CNET Editor's rating: 8.0 out of 10
Reviewed by
James Kim
Review date: 11/14/06
The good: The Microsoft Zune has very good playback performance of audio, video, and photos; intuitive and colorful interface; good FM radio with RDS; works well with Zune Marketplace software; integrated wireless allows sharing of songs (limited) and photos; many accessories available at launch.
The bad: The Microsoft Zune is not backward compatible with WMA-DRM9; weak native video support (cannot play protected content) and no video offerings from Zune Marketplace; cannot be used as a hard drive (and no UMS support); proprietary USB; cannot use Wi-Fi to sync, stream, or purchase content; minimal bundled accessories; no podcast directory; maximum capacity is 30GB.
The bottom line: The Microsoft Zune, with its intuitive interface and solid playback performance, will please most users. But lukewarm format support and the cool but limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. The Zune is a very good start, though.
Description:
The microsoft Zune is a 30 GB, large capacity player.
Compared to other large capacity MP3 players on the market, it is relatively expensive at around $220.
Pros:
Comes with 30 GB storage.
This is more spacious than the average MP3 player on the market today, but is to be expected for a MP3 player of this price.
Cons:
Has a 5.6 oz weight, which is considerably heavier than some similarly priced MP3 players.
For example, the
Apple iPod Nano
, a 16 GB MP3 player at around $200, has a 1.3 oz weight.
Suitability:
Suited for those with a large library of music.
According to the manufacturer this player will last approximately 14 hour(s) between charges; your run-time will vary based on use and power management configuration.
Value:
Overall, this MP3 player's features are as expected for this price.
Suggestions:
Audiophiles may wish to buy
aftermarket headphones
for better sound reproduction.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular
Must Read!!
I will try to be very objective (a bit different from most of the reviews posted here. I will... Read more
by danielgarces (see profile) -
November 14, 2006
$449 Bundle eCode: USPCNETS10SERV
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