Zune blue 8GB and 120GB unboxing
By Paul Miller 
posted September 15th 2008 1:09PM
posted September 15th 2008 1:09PM
posted September 15th 2008 1:09PM
Microsoft Zune 80
Microsoft Zune 4
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I still think the glossy design choice is a stupid idea (moreso on the 120 than on the blue)
I love my Zune 80 and the fact that even after nearly a year of use there's not one discernable finger print, smudge or mark on it, and it looks all the more quality for it. This glossy stuff just makes it look kinda like a cheap toy, which makes it a real shame they're discontiued the 80 >_
Yeah, the flat paint of the 80 was a very sound decision. Too bad they didn't consider adding pearlescense to the black.
Agreed. I love the case of my 80 (matte front, silver back).
Perhaps I'll buy the 120 and do a case-swap before unloading it on ebay!
I agree there, the 80 looks better with the matte finish. I also miss the silver ring around the Zune Pad. Why would they get rid of that, it gave the Zune a nice distinctive look.
I love my 80gb Zune too... I'm just guessing but, it could be something to do with their paint supplier. Remember the problems with the red 80gb they had on Valentine's day? I hope they go back to matte finish though or I'll just keep my 80gb.
There are 2 unanswered questions that I think should be addressed!
1. @smartass505....you're right...I believe they shipped zune "premium" headphones (in the ear ones) with all 80's. If those CRAPHONES are all they ship with the 120, that's a definite letdown.
2. Also, one thing engadget failed to address is what the case design is??? On the Zune 80's, the back was a matte-finished aluminum (obviously for use with the zune originals). This is the first time I have seen the back and it looks like it's either some type of plastic or at least textured metal. Does this make an end to zune originals on the 120? (even though it is somewhat of a fingerprint magnet, I like the aesthetic appeal of the silver back and zune originals were definitely something zune could boast over Apple as they are some degree of a personalization)
I'm reading that the back is the same metal back plate found on the other Zunes with semi-gloss finish coating.
so you think that means doing away w/ originals, or new color originals?
They'll probably continue to do Originals, just with black as a background instead. They've already shown that they can do it with the black when they came out with the Joy Division model.
http://www.zune.net/en-us/products/zuneoriginals/joydivision/default.htm
They'll probably continue to offer originals, the back of the Joy Division model was black, and it had patterns etched into the back, I'd post a link, but Engadget's commenting system's not letting me do that for some odd reason.
I see...you are correct with that...I guess they will just add more gradients like that one, as the designs are black right now. Good call!
the color is meh to be honest. im more interested in Microsoft's answer to Genius.
"answer to genius"?
if i recall correctly, zune announced their predictive music selection before apple did.
I think MS is improving with the Zune. Especially the software side of it. I do agree that the glossy colors must go. It does look like cheap paint. I much prefer the non-glossy feel and touch. The middle button is great, but the two "mickey mouse ear" buttons are ugly. MS should make these buttons either the same quality as the middle one or have it touch based (as in the Touch Diamond). Oh, and compared to the new iPod Nano's, they seem to be up there in design and function (though I do prefer the steel look of the new Nano's).
Would love to see Mac support.
They would just say buy an iPod.
Same here.
so, what exactly changed with gen3?
-obviously the HDD is bigger-a new software (that will come for all other zune's too - exactlythe same one's?)
-a bit design changes: the silver-ring is missing and the back is nowplastic (anything else?)
i like the old design better....the new software is not a reason tobuy the new one, if the old ones get exactly the same. so there'sreally just the bigger HDD?can anyone tell me if i'm right or wrong? or missed sth?
That's pretty much it. Not a whole lot of reason to upgrade if you already own the Zune 80, but if you're in the market for your first Zune then $250 will get you better capacity for your dollar now.
Ummm... hard drive is 50% bigger for the same price? If your 80GB is full, there's your motivation right there. I consistently hover around 70GB, so I'm happy to get my updated software. A new 8GB flash is on its way once details around Audible support are clear, I will ditch my old workout player.
it's not gen 3 hardware. it's gen 3 software. downloading the next rev of itunes doesn't upgrade your hardware one bit.
Well, it's 3.0 PC software AND 3.0 firmware for the Zune, which does upgrade the capabilities a bit. And it's free too- of course, you wouldn't know about free feature upgrades, coming from an itunes background...
I am so wanting one - when will they be shipped to the UK???????
*yawn*
The matte of the 80gb is much better than the gloss of the 120gb. C'mon 3.0!!!!!
There is hope after all. From NYT Technology Bits, from Mr Sohn.
"On Wednesday, Adam Sohn, the head of public relations for Microsoft’s Zune division, told me: “Babies are born every day without an iPod. We will get there.”
Clearly the long term commitment from MS for the "me too" product Zune has been revealed. The class of 2027 will define the success of the Zune in the marketplace.
Hmm... Didn't work?
THE POWER OF CHRIST COMPELS YOU!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0UjU0rtavE
Again proving my point that ZG is a study of contradictions. He continually post drivel that has nothing to do with this article about this "me too" device.
Let me reiterate the long term strategy of Microsoft that will allow them to overtake Apple and once again monopolize another market.
"On Wednesday, Adam Sohn, the head of public relations for Microsoft’s Zune division, told me: “Babies are born every day without an iPod. We will get there.”
Clearly the long term commitment from MS for the "me too" product Zune has been revealed. The class of 2027 will define the success of the Zune in the marketplace.
BE GONE, DAMN YOU!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0UjU0rtavE
lol...don't exactly know which way to take your comment...but that is a good literal translation of what he said...kudos to you!
you've seen news headers about how schools have given students free iPods...next headline is going to read "Apple gets a "head start" as iPods are clipped on umbilical cords and headphones put on babies as soon as their heads come out"
lovely lump below the screen...
I hate the big black bezel around the screen on the Zune 8/16. Why doesn't Microsoft extend the screen??? 1.8in is kinda small. I think 2.0in is the right size screen for a player this size.
COULD WE GET IT IN EUROPE PLEASE?!
(Already got the version 1 big thingy, imported it about a week after release, kinda clumbsy)
I was able to get the 120gb version from Amazon about a week ago and so far I'm very pleased with it. I already own the iPod Video 30gb, Creative Zen Vision W 60gb, and now this one. The interface on the Zune just kills the video iPod and is definitely ahead of the Creative ZVW. I couldn't wait any longer for a SSD PMP with this kind of capacity (might see one this time next year...Archos?CreativeZen?)
The 120gb I got came with the 2.xsomething firmware.. so i can only imagine the 3.0 upgrade will make it even better.. I DO like the matte finish on the back, and the glossy front is definitely a smudge/smear magnet.. but nothing a microfiber or eye glass cloth can't clean up. 25Gb of music sync'd somewhere in the range of 30min.. You DO need to use the Zune software but it's really not as horrible as some people make it out to be. It's alot simpler to get around vs iTunes, but not drag-n-drop like the Creative. You can find the hack to use the Zune as a storage device + drag-n-drop but I haven't tried it yet..
I'm not an MS basher. In fact I appreciate their role in bringen conputers to most consumers etc.. However they could have added a little more character and style to the design. By the look of those pictures, the appear cheap. Granted, the shapes and contours are a matter of taste, but the materials and joins make it look like a cheep copy copy of something better. Apple has realised this, and made the ipods from aluminum and glass. If MS did that for the Zune, I would be much more interrested.
Make it look and feel durable and slim.
What time is the update gonna be available?
People need 120GB of space to store music? Errr.... I'm guessing most people won't. I guess you can stuff it with loads of videos that you're unlikely to watch again. So my point is that MS and Apple is just stuffing the hard drives in so that the $250 price point remains on the market. They could of just lower the price of 80 GB models, but noooooo.... Zune 80 is an excellent player, but I would really like to see some real update to the hardware.
Ok. My real problem with the Zune 120 is that i can't use it as a portable drive. (at least not natively) But for purely entertainment purposes, why isn't 80, or even 60GB enough? If you want an ipod killer, put the Zune 80 at $199.99 and watch it sell. $50 is hardly worth the extra 40GB to most consumers. Microsoft, stop trying to match Apple, and instead, take it up a notch. Put down some real pressure.
This reminds of computer manufacturers try to keep prices high on desktops by jamming cheap RAM into them. 5GB of RAM on a $1000 computer? It's so out of proportion.
I need that much space for media. My collection grows every day, so I would like my purchase to last as long as possible. Besides, why not take advantage of the HDD manufacturers who keep cranking out higher capacity drives?
What happened to the nice headphones?
Zune 2: http://www.zunescene.com/zuneaccessories/Zune2PremiumHeadphones.jpg
I hope the large Zune3 will still have it, and the headphones presented on the picture Zune.
I don't see why everyone is so bitchy about fingerprints. Everybody's got em... or are you planning to commit murder with your PMP rather than using it for its intended purpose?