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Microsoft Zune The second generation of the Zune is far from the brown brick that was almost universally laughed at when it appeared just over a year ago. Much like the Xbox, this second revision is a serious competitor.My last visit to the States coin...
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The first-generation Zune media player that Microsoft released last year was a so-so product with a few nice touches. So the question with the new, second-generation Zune is whether Microsoft is ready to surpass its competition, most notably Apple an...

While Microsoft has made solid progress with the Zune, the device still isnt compellingly more attractive than its competitors. Its not out in the UK as yet, but at $149 for the 4GB version and $199 for the 8GB version, in the US its priced identic...
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Video review: Brilliant performance and a stunning user experience in a gorgeous package. The iPod has finally met its match...

Gorgeous looks. Great navigation and interface. Good sound. Excellent software...

Small screen. Not WMA DRM-compatible. No UK music store. No gapless playback...

Brilliant performance and a stunning user experience in a gorgeous package. The iPod has finally met its match...
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When PC World reviewed Microsoft’s previous Zune flash player last fall, we questioned whether support for wireless and for video was overkill on a device that holds only 8GB of content. This fall, Microsoft addressed the storage limitations by adding...

Wireless browsing, FM tuner, Intuitive interface and controls...

Bulkier than other flash players, New firmware not preinstalled...

If you prefer something extremely lightweight that integrates with a lot of third-party speakers and accessories, the fourth-generation 16GB iPod Nanos may be a better choice. All of these devices are available for about the same price as the Zune, so...
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theglobeandmail.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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Microsofts Zune player, released in the United States last year but only a couple of weeks ago in Canada (where it arrives in a newer version), is tied to the Zune Marketplace, software to buy and download music. You can also use another system of buying and downloading your music, then synchronizing it with your Zune. The Zune Marketplace o...
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Though the old 30GB Zune didnt go over too well, Microsofts kept at it and managed to produce an impressive pair of players in its second-generation Zunes. The 80GB hard-drive model we tested would make a capable alternative to an 80GB iPod Classic i...

Intuitive controls and interface, wireless syncing...

Comparatively low screen dpi The Final Word All in all, the 80GB Zune is a decent choice as an 80GB MP3 player. It sounds great, its interface isnt a hindrance, and its pricing is right in line with the competition. Accessories and features such as pr...

All in all, the 80GB Zune is a decent choice as an 80GB MP3 player. It sounds great, its interface isnt a hindrance, and its pricing is right in line with the competition. Accessories and features such as premium headphones and an FM tuner give it at...
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Wireless synching, good sound quality, and a nice touch control finally make Microsofts affordable player a good choice. Indeed, for some users the wireless synching will make the 80GB Zune a better bet than the iPod classic. Although the old 30GB...

The 80GB Zune is a decent choice as an 80GB MP3 player. It sounds great, its interface isnt a hindrance, and its pricing is right in line with the competition. Accessories and features such as premium headphones and an FM tuner give it at least one a...
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You may have already made up your mind about the Zune. It’s been picked apart in the US following its November launch, and won’t be arriving in the UK till late 2007. But don’t write its obituary just yet. The Wi-Fi player recently arriv...

Bright screen great for movies. Excellent UI. Very well built. Wi-Fi lets you share music.

Desktop software doesn’t support podcasts. Online store lacks movies and TV. You need to buy blocks of credit in advance to buy music. Shared music can only be listened to three times. No PlaysForSure support.

Microsofts Zune doesn’t ooze the iPod’s svelte sexiness, but inside that boxy casing beats a high tech heart with a state-of-the-art user interface, wireless networking, radio and a killer screen for movies. And it will only improve...
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On the surface, Zune has a reputation as an iPod imitator. It even has its own version of the iTunes store, Zune Markeplace, but Microsoft knows well Zune's reputation as an iPod clone, which is why the mega company has worked hard to introduce Wi-Fi feat...
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The PlayersSansa Clip (4 GB)Sansa ClipSuperb Sound, easy to use on the go, Audible compatible. Can create on the go playlists and has a great battery life of over 30 hours. There is no video of course with a one-inch screen. It does have a tendency to fr...
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Digitaltrends.com Updated: 2011-08-02 00:09:32
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Video Review: The 2nd generation Microsoft Zune will definitely have its fans. Is it compelling enough to knock the iPod off the throne? Check it out and decide for yourself.
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A week with the 8GB Microsoft Zune Introduction I got into the MP3 player market a little late. I was in high school during the early years of the digital music revolution, so I couldnt really afford the players of the time. My very first foray into...

Great firmware interface Touchpad not required for navigation Beautiful 240x320 QVGA display Good color selection for hardware Wireless syncing Great iPod alternative...

Software is terrible Vendor lock-in with hardware & software Proprietary dock connector Not compatible with Windows Media DRM Few accessories available...

A week with the 8GB Microsoft Zune Introduction I got into the MP3 player market a little late. I was in high school during the early years of the digital music revolution, so I couldnt really afford the players of the time. My very first foray into...
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Touch Controls...

Wireless syncing, Intuitive controls and interface...

A bit bulky...

Wireless and video support may be overkill on a device this size, but the 8GB Zune offers some interesting options as a flash player.
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maximumpc.com Updated: 2011-08-02 00:09:32
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Microsoft, seeing the futility in polishing turds, went back to the drawing board to design the second rev of the Zune. (If only they’d do the same for Vista!) Fortunately for early adopters, many of the new features and desktop software will be made a...

Better controls; wireless autosync; Zune Marketplace greatly improved.

Still tied to Zune Marketplace; wireless sharing still mostly useless...
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Video review: Brilliant performance and a stunning user experience in a gorgeous package. The iPod has finally met its match...

Gorgeous looks. Great navigation and interface. Good sound. Excellent software...

Small screen. Not WMA DRM-compatible. No UK music store. No gapless playback...

Brilliant performance and a stunning user experience in a gorgeous package. The iPod has finally met its match...
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laptoplogic.com Updated: 2011-08-02 00:09:32
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We test out the New Zune - whats our verdict?...

Slick UI design, Intuitive “squircle” controls, Excellent build quality, Lightweight, Touch controls, Large legible type on menu, Great sound quality, Great quality earphones, FM Radio function, Wireless connectivity...

Looks like an iPod nano, Spotty software setup, Windows ONLY support, No WiFi web browsing, Small screen for video and pictures, No widescreen...

I have to admit, I really like the new smaller Zune. For once, Microsoft has delivered a product that’s as easy to use as it is good looking. And while it may be a bastardized ripoff of the iPod nano design, the Zune offers a much better user inte...
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mp3.com Updated: 2011-08-02 00:09:32
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The flash-based 4GB and 8GB Microsoft Zune MP3 players feature a 1.8-inch glass LCD, an easy-to-use interface, exceptional navigation control, audio and video podcast support, and FM radio. It also includes wireless syncing and sharing, revamped Zune M...

The flash-based 4GB and 8GB Microsoft Zune MP3 players feature a 1.8-inch glass LCD, an easy-to-use interface, exceptional navigation control, audio and video podcast support, and FM radio. It also includes wireless syncing and sharing, revamped Zune M...

The Zune 4 and Zune 8 players are PC-only devices that require their own software and still dont support older WMA-DRM9 music files, nor does Zune Marketplace offer TV or movie downloads. The Zunes USB connection is proprietary, theres no Wi-Fi musi...

The 4GB and 8GB capacity Zunes (Zune 4 and Zune 8) offer a bite-size version of their full-size, 80GB sibling. While the full-size Zune is a better value, the solid-state flash memory used in the 4GB and 8GB versions make them better suited for physica...
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The first-generation Zune media player that Microsoft Corp. released last year was a me-too product with a few nice touches. So the question with the new, second-generation Zune is whether Microsoft is ready to surpass its competition, most notably Ap...
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Personal media players arent often compared to misshapen men sewn up from the bodies of dead criminals, but Microsofts first Zune was a true Frankensteins monster. Cobbled together from bits of the Urge music store, the Toshiba Gigabeat player, Wi...
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Like a phoenix rising from the flames, the new Zune may have a chance at a fresh, meaningful and lucrative life, free from teasing and taunting with which the original brown Zune was cursed. The 4GB and 8GB flash-based Zune has a new (albeit nano-like)...

Excellent sound quality, Compact new design, Nice, clean 1.8" LCD screen, Up to 24 hour battery life, Wireless syncing & song sharing, Friendly, simple interface, Improved navigation with Zune pad, $199 USD price on par with iPod nano...

Medium-low quality headphones, Convoluted Zune Marketplace, PC only No Mac support, No EQ settings at all, No mic or recording ability...

The new 8GB Zune Red is a sexy little MP3 player - certainly better than many competitive players on the market. The screen is very nice (a little small) and has great color rendering and smooth action. The FM radio is a sweet feature, especially for t...
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toptenreviews.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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The Microsoft Zune 120 is definitely one MP4 player to give consideration when you're finding the right multimedia player for you. This gadget may not have all the features offered by other video players, but the features it does include are all direct...

The WiFi allows users to easily access and share music in several different ways...

All the special features are directed at the music capacity; we wish there were more movie features.

The Zune 120 is focused on music, but it still provides an excellent hand-held movie experience...
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Microsoft's take on the iPod Touch hits hard with video capability, but falls short on multitasking.SummaryAlmost two years to the day after Apple reimagined the personal media player as a mobile computer with the iPod Touch, Microsoft has outed its ow...

Incredible 3.3-inch OLED display; small, lightweight; sensitive capacitive touch screen; high-def 720p video output; smooth Web navigation; refined FM and HD radio tuner...

No open App Store; initial stuttering on video output; no tabbed browsing; weak Wi-fi reception...

The Zune HD is an extremely refined personal media player and should be the video junkie's player of choice...
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Geeks.com, home of many digital media players, sent in the Zune 120 GB for a spin. In the eve of the upcoming Zune HD release, how do these players stack up against the iPod? Read on to find out.The Zune package comes with a USB cable and earbuds. It f...
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Let’s just admit it: For a long time it was embarrassing to be a Microsoft Zune owner. While all of your buddies where showing off their flashy iPod touches and iPhones that they could control at the swipe of a finger, you were covertly lugging around...
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bityard.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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The saying goes “When Microsoft wants something, it always wins”. The Zune 120 is a realization of this quest. In this review, we take a close look at the Zune from a technical and business point of view. The Zune could be in its third generation but i...
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Diminutive flash-based MP3 players may have a physical advantage, but they dont address the needs of users who prefer to carry their entire music and media library on one device. Microsofts latest hard-drive-based Zune player, the Zune 120GB, targets...

Intuitive interface and controls, Wireless browsing, FM tuner...

Most new features require subscription, Plastic front prone to scratches...
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Let me open right away and warn hardcore geeks to stop reading. Yeah - I know the Microsoft Zune has been out for some time, and yes - I know there is another player out there that seems to be getting most of the attention. But for the benefit of our r...
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electronicsme.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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Microsoft Zune 120GBThe Microsoft Zune 120 was released in September of 2008 as the high-capacity version of earlier Zunes. The Zune measures 2.4 x 4.25 x 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 4.5 oz. The 3.2 inch screen is bright and useful for viewing mov...

The Zune's large hard drive, top-notch FM tuner and large display offers a great value for the money. At around $250 the Zune competes with Apple's iPod classic but offers a larger screen and additional features. The Zune's playback capabilities are we...
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Microsoft’s fabled Zune line has done a lot of growing up over the years. From the first-gen 30GB player that we scorned back in 2006 to the 8GB model we warmed up to in 2007, Microsoft has continually been fine tuning its line of media players to dea...
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We all know that Apple’s iPod is the most popular digital music player on the planet. Yet, there are many competitors. The Microsoft Zune is one of them. We took a look to see how the Zune compared to the iPod and also to see if the Zune was worthy eno...

After using the Zune for several weeks and delving into the Zune software, the Zune Marketplace, and the Zune community, we realized that the Zune was created by music lovers for music lovers. iPods and other MP3 players are for people who just want t...
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justanothermobilemonday.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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On paper, this one is the real deal for a portable media player. its specs just sing out to you. A nice 3.2 inch screen. Fancy new touch controls. 120 GB (yes, that is GB) hard drive to store all of your videos, photos, music, and other media. Wi...

I was really impressed by the Zune 120. It features a fantastic interface, which has been significantly improved with the upgraded touch controls. Video playback quality could have been better, but I thought it was good enough for the format. I do...
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For whatever reason, Canada was passed up for the first-generation Microsoft Zune. Even through they’re a little late to the party, Canadians will soon be welcomed to the social, right alongside their neighbors to the south. The second-generation Micr...

Podcast integration is very well done, Menu navigation is easier to read, Innovative Zune Pad controls, Great premium headphones, Tight integration with Zune Marketplace...

Red Zune 4GB/8GB is a fingerprint magnet, Zune 80GB has a large display, but only QVGA resolution, Severely limited Wi-Fi functionality, Zune Marketplace software can be a little buggy, Feels one generation behind...

Excellent Podcast Integration Perhaps the greatest advantage that the Microsoft Zune will have over other iPod competitors is its tight integration with both audio and video podcasts. Right from the Zune software that you use to sync your device, you...
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smartcomputing.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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Microsoft recently released the Zune16 (a flash drive-based media player) and Zune120 (a larger, hard drive-based player). The newest DAPs (digital audio players) from Microsoft offer more storage space (16GB and 120GB, respectively) than previous vers...
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techreviewsource.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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In today's world, almost everyone has an Apple iPod, but some of those users are slowly switching to Microsoft's Zune instead. They are mostly doing it to make the usage of Windows Vista more seamless with their MP3 player. With an iPod, you canno...

Improved user interface, Ability to buy & download music directly to Zune from Marketplace, 120GB hard drive, FM Tuner w/ tagging...

Wireless music downloads require Zune Pass subscription, Mediocre battery life...
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Microsoft ZuneESRB: n/a Platform: Media & Storage Devices Category: MiscellaneousAuthor: Murray G Zune Zune Zune (80 GB version)Sometimes first impressions are wrong. When I first received Microsoft’s Zune for review I have to admit that I looked at...
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The Zune is not only a formidable iPod classic alternative, it’s a better option for music lovers.

Wireless sync, sharing, and purchase, Excellent music discovery features, Attractive interface, Vivid screen...

Mediocre battery life, Dumb points-based payment system for à la carte downloads, Video content selection still lags behind iTunes...

The new Zune can’t beat the iPod classic’s battery life or game support, but it does have a better screen, useful music-discovery features, and wireless. Ultimately, the 120GB Microsoft Zune is an excellent iPod classic alternative and gives y...
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The third generation of Zunes leaked out of Redmond a bit earlier than planned, but everything is now official and on store shelves, the new firmware and client software is out, and theres a refreshing lack of new squi- about the whole experience. As...
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REVIEW Question: Whats the difference between last years Zune 80GB, loaded with Microsofts new free firmware, and this years Zune 120GB? Answer: 40 gigabytes. Oh, and a glossy-black finish. Otherwise, the "new" $249.99 Zune is identical to its ol...
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When PC World reviewed Microsofts previous Zune flash player last fall, we questioned whether support for wireless and for video was overkill on a device that holds only 8GB of content. This fall, Microsoft addressed the storage limitations by adding...

Wireless browsing, FM tuner, Intuitive interface and controls...

Bulkier than other flash players, New firmware not preinstalled...
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REVIEW The new flash-based 16GB Zune ($199.99 direct) will look familiar: Its dimensions, screen size and resolution, and controls are identical to those of its 4GB and 8GB predecessors. You get a few new features, but they all stem from the Zune Mar...
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anythingbutipod.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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The back black finish is a semi-gloss finish coating the same metal back plate found on the other Zunes. This finish is a very rugged and didn’t show scratches by sliding it many times across a flat surface. I’m not saying that it w...
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dreamwarecomputers.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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Welcome To The Social Canada!July 2008Written by: SteveEdited by: Ji4m For over a month now the Zune has been trying to make it's name in Canada; a long wait after being out in the USA for well over a full year. When I was given the opportunity to par...
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In the past several months since the second generation of Zunes went on sale, Microsoft has been busy addressing longstanding complaints about the Zune and its software: version 2.5 adds auto playlists, gapless playback, and other features that the iP...

Very large screen, Best nonclickwheel, nontouch control scheme yet, Zune 2.5 adds muchneeded smart playlist, video, gapless audio support, Incanal earbuds included in the box.

Bigger than iPod, but screen isnt any sharper.

The Zune 80 can be recommended as an alternative to an iPod classic or the few remaining hard drive players left in the market, though its focus is actually quite different than for the iPod classic its invariably compared against. It shines best when...
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We’ve already been told that it’s coming “Zune” to Canada, but how does Microsoft’s sophomore entry into the MP3 player market compare against the iPods of the world? I had the chance to take the larger Zune 80GB out for a test drive and I have to ad...

From what I can tell, Microsoft is moving in the right direction with their Zune product line, but they still seem to be one step behind their biggest competitor, Apple. This is most clearly demonstrated by looking at the form factor for the 4GB and...
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dapreview.net Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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Summary: A bigger screen, wi-fi, touch and click interface, FM radio, podcast support, and a sweet new interface, all in a more compact and lean design make this a worthy iPod alternative.
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avguide.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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The first-generation Microsoft Zune player fell flat even before it hit store shelves. With the new Zune 80GB, however, Microsoft has built a stylish media player that has some interesting and unique features up its sleeve. But is it good enough to ev...

On the 320x240 glass LCD, videos look sharp and colorful, with good viewing angles and amazing clarity. Even with fast-moving clips such as sports and action scenes, everything appeared vivid and smooth. The Zune 80GB lets you subscribe to video podca...
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Right now it seems as if Apple has a stranglehold on the portable multimedia device industry. Id say almost every American from the age of 6 to 60 has at least seen or heard of an iPod. Just think how that makes Bill Gates feel. Of course, Microsoft h...
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hometheaterhifi.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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Microsoft has obviously seen the unprecedented success of Apples iPod (this type of product is abbreviated as PMP for Portable Music Player, or DAP, for Digital Audio Player) and entered the market with the Zune 30 GB MP3 player last year. It had a l...
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bonafidereviews.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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Introduction Zune 80 is one of Microsoft’s second generation portable video and audio players; also referred to as “Zune 2.” I have been really excited about Zune 2 because of the numerous articles online that praised it, pointing out t...
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computershopper.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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Microsofts first flash-memory-based Zune is compelling piece of hardware. It offers a sleek design, an ample feature set, and solid performance—a great player for active users who need skip-free playback without a ton of capacity. But ove...

Elegant user interface; FM tuner; wireless-sync capability; podcast support; nice screen; good audio quality; easy-to-use software...

80GB Zune costs just $50 more; tricky center button; cant download songs over Wi-Fi; no Audible audio-book or WMA DRM9 support; Zune Marketplace lacks movie/TV downloads...

Microsofts flash-memory-based Zune player offers unique features in a sleek package for the Windows-loving crowd, but its still no iPod...
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Awesome interface; wireless sync; Zune Social site; good podcast support; slick software; subscription music. Whats Naughty: Its not an iPod; no support for Mac users. Whats the Deal: What digital music player do you get someone who doesnt want an...

Awesome interface; wireless sync; Zune Social site; good podcast support; slick software; subscription music.

Its not an iPod; no support for Mac users.

What digital music player do you get someone who doesnt want an iPod? Or someone who is tired of the iPod, or maybe looking for an all-you-can-eat subscription service? Nobody needs to "recommend" an iPod as a gift, but were going to throw this out t...
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extrememhz.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:40
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If there is one company that has the resources to take on the only dominant player in this market, it is Microsoft. However, their first attempt failed miserably and not many, including myself, even bothered to give the product a second look. Things h...
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Last year, when Microsoft Corp. introduced its Zune music player to take on Apple’s iPod juggernaut, the software giant struck out. While the Zune had a good user interface and a larger screen than the iPod, it was bigger and boxier, with clumsier cont...
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The new Microsoft Zune is flash-based and flashy.

The first flash-based Zune is a sleek little number with hot features like video playback, wireless sharing, and wireless sync. The glossy plastic body measures 3.6 x 1.6 x 0.3 inches and weighs just 1.7 ounces—not bad for a gadget that packs an FM...
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Microsoft stepped up its Zune and its eye-catching software, making the second-generation device a serious iPod competitor.

Easy-to-use device and software, Large, bright screen, Simple device synching, Easy to share and update music via Wi-Fi...

Large, bulky size, No included AC adapter, Available only in black, No over-the-air downloads...

We can confidently say that times are changing for the Zune. The underdog of portable music players has pulled up a seat at the cool kids table alongside Apple’s iPod fleet. The 80GB Zune boasts a bigger screen than its predecessor, a new wireless s...
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siliconrepublic.com Updated: 2015-12-20 07:58:41
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Microsoft must have been working all hours to get this package together. It’s not just another update on their Zune mp3 player, this is an entirely new approach to music based on what consumers really want: convenience and the ability to share. As well...
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