Zune 80GB price cuts, Zune 120GB and 16GB hitting shelves early
By Thomas Ricker 
posted Sep 14th 2008 11:26AM
posted Sep 14th 2008 11:26AM
As the story goes, Mr. Blurry Cam walks into a Harborcreek, PA Wal-mart and spots this, the Zune 80GB on rollback ($50 off list) and new $250 Zune 120GB. The blue Zune 16GB (not pictured) was said to be in stock as well. So while the 3.0 firmware won't be official until the 16th, some of you might be lucky enough to stumble upon the new Microsoft gear just a bit early.
[Thanks, Craig P.]
[Thanks, Craig P.]
hmmm.
Brand new machines. Instant discount? Once again, or at least for the second year running M$ appear to have been wrongfooted by Apple.
Fail.
You Moron.
The 80's are discontinued. That's why the price is lower.
What in the hell do you think is going to happen to the Classic 80's?
I think you misunderstood the story... the 'older' 80GB Zunes are being discounted. To clear the channel since they are no longer being made. Situation Normal.
Same as last year then - the only way they can shift product is to cut the price.
Because APPLE never does price cuts, amirite?
dont you have something better to do? like hooked on phonics maybe?
"Same as last year then - the only way they can shift product is to cut the price."
Seriously dude, you need to get a baseball bat to the head a few times so those brain cells can start firing again. What part of discontinued don't you understand?
Last year, the 30 dropped to its obvious price point of 199 (since the 80 took the 249 point), while many companies were selling refurbished units for 99-149. I can get a nano refurb for 79-99 bucks. Is that just apples way of clearing out stock since no one is buying it?
No. Its a conscious decision by a retailer to clear out stock of older inventory so they can exclusively sell the higher end model. No one wants a product that competes with a new product. They want the old ones gone so customers have no choice but to buy the newer model, especially in the case of Apple since each generation introduces very little over the previous (and which is the case with the Zune 80 and 120).
But i guess this response was probably too much for you, since your probably drooling at the mouth due to a brain shutdown.
Proof that Apple user's are mentally deficient or have a heavy case of ADD. When they can't even read an article. Wow.
Ok now that stupid fanboi comment is over, everybody, let's have a decent and real conversation about the article.
The new Zune line-up really stands out. I just hope that the succedding announcements will include Zune's availability on other countries especially here on Asia. I have a Zune 80 but I'd grab Zune 120 in a heartbeat.
Hmm..Yeah, the new machines are out and the model that is being replaced is reduced in price to get them out of the pipeline. Nothing unusual. No different than Toyota or Nissan reducing prices on the '08's because the 09's are out. Seems pretty easy to understand.
Come on, Jon Doe, you know that there are plenty of dumbasses on the Windows side of the world too.
I think you're all morons. I recall hearing Microsoft saying that it was going to sell the 80GB Zune along side the 120GB one. While that could mean that it will be until supplies hold; however with that wording, it sounds like the 80GB will sell until the hardware design, or an even larger HDD verision, is introduced.
Oh please, like this never happened to the iPhone. And all the other iPods that seem to come out once every week.
Seriously, the damn post talks about the Zune. DO you honestly HAVE to come in here and pitch Apple to this obviously pro-Microsoft crowd? You either have nothing better to do, or the only thing that your computer is good for is surfing the net, and the only thing you can do is troll around engadget, looking for a conflict.
Pathetic.
thats an awesome price for the 80GB
I picked up a 120gb Zune from Target yesterday (This is in Wisconsin). They also had the blue flash zune as well as the new iPod Nanos and touch. Quite a suprise.
Any chance it has the 3.0 system software on it mate?
Nope, the new Zunes are still preloaded with 2.5 firmware. If one were to actually buy them on the 16th, they'd still need to do a firmware update to get 3.0
@deowulf, yah, I figured as much, well just 2 more days and my Zune 30 can get it anyways!
Same here! :D
I'm holding out for a Blue 120GB, then I sell my 80 on eBay.
Hell, send it my way!
I have the jolly rotten luck of inhabiting a small, hithero-unknown island where Zunes are simply a pipedream, the result of smoking too many crushed up iPod nanos.
Guess where I am, here's a hint; Our greatest national hero (sigh), raped animals for a living, and was the worst stereotype you could ever imagine.
That Wal-mart is like 2 minutes away from me, i'll have to go check it out.
went to best buy today, since they said they were in stock...as per usual nobody knew anything...went to Target... Had one 120 GB sitting there....snatched it up. Syncing everything over now...did I reeeaally need it...no....did I really want to get an additional 40GB...no, but I bought it anyway...I actually like the look of the 80GB better, black on silver, but whatever....
Here in the UK we (as far as i'm awear) have never had the chance to buy the Zune. I have iPod video and touch but would like the chance to give the Zune a look, shame they didn't push it globally, why is that? Looks like it's got a nice big screen from the photos.
$198 for 80 GB?! That's insane.
Also, the 120 GB is a great deal too. The same price and GB as iPod Classic but a bigger screen and FM Radio.
Apple might have some competition this year.
Don't forget:
Syncing over Wifi, sharing over wifi and when the 3.0 firmware comes out, you'll be able to use the App Store concept similar to the iPod Touch. And of course, if FM Tagging works, that'll be cool!
I hope MS have started using the UTF-8 character set on the Zune firmware now.
Did you guys know that the Zune Software has a feature which allows it to download a song's ID3 tags automatically based on just a little information? I've found that it was able to fill in tags for songs from a lot of different countries! Songs and Albums that you wouldn't find in the US Market! So maybe they *are* working towards getting an International version working.
But until the Zune supports the UTF-8 character set, no can do!
Hmm, looks promising I still really like the Zune it's not that bad of a device. The software isn't the best, but it came a long way from it's first version...
Might need to check the local walmart and best buy for giggles and see what's offered. I'm still trying to debate against a 8gb touch/16gb nano/zune or the bigger one. Hmmmm
I'd pick the Zune, if only for the subscription. Economically, it would take 10 years to make up for only 2000 songs, which is a pretty decent size, but nowhere near the device limits. Plus, there's the ability to stream anything from the marketplace anywhere Wi-fi is available with the update coming out.
Again, it comes down to ratings for me. The thing could be $99.99 and I still wouldn't buy it with only two options for a rating system. Fuck you MS for rolling back a feature that is everywhere in the world. Even on this board. You have lowest rank, low, Neutral, highly ranked, and highest ranked.
Ratings are neat and all - I can see your "low ranked" post is getting dimmer and dimmer. Of course, I'd never put your posts on my Zune anyway, that's how I keep sucky content from getting on it. Or there's this 'delete' thing I can do, and, as always, the skip to next track.
Actually, their rating system is akin to a three star rating system.
Broken heart = don't like (akin to two stars in Vista)
No heart (default) = alright (three stars)
Heart = good (four stars)
I prefer it over Apple's system and the star system in Vista; I don't sorta-like and sorta-dislike songs. If a song has a turnoff in it anywhere, I dislike the whole song.
I still wouldn't buy it with only two options for a rating system.
Three ratings, +, - , neutral. Four if you consider "so bad I wouldn't put in on my Zune" as an option
At least learn before you bitch.
again with this ratings bit? JUst dont put crappy music in your collection. whats the point of ratings anyways? My understanding is that if you dont like the music, it shouldnt be on your player.
Wow. Those are pretty strong words for an omitted feature of an MP3 player that you weren't even planning to buy. Tell me, are you really concern about the missing feature or you just hate MS (and an Apple fanboi) ?
thats the funny thing about software, it's never permanent it can always get better.
except for copy and paste on the iPhone
Try telling that to my 5.5g iPod.
I'm still waiting for the bugs to get ironed out of that, two years on.
My Wal-Mart in North Bay Ontario has both the new Zunes in stock, but the 80 still costs $250. I guess you have to pay to have a fingerprint free device.
Can't wait for the zune touch to come out and the car radio adapter like the ipods in 1q of 2009. I still have the brown and 8gb zune.
Car adapter like the Soundgate products? Just started looking into wiring up the truck, sick of cables hanging out everywhere, the Soundgate thing looks like it'll do the job nicely.
I haven't had any problems with the software and It doesn't do anything to your music. Once you get everything set up its smooth sailing.
That means its only a matter of time before I can get a new one on eBay for under $150!
Its about time, Ive had my Zune30 filled for three months now.
It doesn't mess with your music. Zune better than iTunes 8 for a two reasons.
1. Less Resource Hungry (Thanks Quicktime!)
2. Is capable of monitoring folders and automatically adding music to the library.
Other than that, they suck pretty much equally. I love my new iPod Touch, but iTunes is getting rediculously bloated.
Why not try it? Download the latest version on the 16th and see if you like it. And no it doesn't DRM your songs. That's silly. You might be thinking about when you share songs via wifi Zune to Zune, with the 3 days restriction on it.
I think this may be the year that Zune grabs more market share from the iPod line.
What I don't get is that there is NO mention of any of this on the official Zune site nor was there any mention of it in the September Zune newsletter. Someone explain.
"The blue Zune 16GB (not pictured) was said to be in stock as well."
This is a typo I think - there is no 16GB Blue. The blue Zune is available in 8GB capacity only.
The 160GB iPod classics are going for $229 at BJ's Wholesale Club!
Anyone know if the Zune software is ever going to come to OS X or if there is another way of getting music onto the Zune without booting into Windows? Come on Microsoft some Mac users are not completely obsessed with the iPod!
The real question is, do you honestly think that Apple is going to let Microsoft develop a Zune architecture for OSX? As soon as they develop something for it, Apple is gonna lock it up good and tight. Heaven forbid any healthy competition try to enroach upon THEIR users.
Ratings? I tell you, that has always baffled me. I YOU put YOUR own music on your computer/mp3 player, isn't that music that you want and like? Why would you put music on your devices that you don't like at all or just tolerate? Isn't the point of a personal player to put the content on it that you like? Enlighten me, please.
Maybe some people put whatever's popular on their iPods so that when people go through them they feel "cool"? I mean, isn't that why you bought the iPod in the first place?
Its not so much that you dislike the music, just it is a good option to sort the music you really like, from the music you only kind of like.
Ok, I can't type... That second sentence should be:
IF YOU put YOUR own music on your computer/mp3 player, isn't that music what you want and like?
A good argument for more detailed ratings, especially on the Zune, is made for use with the Zune Pass subscription. I could load up 50 new complete albums tonight and listen to them over time, ranking what I do and don't like. It seems more relevant for the Zune than other players (except maybe the Slacker) since you can access ridiculous amounts of content without the screening I assume you would otherwise do when you have to purchase songs a la carte (like iTunes). Still, I'm fine with ratings the way they are.
what if someone is going to build an application, with it you will be able to send MP3s WITHOUT DRMs to other zune users, trough the "social" wireless-function? a simple automated JPG / MP3 renaming tool... and suddenly the microsoft MP3 will be MUCH better than the ipod.
I've been waitin' for this one for quite a while, plus the zune 3.0 software, amazing, Apple should feel the fear now. who wanna have that iPod 120GB w/ little features, and nearly no update.
Here's an idea. Instead of cutting the price on a product that people don't want to buy (a la Ford, GM, Chrysler), how about MS actually build a product people actually want to buy, and are for which they are willing to pay a premium price (Toyota, Honda, Apple, RIM, etc). Then, you make money and gain market share. That's the idea, right? Am I missing something?
Um, the Zune is better.
Would you like me to explain?
i wanna buy one. i've got a classic. but right now, considering where the direction of the classic is heading, a zune is a serious contender. The only gripe i have is no line-out for my portable amp and headphones rig.
it really does seem like the zune has whatever the ipod has and more. i really liked the bigger screen. and i heard that the squircle is easier to navigate compared to the wheel that ipod has, especially when u have a ton of songs like i do. wireless sync, now thats what every decent media player should have. never having to take out ur mp3 player out of ur bag and searching for a cable to plug it into your computer again.
Mr. Blurry cam's brother!, Mr. half-blurry cam!!
I like the Zune but I wish that they would 1) let it be used as an external harddrive like all others do 2) bring an equalizer feature to it 3) let me setup playlists for my videos, not just my music. Those should be addressable items and I can only hope that the 3.0 update will bring these features. (My current mp3 devices are Zune 80, iPod 60, iPod 120, Archos 605, and couple of Creative Labs flash players that are so small, I can't find them right now.) I think my Zune is the only one that won't let me use it as a hard drive. I am assuming that is to ensure the use of Zune software to manage it.
1. You can with the Harddrive hack.
2. Meh lol me too.
3. Good point.
But Zune is your second best player ;)
It doesn't do anything to your music. I'm not sure where you got such information :\
If you want to try it go to the Zune site and download it. You can use it to manage your music and see how you like it.
Just go to the options and point it at your music collection. simple.
(tip: when music is playing click on the album artwork for awesome)
can anyone tell my why the new zune doesn't have this cool silver-ring-thing?
and if the new software-version will support a browser? that'd be a nice feature if you ask me.
is there a sdk to code your own tools and stuff? (or better: let others code sth ;))
Why do I want a browser on my MP3 PLAYER
^
Because otherwise you'll remember that you already own another ipod while you're busy wiping away fingerprints off the touch screen!
Because of the glare on the case.
I would encourage any PC user who's still under the impression that the Zune "software sucks" to download Zune 3.0 on Tuesday and let it play with your music collection. I have owned iPods and used iTunes for 5 years, and can honestly say that the Zune UI is more intuitive, elegant and built for music enthusiasts. People are quick to dismiss the social features of the Zune software, but the Zune card and sharing aspects are... neat, for lack of a better word. If you also consider the subscription service, Mixview (the Zune equivalent to "Genius"), and Channels, I think you'll find the Zune software a more than worthy alternative for managing your collection, even if you don't buy the device. That said, the Zune device matches the elegance of the software, and I don't see any reason why a PC user would choose a Classic or Nano over a Zune. Please enlighten me.
And for the record, Zune is 100% DRM free despite some of the misconceptions I read above.
The thing is, the Zune 30 (running the 1.0 firmware, obviously) WAS DRM'd up to the hilt. It was beyond rediculous. It couldn't even play PlaysForSure DRM tracks.
Then suddenly the Zune 80 came out, with 2.0 firmware, and the DRM issues had been all but completely negotiated. The only thing is, first impressions count, and by that time, the Zune had spun a reputation for being locked beyond compare.
The software has some minor quirks, but it is much beter than the 2.0 software. Some of the benefits over iTunes:
1) It is nice on the eyes and not as cluttered as iTunes is. There is lots of eye-candy: animations, user selectable colors (though limited)
2) Allows more music formats than iTunes (it can play WMA, AAC, MP3, etc) where iTunes only allows AAC and MP3. Even thouogh I run on Windows, iTunes tries to convert any WMA to AAC rather than playing them natively, and does the conversion horribly - rather than copying the directory structure in place, it stores all the music in a folder by composer, not artist\album.
3) I store all my music on a WHS share. Last night I added the music to iTunes. I have about 8000 songs, with about 1000 of them in MP3 format, and the rest WMA. It took iTunes about 6 hours to add the music. Since everything is added in iTunes on one blocking thread (and it has to download artwork, do the fake gapless computation, etc) iTunes was unusable during that 6 hours. Adding music to the Zune software is much smoother because it does all the work in the background, allowing you to use the software and play music while music is added.
4) As Guzzie said, being able to monitor folders rather than just importing folders is much better. No duplicate songs because you change your folder structure and need to reimport. Also, if you delete/move a song, it notices it. No "I moved a folder, and now when I have people over and we listening to music, I had to get up and dismiss a dialog box in iTunes because the music could not be found" problems.
5) Better sync control with auto sync playlists, and better sync if you have multiple devices.
6) iTunes seems to spontaneously duplicate my playlists. I had 5 copies of the Movies, Music Videos, Recently Added, etc. playlists Last night I deleted the duplicates. This morning, I have 2 copies of each.
7) Not as many error messages. I just docked my iPhone, and was told there were some iPhone app updates. I clicked on the button to get the updates, and was given error 5002. There seem to be many error messages, with no real explanation.
Things iTunes does better:
1) I like to download all the available free music (even though most of it is crap and I never listen to it). iTunes has it in one place, while Zune has the one headline item, and others scattered about.
2) Coverflow, which I never use, but some may like it.
3) iTunes has support for audible, but Zune will have it on Tuesday.
4) iTunes has internet radio support.
Overall, iTunes was once a good music player. But it seems that over time they bolted too much into it, to the point where it seems too complicated and you are not sure what is happening when you use it - what is being synced? Which files are in my library? And you need to do a lot to manually configure files if you go outside the iTunes ecosystem.
i meant 2 words
Bought my Blue 16 a week ago at my local Walmart. I love it! Especially since the new Ipod update bricked my touch. Never again Apple....Never again
Got mine from buy.com ordered Thursday got it Friday. Upgraded from 30GB and i love it, even though it shipped with 2.5 firmware. Great screen, can actually see it without backlight on :). Tons of space for my lossless music which i love. Buy it, youl love it too
Pretty soon they will be giving Zune's away to gain market share. Sort of reminds me of the time when they gave away the Microsoft Web Browser in order to put Netscape out of business.
2 more days ..cant wait.
Another day, another zune post, another "me too" post from jubei
A bit more money in the bank Jubei?
The blurry image is a clear representation of what this "me too" product is about. The new features added by MS does nothing to bring any excitement in the tech world and for consumers. As many prominent publications are already using the tag "me too" when describing this bottom of the barrel PMP. Prominently advertising FM radio as a feature is laughable.
It's anemic offerings for its Marketplace is the sole reason why these confused fans believe its a much more robust service. Of course. With massive servers providing content for about 12 users including Canada, then yes it would be a very "snappy" system for users.
Despite these price cuts the older models will not sell as quickly the MS will hope for. Discount them to 49.99 and perhaps half may sell. The rest will most likely be sent to a landfill.
I'm sorry, did the zune kill your father and rape your mother? Lighten up, it's just another product on the market.
You know what even more laughable.
Shaking the ipod to shuffle. hella gay.
I find it funny that when Microsoft has actually innovated, Apple fanboys still say "It's a me too product".
Where is the WiFi on the Classic? Where is the FM tuner? Where is the wireless syncing? Where is the song sharing? Where is the wireless store?
The Zune is a more fully featured product than the Classic. The 7G Classic has had the same functionality as the 5G Video. Apple has not done anything innovative in the HDD PMP segment for three years.
WiFi on the Zune is an absolute joke of a feature. Yes you can now use HotSpots for WiFi, oh as long as it doesn't require browser authentication. In fact you are now going to access a unsecured WiFi hot spot.... good thinking.
FM radio... well, FM radio. LOL
Expanded Social services to what? 12 users? What good are extended ( useless more like it ) social offerings when no one, I mean no one uses these devices except for 1 or 2 users per state. Oh sorry, I forgot the other 6 in Canada.
Industrial design worthy of praising Mickey Mouse as a template. The Marketplace is so fast simply because content is anemic and they had to copy iTunes PodCast to try and fool people into believing the Zune can be just like an iPod ( an ugly one at that ).
Face it, the "me too" product is nothing more than MS trying to own another market, not through innovation, but by imitation. Thats right "IMITATION". That is why the Zune is the biggest "me too" of all out there.
It does have one huge advantage. If you leave it on your car seat with an open window, no one will steal it. Perhaps thats why its so ugly, its actually a feature. Well how about that.
Actually jubei, if you leave anything in your car seat with your window open, someone would steal /your car/.
Really? As a matter of fact, Jubei, someone stole my friend's Zune 30 out of their car when they had the window rolled halfway down (car locked). With nicer models such as the 80 or 120, why wouldn't someone want to take it? They're great products, and you're just proving to me with each coming post that you are getting more and more jealous. I bet your hating your decision to go with a Mac, so that you could finally get the Zune you've been wanting for so long- you know, there is always the boot-camp option.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
DOWN WITH THE ZUNE
UP WITH THE IPOD
MICROSOFT CAN GO TO HELL FOR ALL I CARE
It's not Microsoft who should go to hell...
Damn Jubei every single one of your comments are anti Microsoft with you saying the Zune is a "me too" product. Can't you add any constructive commentary at all? Be original and think for yourself.
On topic: I'm waiting for Woot to put up the 80's for $100 this holiday. Can't beat that.
Jubei cannot bring himself to climax until he writes "me too" on a Zune post.
Forget about it, Mach. He can't do it- it's simply too difficult for him to even think for himself. That's why he needs Apple around to tell him what to think.
My issue with jubei is that he takes his blatant opinion and tries to cram it down our throats, I believe all of you are entitled to your own opinion, even those of you who are obvious trolls, but please, be civil and discuss with a little bit of neutrality once and awhile, maybe you'll learn something, but at least we won't all hate you and you end up looking like douche bags.
I'm an apple user, but if MS would release Zune software for OSX I'd be all over it.
My wife and I picked up a couple of 80gbs for $198 each at Walmart today. We've had 2nd gen 2gb nanos for the last couple of years, and this is a nice upgrade.
The 80 for under $200 sounds like the best deal in the market right now.
you idiots that sleepwalk talking apple crap are annoying.
Jubei goes into every MS article and crap threads.. wow what are you so angry about?
the fact that MS sold 18 million winmo licenses compared to a possible 10 mil this year on the iphone?
just imagine, MS doesnt even make their own phone and depend on others to make their OS run true.. imagine if MS decided to make Mobil Phones (and that day will come son), just imagine!
just ask sony and they will tell you stories.
to think everyone is trying to copy the iphone is pathetic on its own... didnt the iphone copy the touch screen? didnt they copy palm with the button shortcuts? or didnt they copy htc with the built in gps? didnt they copy every other phone when those idiots didnt include a sd slot? didnt they just kill everyones email on mobilme and could not recover everyones email and said "sorry"? didnt apple just beg ms for licensing for active syncbecause they dont know how to write software to sync with exchange?
are you kidding me? you think apple is an innovator in the industry? all apple did with the iphone is take everyones idea (since the 90's) and put it in a pretty package. oh and the visual email thing.. they advertised it like they invented it.. they got sued for copy write infringment! bunch of thieves!
how many commercials do you see of the iphone and how many of windows mobile? interesting.. 18 million sales in one year compared to maybe 10 million in one year .. wow 18 million with about 5% of the iphone advertising..
you also made a remark about price.. correct, the htc diamond is more expensive.. gee i wonder why? i can do anything i want with a diamond/winmo device.. can you? oh thats right you cant, you like to press the buttons on the screen like a trained monkey.
Apple cant get osx to install on a pc, yet ms can get xp installed safely on a mac and work great!
why you ask? because apple programmers are too stupid to make their os compatable with the rest of the market you apple loving idiot!
if it wasnt for jobs begging gates for 150 mil donation and making office for apple, apple would not exist today.. they would have been out of business well over 10 years ago.
you better believe on thing son, it's apple that copies everyone else.. never the other way around
I bought an 80 gb zune at Future Shop in Canada on Friday, only to go to my local Wal-Mart on Saturday where some boob had mispriced the new 120 gb versions at $199 (the 80 gbs were still sitting at $249). Returned my 80 gb and got the 120 gb one for the same price ($199!) Score!
if you live near Kitchener Ontario Canada...head to the Fairway Mall Wal-Mart now....before they catch their mistake! LOL
Are those prices what they're paying us to take one off of their hands.? There can't be anyone who'd pay for one of those is there.?
Every new version includes another upgrade in DRM restrictions..
Actually, DRM was relaxed in the last update, and if what i read is correct, its even more relaxed with this update.
But nice try though.
i just want to know if the new firmware is capables of other languages such as Japanese.
anybody know?
I agree with sit2k MS should ask for his 150 mil back from jobs!!
I wrote a detailed review on my blog.
http://bloguedegeek.net/2008/10/14/microsoft-zune-3g-120go-et-la-mise-a-jour-30-evaluation/