120GB Zune sold just a little bit early
By Nilay Patel 
posted Sep 4th 2008 4:48PM
posted Sep 4th 2008 4:48PM
[Thanks, Joe]
Please note: If you're a current Engadget commenter, you do not need to re-register. Simply login and you will be prompted to select a username.
Hey, if people are gonna buy it, release it as soon as you can!
Hmmm...
lol hahahaha OWNED.
so is there new software???????????
Not yet, but there's no doubt in my mind we'll be seeing an update when this is released.
So it's just software improvements? I was considering selling my Zune 80.
Obvious troll is obvious
maybe because $250 for a 120GB PMP is a really freakin good price. i payed that for an 80GB Zune a while ago and im happy with it.
Ha you have a Zune...nice.
Come on, software/firmware update?
Ha. I was in Wal-Mart the other day and specifically looked for this. I wanted to be you, Joe! (Although I probably would have just taken a pic since I have the 80)
Congrats.
The case looks different, 80GB Zune's have more of a matte finish than this seems to have. It appears to be more than just a capacity bump, although I'm guessing it's just minor cosmetic tweaks at most.
Bet you someone gets demoted for this...
Demoted from "guy stocking shelves at Frys" to... wait, what's worse than that?
greeter at bestbuy
But the question is whether or not they have access to the new software. I could careless about the hardware since I'm more curious about the updates that will make it to my Z80.
Your comment:
Now that it has been "officially" released, we would like to know the
specs...
Zune software is download-only, so I would guess if us old-school Zune owners haven't seen an update, the 120GB folks don't have anything new either. Presumably if there is something new, Microsoft can control distribution a little more carefully on that software front and it won't leak. Maybe we'll see something Tuesday.
Gizmodo has more of the unboxing.
It now has a black back, which should be interesting when it comes to Zune Originals. Black back with white etching. Sexy.
I really hope they introduce a lot with the software. For me, this is it. If they dont make some good improvements or show promise for the next generation it will be hard to back this product.
I don't know, I'm thinking that this might be just a interim spec bump, just to keep people happy until a major revision (I'm looking at you, Mr. Blurrycam McZunetouch) can be finalised.
Same thing apple did with their 5th generation iPod, release a spec-bumped '5.5g' Video iPod, just to keep the player alive until the 6th gen comes out. It's just a shame that that particular series (5.5g) just happened to be the best-quality iPod that apple has produced sofar.
Go and shot yourself with a shotgun.
If you've kept up with tech news recently, you'd know fat Zune tattoo guy removed his Zune tattoos and switched his allegiance to Apple.
No, please elaborate, before I start to make assumptions.
I want one along with a house in New Orleans, a ticket to the Democratic convention and herpes!
I'm still surprised s/he actually stopped for the door-checker goons at Frys; I blow right past 'em (and the inevitable long line of sheep waiting to exit) while looking them in the eye and bidding 'em "'Bye!". Frustrates 'em to no end, as they think they're actually doing something useful with those orange magic markers.
I just bring a pink highlighter when I go to Fry's. I mark the receipt as I'm walking out and say, "Thanks, but I've already marked it."
I paid $220 for a black Zune and the Zune Car pack. I saved something like $130 at Sam's... And that was only for my Zune 30.
I wonder if it syncs with the pc this guy has, because I remember they made you wait until the downloadable software update was available to even use the device so even if someone did get they're paws on one early, they wouldn't be able to use the software and show it off online. Clever Microsoft, clever.
The 120 comes preloaded with the 2.5 firmware. It will sync just fine with the current software.
Not to sound like a noob, but this is news to me: You actually cannot use a Zune until you download special software from Microsoft, who limits when that software is available, so you cannot use your new purchase until Microsoft says so?!? Wow. Just .... wow. And you anti-Apple folks still say Cupertino is trying to control your life more than the guys in Redmond?
It's called Ebay it for 2 or 3 times what it is worth...
"I'm still surprised s/he actually stopped for the door-checker goons at Frys; I blow right past 'em (and the inevitable long line of sheep waiting to exit) while looking them in the eye and bidding 'em "'Bye!". Frustrates 'em to no end, as they think they're actually doing something useful with those orange magic markers."
I have never been to a Fry's but why do people wait in the line to leave if you don't have to?
I think it's like at BJ's wholesale where they check your receipt before they let you go. (I said WHOLESALE, not BJ's alone, don't tell the dumb joke about the name!)
Oh I get it now.
Zune. What a great punch line!
/sarcasm
Maybe you should try using one? Very solid player, looks great. Its ACTUALLY an alternative.
To me it doesnt matter if its a 200gb zune, if the software sucks then its a bad deal. When they make it show up as just an external drive that works cross platform let me know. My brother has an old fashioned Motorola mp3 player, uses SD cards, shows up on any computer as an external drive, you can drag and drop. Thats the way it needs to be
@ mymaclife
Fuck you.
I have a 80gb zune and I am from new orleans.
Have a nice day
I'm actually hoping that the rumored software update includes Mac support. My old 80g Zune broke (my fault) last month and I've been playing nice with a nano since then. I would really like this new model, as Zune is far better than the iPod Classic, but if it doesn't work with my Macbook, I'm out.
For the last time, there is no rumored software update, and I would doubt that it would include .Mac support yet.
I will shit bricks if they come out with an update in the next 2 weeks, much less if it had .Mac support.
When they do finally add support for OSX, it will be very much played up. They will talk about it for weeks before it happens. Its not going to be bundled in some random rumored firmware that just magically shows up.
@ALCie
I have a Zune 30. It's not all that great. The Zune Software is extremely buggy. (Software doesn't recognize my Zune is plugged in so I have to unplug and replug it in, had it crash on me multiple times) I am much happier with my iPhone.
To answer your question, I think we ALL know who, if anyone would do that.
. . . .
wait for it . . .
Zune (now Reluctant Ipod) Guy!
I know Apple is all about good design and stuff, but the Zune's box looks way better than the iPod. At least it's better in that regard?
@SearchX
That sounds like the experience I go through every time I connect my ipod or my wife's ipod to either one of our computers. I've sat waiting for half an hour for itunes to see the darn thing before I nearly chucked it out the window, but it's usually 5-10 minutes. Great software those things run. I can't wait for that thing to die so I can get a better player. Oh look, a new Zune is out with twice the storage of my ipod for a cheaper price with more features. I'll get one of those. Might have to 'accidentally' drop the ipod a few times...
Brush your teeth sucka!
Spoken like someone who saw a non-working model at Best Buy, and who clearly has never used the Zune software.
If you don't like it then don't buy it. Your personal vendetta against anything non-apple has reached a new level of absurdity and every comment that you post has become comical.
what a FREAK...
@SearchX
If the few bugs and crashes with the Zune bothered you, how the hell do you live with an iPhone?!
I've got a 3G so I know what I'm talking about... unfortunetaly. =/
I bought a Zune30 last year for $99. Great little player. A bit of a pain using the proprietary software, but it works well. I just wish Apple and Microsoft would open their player up a little to allow 'drag and drop'. Other than that, it does everything I want it to. It basically stays in my car at all time acting as a jukebox. I just use LG my phone for traveling.
I like what you said until you got to the end where you talked about your LG phone. Not only is showing off random things you have not cool, but you should at least show off things that are worth showing off.
Jubei: Me too, me too, mee tooo meeee tooooo meeeee tooooooo meeee tooooo x infinity
Every single Zune thread! What!? What the hell is your problem!? Does this get you off? What the hell is your motivation for always, ALWAYS trolling the Zune threads to post "Me Too"?
This is your chance to explain yourself once and for all. Make a good clear point through that smug, smirking, smarmy style you can't resist using.
I bought the Zune 30GB when it first came out. The first GUI was great, loved it. Then the updates started coming out, the GUI was horrible, all the new features were only halfway there. My audio books wouldn't load correctly, podcasts would download but not play, my files would go missing. I got very frustrated, but I waited patiently for over a year for new software updates. One update even bricked my unit, and it took 6 weeks for them to ship me a replacement. Much later I even installed unreleased tweaks from microsoft from friends who shall remain nameless.
I'm an Apple hater, but I was so frustrated with the Microsoft Zune, I actually spent $320 on Amazon for a 32GB iPod Touch. I'm happier with the iPod Touch than I have ever been with any gadget I've ever purchased in my entire life of 30yrs. I can't priase it enough and I use it's other features as much as I do listening too it.
I would will NEVER buy another media player from Microsoft, and would never suggest one to ANYONE, even my worst enemy.
@Shotgun (Dummy)
It appears that you have NOT been keeping up with the latest news. The "Zune Guy" got his panties in a twist when he did not receive a fee trip to Redmond. (Even tho he already received hundreds of dollars worth of free gear and Zunes) And bitched because some features he wanted did appear with a firmware update.
So he cried, and bitched, and purchased an iPod.
(Damn comment system needs an EDIT option!)
@Shotgun (Dummy)
Sense when is the Zune Windows CE Based?
I wouldn't buy anything from Microsoft on basic principle. It seems like every other day I discover another reason to hate them.
I notice that it says 120black on the top does that mean there is chance we could see this in another color like the Red, or maybe even blue?
I would so get one if it weren't for the software. Heck, I would be even content with the Zune if it was an MTP device. I guess I will have to wait and see how much either of the new Cowon devices cost.
Jubei I trust you will pay my medical bill when you receive it in the post? I'm allergic to ignorant stupidity and seem to have broken out in some form of rash. Thanks.
smug, smirking, smarmy, smelly, smoldering, smurfette, smallminded, smegma, schmendrick
(ok that last one didnt really fit)
Sounds like the typical Apple fanboy as their mommy goes to the store to pick up the next iPod iteration every year.
For all those worried about fingerprints, my sources tell me that the new 120GB version will come in both "GLOSS BLACK" and "BLACK" flavors.
@Al - you can use the Zune as an MTP device and view it in explorer if you run a little program called zSuite. search it, it is quite handy!
I've had the Zune 30 since it came out. I like the device, but had tons and tons of problems with the software. Songs weren't recognized, I had sync issues, there wasn't podcast support initially, songs would disappear from the device, etc, etc. Finally with the latest release of software a year later, all of my problems are fixed. I don't have any issues with it and actually really enjoy it now. I'd definitely use one of these 120GB models, but wish they would actually let you use wifi for something other than sync'ing and linking up with other Zunes (although there's no way to input text since it's not a touchscreen). For a music player and watching movies on airplanes as I used it for yesterday, I'm very happy with my Zune.
Fry's is the worst electronics store in existence. half the crap there is dead when you take it out of the box
im gettin this.. is it only available in black?
i want the red one.
Jubei is just doing this to get attention and if you leave him alone he, like all others idiots, will go and annoy people in some other blog.
Such anger. Zune users frustration levels must be peaking at this point. I certainly hope Sept 9th announcement from MS will help relieve some of your frustration. I can understand the anger from you users. Its sad enough that you have a "me too" player, but having to deal with a mediocre build from hardware to software further extends the level of frustrations. Perhaps you can prevent such a tragedy for the potential dozen buyers falling for this so called new $250 dollar Zune device announced today and direct them a true innovative device. iPod Touch. Even current models are much more superior in hardware and software by an unsurpassable margin vs the Zune.
Hmmnn.. so Zune's market share will go up by 2%. Making it 7%.
GJ.
I have YET to figure out WHY there are so many dumbasses that talk shit about the Zune.
I have had over 5 different iPod's, currently own an iPhone and used a Mac at school and I don't get why on Earth people think Apple is so amazing. The iPod design has gotten more and more shitty as time has progressed, iTunes has ALWAYS sucked and Mac computers and OS aren't any better than PC or Windows. Yes, the Zune hardware is lame but the software (while buggy since it is newer) is much better than iTunes and the interface on the Zune is better.
Apple just seems like the "cool" new kid at school that everyone wants to be friends with so they can be cool too. If not, why do you think people put freaking Apple stickers on their car?!? Really?!
Hell, I just don't get brand allegiance period.
yay, 120gb of crappy sound quality...
Gimme a graphical EQ and some +SNR Microsoft!
the receipt looks like $275 plus taxes, does $250 is after rebate
@ Kastonie
At least you didn't end up at the Democratic Convention, that would have been really bad luck!
Great NEWS!!!
Finally true confirmation that MicroSoft actually sold ONE.....literally...
@Every single wise a** who trolled before me:
Man..... This is just weird... I love internet for the same reason I hate it: EVERYONE can access it, even uneducated jerks that just have fun bashin their ''knowledge'' (oh-god-my-sarcasm-meter-broke) at everyone they come through.... or completely mindless trolls who want to make their day saying such illuminated stuff as: "HEH! FIRST!" or "BOO, ANYONE BUYING THIS IS STUPID AND CAN SUCK MY "
I can't even believe there's people who judge others just because they like certain piece of hard/software.
Just because you think Zune (in this particular case) SUCKS doesn't mean it's the absolute truth, it's just your (amazingly limited and partial) point of view. I don't even like the freaking thing and I'd buy it right away just because it can play music, it's got 120GB, and its freaking sweet pricetag. (and, no, i'm not an MS employee. And yep, i've seen the zune software working)
Please, get over your fanboyism and stop looking at things with your special fantastic mega goggles, and act your age.
Thank you, come again.