Zune AReviews

Zune 80GB

 

The world of mobile MP3 entertainment has been lorded over by Apple's Ipod.  I myself am an iPod user for three years now, starting with its 30 GB model and now the 80 GB. It can be said that iPods have become synonymous to it.  The association has become quite strong that you just can't talk MP3 without mentioning iPods.

But the last couple of years have seen the emergence of equally exciting competing brands that have started to challenge the iPod's dominance in the mobile music markets.  There's the Creative Zen and iRivers products that have certainly carved out a strong following.  Competitively priced, they look like iPods and come in more fashion coordinated colors than the bland iPods.  I find the Zen is a real value and is certainly no pushover.   Samsung and Sony are not really that far, being firsts in the market for mobile MP3s.  Most of my friends actually prefer Sony mobile players for their fast PC interface as just an external hard drive without the need for proprietary software.

Now we have Microsoft's second generation Zune 80 GB that is a match to anything Apple's has for its iPod 80 GB player.  I find it is actually more than a match. Sporting a larger 3.5" display of the same resolution, Wifi support and an FM radio built-in, the new Zune 80 GB MP3 player is giving my iPod 80 GB real competition.

Right out of the box, the new Zune 80GB is just as much a joy to behold as when I got the iPod.  It comes with a premium stereo earphone, a standard USB data cable and a suede carrying pouch. Thinner and lighter than its 30 GB predecessor, its tight and well-built construction make it a pleasure to the touch.  The device comes with the more innovative and intuitive Zune Pad controls replacing the simpler and more pedestrian directional pad of the earlier model common with the cellphones I have. 

And what's so nice about it is that its earphone is clearly a notch above most of the MP3 player stock earphones out there, the iPod's included.  Now, I can wax about how better sounding it is than my iPods.  I even swapped earphones and still found the Zune sound more full-bodied.  But I leave that to the listeners as this is can be quite subjective and personal.

Its real advantage is its WiFi support that allows you to do wireless file sharing.  There are really not that many mobile MP3 players with this feature.  Certainly not with the iPod. I haven't tried this option out.  But another wonderful capability is its wireless PC sync that I find effortless to use.  It does everything you do with a USB cable- something many cellphone users already enjoy. And one truly remarkable innovation is its wireless charging as well. It's indeed refreshing to have them

Built-in FM reception isn't really new.  There are quite a number of mobile mp3 players that have them.  Even iPods have accessories you can buy separately to have this feature. But they are clumsy to use, often loosing their connection on my iPod's bottom port. Zune does it better.  It's integrated and the reception is a notch cleaner than most MP3 players with FM.  You really need to listen yourself to realize this.

And if you have an Xbox 360, you can hook up your Zune to change the background music of your games, wirelessly as well. My 15-year old son does it nicely on his Xbox.  In fact, he just won't let go of my Zune.  I'll probably just buy another one.

As expected, Windows powers the Zune experience.  Microsoft certainly wants me and countless others to wean away from the iTunes platform.  That really shouldn't be difficult as the device integrates nicely with its official Zune marketplace software. So far I find the Zune experience right out of the box a stunner, solid and predictable.  It's a device that can hold out its own in a sea of iPods, Samsungs, Zens and iRivers out there.  And who knows, over time, I might be more than happy with just the Zune beside me.