUOTE]

No, the new 5th generation iPod VIDEO...the 4G will not update.
 
Ah, okay. And I just poked around and apparently you have to upgrade to iTunes 7 to get offiicial iPod updates from Apple now anyway. Don't think I'll bother.
 
[quote name='Chris in Cali']You need to get a torrent of Xilisoft Zune Converter. It converts pretty much every video format perfectly, and rip DVDs directly to WMV with ease. It's awesome.

Here...

http://btjunkie.org/torrent?do=stat&id=3782d0507fdc5175797754f79a519b0e3463f557675e

If you still can't get videos to work then you're doing something wrong.[/QUOTE]

Found out I had an option selected in the Zune software which ALWAYS would make it reconvert...Unchecked that and everything works fine. Time to load it up with Daria and Clone High!
 
Very nice review OP, but currently, I'm happy with my Zen Vision: M.
The Zune is looking very nice though...maybe I'll get a 2nd gen one if they make a 60+ gb version.
 
thats pretty cool. Sucks to have to stick with WMV instead of MOV/MP4/AVI
I am gonna wait for a 3rd or 5th generation one so they can work out the kinks from the first generation model. If they follow the IPOD releases, we should see another generation in a year or 2.
 
One of my friends got a Zune the other day and I got to mess around with it for a few minutes. I was pretty impressed. The video quality looked pretty good on the small screen. If Microsoft fixes some of the major problems (like WMV video only) I may pick up a Zune when my current MP3 player dies.
 
Why must Sony and Microsoft have to be so hardcore about proprietary formats?

Thanks for the review op, I'm curious about Zune vs. iPod. I havent bought an mp3 player yet and I'm waiting for the best one (large memory and video).
 
Seriously, check the latest models from both Cowon and Archos. I love my Cowon (carry movies in your pocket, hook it up to a TV and play them). I'll refrain from repeating the obvious anti-microsoft stuff that should be obvious by now. Check newegg.com.
 
:applause: very nice review

I didn't read the entire thread (I need to get ready for work, LOL) so if it's been asked I'm sorry!

Now if it's .wmv, it doesn't come with a converter? I'm sorta confused on that. Since you said you have to convert say a .mp4 to .wmv then the Zune converts it to another file?

I know you can use Microsoft Points (well you have to) to buy music, so can you link your Zune account with your XBL account and share the same points?

If I buy something on my 360 (like one of the movies/tv shows now offered) can that be transfered to the Zune or is it just Zune => 360 streaming?

I have an iPod mini (I'm getting a Zune for Christmas I believe). Now alot of my songs weren't originally from iTunes, and they are on my iPod but no longer in my iTunes library. If and when I do get a Zune, how can I basically transfer everything that's on my iPod onto my Zune?

There's no option for Podcasts--but you mean how like iTunes separates them into their own little section, but you can still download them from specific websites (...such as CAG) and put them on I assume?

I think that's it. I'm sorry if I bombarded you with questions and I apologize for any grammatical errors.. it's 5:50am where I am and I need to get ready (fuck Mondays, btw)

Again awesome review. Hopefully my (annoying) questions help me determine if I want one or not (or maybe even help some others)
 
[quote name='lilboo']
Again awesome review. Hopefully my (annoying) questions help me determine if I want one or not (or maybe even help some others)[/QUOTE]

They helped me, as soon as Gizmo or someone else anyways them... I've got alot of the same questions ;)

Also, and this is probably really stupid, but it's possible to rip episodes off of TV DVD's to put on the Zune, right? Would be nice to rip some ep's of my favorite shows to watch on the go... I don't really keep up with any of that stuff so it might be an extremely dumb question.
 
I bought two -- one for me one for my wife.

We love 'em so far :)

Her 15 gig ipod was dying, and she hates iTunes.. she loves it!

I've filled mine up with a ton of videos/movies.

As far as video conversions go, it's easy once you get the proper settings.

I use WinAvi Video Convertor.. it's the fastest of all the ones I've seen and works 99% without reconverting. It cut my encoding time drastically.

Great mp3 player, I highly recommend it!
 
[quote name='lilboo']
Now if it's .wmv, it doesn't come with a converter? I'm sorta confused on that. Since you said you have to convert say a .mp4 to .wmv then the Zune converts it to another file?
[/quote]

It has one built in, but let's be honest, third party converters are quicker in my opinion :)

The trick is knowing the settings (320x240), once you have them it's a piece of cake to go 3rd party.

[quote name='lilboo']
I know you can use Microsoft Points (well you have to) to buy music, so can you link your Zune account with your XBL account and share the same points?
[/quote]

I think that's coming shortly. They're planning on crossover for use with the HD video marketplace on the 360. They wanted to launch successfully first and then add on things without compounding any potential launch problems.

[quote name='lilboo']
If I buy something on my 360 (like one of the movies/tv shows now offered) can that be transfered to the Zune or is it just Zune => 360 streaming?
[/quote]

Not currently. It is planned in the near future according to developers.

[quote name='lilboo']
I have an iPod mini (I'm getting a Zune for Christmas I believe). Now alot of my songs weren't originally from iTunes, and they are on my iPod but no longer in my iTunes library. If and when I do get a Zune, how can I basically transfer everything that's on my iPod onto my Zune?
[/quote]

I believe so. It'll import stuff you've bought, and anything protected can always be re-ripped if need be.

In other words, yes, it does play mp3s you've obtained elsewhere or ripped yourself.

[quote name='lilboo']
There's no option for Podcasts--but you mean how like iTunes separates them into their own little section, but you can still download them from specific websites (...such as CAG) and put them on I assume?
[/quote]

There's this site:

http://www.feedyourzune.com

Which handles it for you until they release a firmware revision.

Anyways, here's some quick thoughts I posted on another forum for some friends (8 of which ended up buying a Zune :D)

So, the Microsoft Zune..

It's really lightweight.

Despite what the i-podpeople want you to believe, it was easy to install.

The actual software is a billion times better than iTunes.. it never once locked up and transfers were really quick.

The screen is very bright and crisp and widescreen .. it's like a mini HD screen

It hooked up flawlessly to the 360

Everything was very intuitive and easy to use. As you scroll down a long list of MP3s, a large letter indicating which letter you're on appears.

The menu is transparent on top of the wallpaper.. this thing is a lot like a PDA in some respects.

ASSORTED FUN STUFF:
The headphones that come with it, are magnetized on the back, so you can attach them to each other to keep things tidy.. also there's a slide on the cord (think bolos) to keep things further tidy.

I tried to put some digitized comics onto it. And it worked great I was able to zoom in to read balloons/captions, so I see a promising future here. No more will I have to sit at the computer to read things that I've grabbed but never read. As an added bonus, I could theoretically hook it up to the 360 and read them on the widescreen HDTV

Tried to put some YouTube videos on, and it worked. It works with mp4 and wmvs.. which will make it easy to watch stuff on the 360 and vice versa.. put Ultimate Avengers 2 on it (350mb) and it looked and sounded great.. no skips/etc.. took about 15-20 minutes to convert, but 3rd party programs will probably make this quicker.

Didn't bother with the Zune marketplace yet, but more than likely we'll do the $15 a month/unlimited songs option since both of us can use it without being charged two fees.

FM tuner was fun, which will make working out easier.

Oh, and I liked how it let you grab the track names/album art from the internet.. if it didn't have an album cover, you can find one and paste it manually and it autoresizes things for the Zune. I can see why ipod owners loved this feature.

The track status indicator is cool.. it's like a burning fuse.

All in all, not bad for $209
Click to expand...

You can also use the Zune as a portable hard drive and beam videos to other users with this hack:

http://www.zunescene.com/zune-mass-storage-mod/

Basically, the next firmware revision ought to add a lot of neat things.. I'd imagine they're waiting on Vista's release for the Live Anywhere features.
 
[quote name='Roufuss']They helped me, as soon as Gizmo or someone else anyways them... I've got alot of the same questions ;)

Also, and this is probably really stupid, but it's possible to rip episodes off of TV DVD's to put on the Zune, right? Would be nice to rip some ep's of my favorite shows to watch on the go... I don't really keep up with any of that stuff so it might be an extremely dumb question.[/QUOTE]

Yup.

I watch a lot of anime fansubs that way to get caught up on them.

Heroes is actively being converted/posted online for Zune users.

There's software to rip from DVD to Zune, but I haven't bothered with it to be honest.

It's a great way to get caught up on series.
 
[quote name='Cth']Yup.

I watch a lot of anime fansubs that way to get caught up on them.

Heroes is actively being converted/posted online for Zune users.

There's software to rip from DVD to Zune, but I haven't bothered with it to be honest.

It's a great way to get caught up on series.[/QUOTE]

Free software? So basacially I can just put the DVD in, run the software, and rip it to the Zune?

My family has been bugging me a shit ton about getting me something from Christmas so I think it's going to be a Zune.

Thanks for all of your help too, you answered alot of my questions.

Hey, that $15 a month for unlimited songs, if I got that, and then cancelled it, I could still listen to the music? I heard some subscription sites make it so that once you cancel all of your songs no longer work. I imagine something like that would HAVE to be implement or else I can sign on for a month, download everything, and then cancel.
 
[quote name='VanillaGorilla']Must be nice to get bored, and decide to buy a $250 gadget, despite already having something just as good just laying around.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, having a stable job is pretty weird. I like go...on a regular basis and get a paycheck. I then exchange said paycheck for money, pay rent, and like use the rest to buy things. Its pretty odd...but ive made do.:cool:
 
[quote name='DeathDealer']You should go back and read my post again. Like I said in that post also, Im not knocking the Zune at all. Just voicing "my opinion". An mp3 player can be a 10. Things shouldnt be graded on what they dont do. They should be graded on what they doo doo... sorry. With that mentality I think the Ipod is very close to a 10 with the exception of video battery life.[/QUOTE]

So if the only movie I have ever seen is Star Wars I should rate it a 10?
If the onyl console I have owned is a Xbox then it should be a 10?

iPod is not a 10. It lacks common 'duh' features that would even make it close to a 10. Radio, for instance, which has been in a staple in most MP3 players for years.
Scratchless body. Battery Life. Custom backgronds (like most cell phones of the past 5 years). Alternate colors besides White and the new generation black.

If the iPod was a 10 there would be no such thing as the Zune, Archos, Creative Zen, Cowon etc. They all see the weakness in iPod and try and build an MP3 player arond that.
 
Q&A time now...if I missed anything feel free to repost

Liboo:

Now if it's .wmv, it doesn't come with a converter? I'm sorta confused on that. Since you said you have to convert say a .mp4 to .wmv then the Zune converts it to another file?
If you have a .WMV file you most likley will still need to convert it. The Zune software needs everything to be PERFECT for the Zune to actually play it. Im using imTOO Zune right now and its working wonders. I convert .MP4, .AVI, etc in minutes, and just put it on my Zune. The Zune software will only try to reconvert when the .WMV file is not in the correct ratio (320x240). If you do get a Zune, and need the 'free' software, please PM me.


I know you can use Microsoft Points (well you have to) to buy music, so can you link your Zune account with your XBL account and share the same points?
Yes. Right now I have 100 points on my XBL360 account...and my Zune account.

If I buy something on my 360 (like one of the movies/tv shows now offered) can that be transfered to the Zune or is it just Zune => 360 streaming?
Right now its nothing. You can stream stuff from the Zune to 360 but not the other way around. I am sure you will be allowed to download TV shows from the 360 and transfer them...but just not right now.

I have an iPod mini (I'm getting a Zune for Christmas I believe). Now alot of my songs weren't originally from iTunes, and they are on my iPod but no longer in my iTunes library. If and when I do get a Zune, how can I basically transfer everything that's on my iPod onto my Zune?
It happens when you install the Zune. It asks you if you want it (Zune Software) to find music,videos, pictures. If opted it will do so. Took my computer 20-30 minutes to find and transfer 10 gigs of music. As long as its NOT an iTunes music file you PURCHASED it should transfer.

There's no option for Podcasts--but you mean how like iTunes separates them into their own little section, but you can still download them from specific websites (...such as CAG) and put them on I assume?
FeedMyZune works right now...or just download them and put it in the correct directory. This is version 1 of the software....not streamlined yet.

Roufuss:
Also, and this is probably really stupid, but it's possible to rip episodes off of TV DVD's to put on the Zune, right? Would be nice to rip some ep's of my favorite shows to watch on the go... I don't really keep up with any of that stuff so it might be an extremely dumb question.
YES! As long as you convert it to .WMV file it will play. I have Daria, Clone High, Veronica Mars, Beavis and Buuthead, X-Men etc. on my Zune right now.

Hey, that $15 a month for unlimited songs, if I got that, and then cancelled it, I could still listen to the music? I heard some subscription sites make it so that once you cancel all of your songs no longer work. I imagine something like that would HAVE to be implement or else I can sign on for a month, download everything, and then cancel.
If you cancel you're $15 subscription the music will expire. All files have an expiration date. If the Zune is not synced up by that time the music will not play. So if you sign up for 1 month all you're music will have 1 month before it expires. After 1 month you MUST re-sync up to either update the expiration dates if you purchased additional time, or to just remove it.

The Zune does come with a free 14 day trial for SELECT music. So far I have downloaded 40 or so songs.

 
Thanks Gizmo. I'm on my second Ipod (this time a nano), and I never really got into it to be honest. Not sure why but the Ipod was just never really my thing. From everything I've seen about the Zune it more than makes up for the things I didn't like in the ipod, plus all the connectivity to the 360 is a major selling point as well.

Since it is christmas, I'm going to give my old 1st gen Ipod Nano to a friend for her christmas / birthday. I know I could make some $$ selling it but it wouldn't feel right since I'm getting the Zune for free.
 
[quote name='Roufuss']Free software? So basacially I can just put the DVD in, run the software, and rip it to the Zune?

Hey, that $15 a month for unlimited songs, if I got that, and then cancelled it, I could still listen to the music? I heard some subscription sites make it so that once you cancel all of your songs no longer work. I imagine something like that would HAVE to be implement or else I can sign on for a month, download everything, and then cancel.[/QUOTE]

There's some free software out there, but as usual, the premium stuff is better.

And yeah, the songs stay on there, but you can't play them if you cancel.

I haven't tried it yet but maybe soon.
 
[quote name='Vampire Hunter D']Can you upload videos from Youtube on the Zune, Ipod, or Creative Zen Vision M?[/QUOTE]

Yes, just rename the .FLZ file to .AVI and then convert it to a .WMV.

UPDATE: I will be returning this. Decided its not worth the $250 for all the work and the incredible slow, unreliable Zune software. Will be getting the new iPod whenever that comes out.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']
UPDATE: I will be returning this. Decided its not worth the $250 for all the work and the incredible slow, unreliable Zune software. Will be getting the new iPod whenever that comes out.[/QUOTE]

:rofl:

Cmon, make up your mind, either you hate the ipod or you don't.

You just called it a 7 awhile ago, yet now you're considering just waiting for a new version of the iPod? I recommend just trying a different brand of MP3 player altogether since I doubt the ipod is going to fix what you hated with it.

So far, the Zune software is a shit ton better than Itunes, imo, everything is actually organized and easy to find.
 
[quote name='Roufuss']:rofl:

Cmon, make up your mind, either you hate the ipod or you don't.

You just called it a 7 awhile ago, yet now you're considering just waiting for a new version of the iPod? I recommend just trying a different brand of MP3 player altogether since I doubt the ipod is going to fix what you hated with it.

So far, the Zune software is a shit ton better than Itunes, imo, everything is actually organized and easy to find.[/QUOTE]
he must be bipolar
 
[quote name='rickonker']Umm the Zune isn't widescreen. I know it looks like it, but it's not. Its resolution is 320x240.[/QUOTE]

Correct. Its not 100% 16X9 but its not 4:3 like the iPod. Widescreen movies/shows look awesome. I dumped a 16x9 movie on it and it came out with no black borders and fairly close to the DVD version.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Correct. Its not 100% 16X9 but its not 4:3 like the iPod. Widescreen movies/shows look awesome. I dumped a 16x9 movie on it and it came out with no black borders and fairly close to the DVD version.[/QUOTE]
How is that possible? 320x240 is 4:3. Maybe the res is stretched.
 
[quote name='Roufuss']:rofl:

Cmon, make up your mind, either you hate the ipod or you don't.

You just called it a 7 awhile ago, yet now you're considering just waiting for a new version of the iPod? I recommend just trying a different brand of MP3 player altogether since I doubt the ipod is going to fix what you hated with it.

So far, the Zune software is a shit ton better than Itunes, imo, everything is actually organized and easy to find.[/QUOTE]

The problem is the software. Its SO DAMN SLOW. When I actually put a 'video' into the program it takes 15 seconds just to show up. Sync'ing the video to my Zune takes another 5 minutes. Now, it could be my computer, by iTunes loads up right away and syncs the same video files, the same size, 3 times faster.

I'm still unsure really. Spending $250 on something and then seeing a possible iPod with a 60-100gig harddrive + Bigger screen + Possible touchscreen...makes me scream. I like Zune, I really do, but its gonna take a long time, and a generation or two under its belts to compete with the iPod. Had they dtiched the WiFi bullshit and instead made a bigger screen...id be in love.

As standing, right now, I'm keeping it. When the new iPod comes out I will consider then returning it to Costco.
 
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