Microsoft reports $100M decline in Zune revenue
By Ross Miller 
posted Jan 23rd 2009 11:54AM
posted Jan 23rd 2009 11:54AM
[Thanks, Jason Wong]
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Here we go ...
NOOOOOOO!!! The Zune is awesome!
The reason why is called: iPod Touch
And that's at the top of the heap. Between the Zune and the iPod Touch are numerous others which are cheaper and in many cases better alternatives to a Zune.
Compared to an iPod Touch/iPhone - this thing's a joke
"This is no time for a novice"
The answer is not just the touch, it's apple in general. When a common layperson thinks of an mp3 player they think iPod. It's that simple. They were certainly not the first but they were the first to make a huge marketing push when it first launched and brought mp3 players to light in the mainstream public. All other mp3 players fail in sales comparison its just that microsoft tried so hard to compete that it seems like such a big loss. Look at the hundreds of other players out there. Then go to the gym and tell me how many mp3 players you see that aren't iPods.
Here is a hint for the microsoft bozos behind Zune: How about free MSN Wifi calls? You would give people an actual REASON to buy that crapgadget. You included wifi, and I think a mic, but no calling? Ever heard of network effects?
Perhaps you should look at this page here. It's from a website called "wikipedia": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_differentiation
@ Flashpoint:
Precisely. I got my sister a Zune 8 for Christmas. She was bummed she didn't get an iPod Touch. "Why?" I asked. "It has internet," she replied.
When I explained to her the features of the Zune 8, compared to an iPod nano, she began to understand.
People just don't get it.
I dont' understand, Alex. Are you saying she liked the Zune even though it doesn't have internet? And why were you comparing it to a iPod Nano? She wanted an iPod Touch.
In other words, nothing you wrote above makes sense.
@ Alex:
Hold the phone...so your sister wanted an iPod *Touch*. You got her a Zune instead, which she complained about. And you proceeded to tell her why the Zune is better than the iPod *Nano* which she didn't even want in the first place???
That's some clever salesmanship. Completely dishonest, but clever.
Hey Flashpoint, even higher on the table is a laptop. That has 140gb of memory and a full web browser. Or the Rolls Royce phantom, which has a much higher top speed, although is not availble in as many colours as the Crayola felt tip range.
The zune is not the equivilent of an iPod touch. The nano and classic are. You are a tool.
@fanman
By your logic, the iPod Classic is not in the same class as the Zune, since the Zune has a Wi-fi and the Classic doesn't. Also, the Zune has a radio, which means it's a radio player, while the iPod Classic and the Nano are just MP3 players. Totally different categories, don't you see?
/sarcasm
Who the heck made up that stupid argument separating the Zune and the iPod Touch? It's truly pathetic that all the fanboys latched onto that argument to support a music player that's obviously inferior.
The iPod Touch is better. Get over it.
I'm glad I wasn't the only one who noticed Alex's comment. That's priceless
you guys sure dont know shit about dick...
Youre not rendint the music. 10 songs every month for 15 dollars + unlimited songs.
Youre paying 10 dollars for 10 songs already, i much rather have the entire marketplace then 5 other songs. hell, even itunes is starting to charge you more because you think its acceptable.
@Paul A. Chapel
Microsoft and apple make flash and hardrived based PMP's. The Zune range has more features. Apple also produces a touch screen model that is in a completely different price range.
I'm failing to see how Microsoft having more features in the same price range is playing into your hands.
Incidentally, I have an iPod nano, which makes me even more perturbed when you make people who own them look like fucking idiots.
It's OFFICIAL: The Zune sucks.
Congrats Microsoft.
@fanman
If you think the Zune is better than the iPod Touch because of hard drive space and price, then just say that. But don't give me that BS that they aren't in the same category.
They are both MP3 players, hence they are in the same category. If you go on a site like Amazon and look up MP3 players, even Amazon lists them in the same category. The only people that think they aren't in the same category are Zune fanboys and Apple haters. If anyone is embarassing, it's them.
No, she didn't even ask for an mp3 player. But she had some shit old iRiver, so I thought I'd get her a sleek new Zune 8. I guess she had hoped for an iPod touch at some point, but she certainly never asked for one. The reason I compared the 8 to the nano is because they are in the same category. You wouldn't compare a Corolla to an Accord, you'd compare a Corolla to a Civic. What she really wanted was her own access to the internet, instead of having to share the family's computers. Had I known that (and had I been willing to shell out $300 instead of $120), I would've gotten her a netbook!
@ Paul: I have sat here many times and watched you write all the crap you write. (Some times what you write isn't crap, I admit it)
Today I'm not going to just sit here. I'm going to tell you why the Zune is not in the same category as the iPod Touch.
I took a business course and I remember one thing the teacher mentioned about competing services. A service can only be a substitute for another service if and only if it can replace the major functions of the other.
The Zune is not a touch device the Zune is more an MP3 player than a video player. Don't get me wrong the Touch can do most things the Zune can (MP3 wise) but the Touch plays a different role. It's more of a video viewing device than the Zune. As a result IMO those are the major differences that put the Touch on another level.
Yes they both play MP3s but the interface on both devices is totally different (touch VS buttons). One device is more focused on Video than the other one is more focused on MP3s than the other. These differences create two totally different devices. That aren't necessarily competing for the same demographic amongst music listeners. If they were competing in the exact same demographic than the Classic would competing with the Touch.
I will cut this wall of text here. But for those that don't agree with me answer me this: "which is better the Touch or the Classic?"
You should really categorize them by price.
@Paul
Since you are becoming the preeminent Apple fanboy around here, let me ask you this question:
How are sales of the Apple TV? I mean, it is the most awesomest of all products, right? So it should be selling billions of units, right?
Is Zune selling great compared to iPod, no, it is not. I wish it were because it is a great product, it is not selling like is should. And as a iPod owner, I enjoy my Zune much more.
Is Apple TV selling great compared to Windows Media Center, no, it is not. I cannot vouch for the quality of the Apple TV, because I don't have one but Media Center is amazing. If you are so interested in talking about numbers of products that are not doing so well, why don't you (and really, why doesn't Engadget - are they trying to hide failures of Apple while glorify failures of MS???) talk about poor sales of other products? Hmmmmm?
Oh, and to answer your other question posted further down about why are people bringing up Apple, it is because the article talks about iPod and Apple - it is right there in the article.
Zune Division is the first division in Microsoft to be hit with layoffs. Walk into the office and now you see like maybe one or two people where there used to be fifty. I doubt if development of the Zune will continue much longer. How do they expect this shite player to compete with the iPod? It can't now and probably never will. Why the hell don't they just close the whole division down and work on something that still has somewhat of a chance. Something like WinMo 7. It's a longshot, but it still may come out ahead of Palm's untested webOS, not as though that's saying much.
iPod sales are increasing and the Zune is losing money. WTF did they expect. Get real.
Oops, my stalker is here. Time for me to go.
But a few points. First of all, you can't justify separating the Zune and iPod Touch by price. The iPod Touch is 229 and the Zune 120 is 229. Hmmmm, I wonder why Microsoft set the price there, maybe because they're competing with the Touch? No, couldn't be.
And this interface argument just blows. Devices compete based on interfaces. If your interface is better, then the customer is more likely to buy it. That doesn't automatically mean they get thrown out of the same category.
Microsoft tried to use that sort of argument to prop up their sales of the Xbox 360 against the Wii. Basically, they said that the Xbox 360 was not competing with the Wii because the 360 was "high definition" and the Wii was not. Where does it end? The next thing you know Microsoft will be blowing off the Wii by saying, oh well, we don't compete with the Wii because it has motion controls and we don't. Well, duh, that's how Nintendo is beating their console.
It's just a silly argument. People buy the Wii because it has a better interface than the 360. That doesn't give them a category all to themselves. They are both consoles. If you guys continue this nonsense, what's next? Does Ford get to blow off Toyota because they created a hover car and Ford cars still have wheels? Nonsense!!!
@ Paul ...
Let's compare at the same price points the Zune and the Touch.
Touch = 8GB = $229
Zune = 120GB = $235 (@ Newegg)
Price difference = $6 or 2.5% difference
Storage space difference = 112GB
You would need FIFTEEN Touch's (at the Zune 120 price) to get the same storage space as a single Zune 120. Cost comes out to $3525.
Of course, you could opt for 16GB Touch. Then you would only need 7.5 to get the same storage as a Zune. Your price drops down to $2242. The "best" deal would be the 32GB Touch. Now you are only talking about needing 4 Touches. At the $399 price you can get equivalent storage for the bargain basement price of just $1600.
Are you starting to see why some people argue that they are not direct comparisons? Here, I'll make it even simpler.
If you want full internet access and the ability to load up apps go with the Touch, Archos or something like the Nokia N810 - on sale yesterday for $220 at buy.com.
If you want huge storage that is primarily an MP3 player with occasional movie viewing then go for a Zune 80/120 or on the iPod classics.
If you want a smaller device with flash based memory stick with the Nano or the Zune 4/8/16.
Those are your comparisons.
@Paul A. Chapel
Zunes: Flash 80/120
iPods: Nano Classic Touch iPhone
The zune is not competeing in the touch or phone sectors of the mp3 player market. I didn't realise they were the same price in that states (apple adds about a third to UK prices where I live) but surely you can see that the exsiting zunes are desinged to compete with the most similar apple product. People who prefer harddrive space to touch screens have the zune 120 and iPod classic to chose from, for size there are the flash models, whereas poeple who want a touch screen over space have only the iTouch. So saying that the zune 120 is rubbish for not having all the features that are also lacking the classic is a bit daft? I can call Flashpoint a tool?
Who made this rule that you can put MP3 players in SEPARATE categories based on storage capacity? So if the Zune gets 256 GB of storage space tomorrow, does that mean that you can no longer be in the same category as the iPod Classic? No, you know what happens then? You guys will start telling everyone on the internet that the Zune is BETTER because of storage space, just like people say the iPod Touch is better because of the Multi-touch screen.
If an Apple fanboy comes out and says, "Hey, the Classic isn't in the same category as the Zune now, therefore they don't compete."
Be honest now. If an Apple fanboy were to say that, you would laugh in his face.
Storage space is a spec. Specs are used in comparisons. Comparisons sell devices. For instance, some people say the PALM Pre will be better than the iPhone because it has copy and paste and multi-tasking. Some people say the iPod Classic is better than the Zune because it has a television and movies available to it and more accessories. You guys say the Zune is better than the iPod Classic because it has radio and Wi-Fi and that's valid.
I'm not saying that the Zune isn't better than the iPod Classic. I'm just saying that you can't put the iPod Touch in a different category just because it fits your particular prejudice.
I-Pod Sales only increased in ROW. There was 3% decrease in iPod sales in the US year over year, which was more much more than $100 million in revenue. Since the Zune is only sold in the US, it shouldn't be surprising that sales decrease with the economy. It would be better if we know the percentage drop in sales.
I just updated my AnnoyingUsersBlock script on Greasemonkey! It blocks Zak (remember him?) and now Flashpoint! There's pretty much nothing positive ever contributed by either user, so if you've got Greasemonkey you can
Anyone who's a little more proficient in Javascript and wants to build a more useful "block" link into it is more than welcome!
http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/36579
@Brad
By all means, let's block all the people that don't agree with our particular point of view.
/sarcasm
You guys are a bunch of Communists.
Seriously, I love all the people that disagree with me, even my stalker who wastes his time looking up points I made elsewhere on the internet. I would never recommend that they be banned or even low ranked. You guys take these discussions much too seriously.
And to all you guys threatening to leave Engadget every time they don't write an article exactly to your sophisticated specifications, just please, GET A FREAKING LIFE.
I just realized, I don't think Paul Ass Chapel has a job! Is he some marketing guy from Apple (a la belkin) whose only job is to hold apple's flag high in forums?
or he is just an empty soul who gets his nights sleep knowing that in some little corner of the internet someone somewhere probably maybe thinks he is a bad ass!
Someone really needs to get that block script working!
Alright, Paul. Here's how it breaks down what is competing with what:
Apple v. Microsoft
iPod Classic 80/120 Zune80/120
iPod Nano 8/16 Zune4/8/16
iPod Touch NOTHING YOU FUCKING IDIOT!
NO OTHER MP3 PLAYER FROM MICROSOFT HAS A COMPLETELY TOUCH SCREEN BASED USER INTERFACE!
Get it through your thick head.
@Paul
I do it because it is fun point out what a Apple apologist you are. You claim to be a Microsoft fanboy and yet take every chance you can to slam them, but think that Apple is pure and true. Slamming Microsoft when they deserve it, that is good. Slamming them simply because, that makes you an Apple fanboy.
I do it because I like to point out your hipocracy. The argument of the Apple fanboy is that everything does is to copy Apple. Then you turn around and do nothing but lie (claiming you are a big fan of Microsoft), and steal (copying other's arguments, claim they are your own, and then post them).
"You guys are a bunch of Communists." - Ahhh yes, when you start to lose an argument and have nothing else to fall back on, call names. I thought Zak had the corner on that market. But as you are clearly missing, this is Engadget's site and not a government site. If they wish to "censor" you, that is their right, ability, and responsibility - and we all know they have used that right, ability, and responsibility before on you.
But that is my opinion, the opinion of a stalker.
Sell it worldwide and make it a mass storage device for Windows, Linux and Macintosh with drag and drop for all files. Then it might gain some traction in sales.
nohone wrote:
Is Zune selling great compared to iPod, no, it is not. I wish it were because it is a great product, it is not selling like is should. And as a iPod owner, I enjoy my Zune much more.
Oops, but don't worry about no edit, I fixed it:
nohone meant:
Is OS/2 selling great compared to MS Windows, no, it is not. I wish it were because it is a great product, it is not selling like is should. And as a MS Windows owner, I enjoy my OS/2 much more.
ANYBODY TRYING TO MAKE THE ZUNE SEEM BETTER THAN THE iPod TOUCH IS SMOKING THE BEST CRACK ON EARTH.
I don't give a goddamn if a Zune has 4TB of storage - compared to a 8 or 16GB iPod touch, the simple fact is, the ZUNE is STILL LACKLUSTER.
If you're shopping based on storage capacity alone - then there are better options than the touch...but the truth is, the iPod Touch offer way, WAY more than the Zune and most other DAP's on the market.
There is no way you can argue against an internet capable device with wifi downloading of applications and music - with features like Contacts, Calendar, Photos plus integrated EMAIL plus every other damn App you can add to it.
To argue against this is a sign of LUNACY...or sheer hate for the company.
Listen - I love microsoft too. Especially for the Xbox360. BUT DON'T TRY TO BULLSHIT ME.
Alex comment and defence is priceless! Alex you could have told her about the Touch instead of making a comparison to a iPod nano. If the touch is what she wanted means she didn't want a nano or a zune. So why go bullshit your sister in making her believe she actually wants a zune. The result will be that she will start to hate you for handing out presents noone wants.
Actually the zune IS potentially awesome. the GUI is lightyears ahead of anything from apple. It just works.
its just a pity the device is so damned locked down and cumbersome to connect to the computer that I hardly ever use the damned thing.
UNLOCK the god damned hardware and you will KILL apple.
I hope Microsoft does not drop the ball or the Zune product line, owner of 2 Zune 30 GB I was just looking into upgrading to a 120 GB Zune.
BTW...Windows Mobile sales surpassed iPhone sales in Q4... Is Engadget going to report it??
http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=2569
5M WM & 4.4M iPhone in Q4 2008
Everyone knows Windows Mobile marketshare is FAR larger than the iPhone's. They have dozens of devices on the market, and a massive pool of users. This isn't news. Why would we report it? It may seem like bragging rights to WM users, but in context, this is just business as usual.
Yeah. And equally, the question is, what do the growth trends show?
@Josh
lol
Then why do you report iPod sales? You know it has a FAR larger marketshare than zune/creative/etc..
We mentioned iPod sales in a post about Apple's record-breaking quarter. You're manufacturing drama here. Next!
Manufacturing drama? The guy demonstrates clear bias in the way you guys report on two companies and that's manufacturing drama.
Given the way Engadget generally reports Windows Mobile stories (with lashings of sarcasm, the essential Apple reference and a generally negative tone) anyone could be forgiven for thinking that the product line was about to collapse. I'm actually surprised to hear that WinMo did outsell the iPhone and it's pretty pathetic that you guys constantly denigrate what is clearly a popular product.
I sure hope you two don't lose your jobs soon because you don't seem to have any problems undermining the products that keep good people employed at Microsoft.
While it's true that MS sold more copies of WinMo on other vendor's handhelds compared to the number of Apple's iPhone sales, it's pretty foolish to compare them directly and think of it as a success for MS. Some things to consider are:
1) MS sells WinMo devices in a considerably more HW, in more countries and on more networks.
2) The devices are typically considerably cheaper.
3) Apple gets paid for the HW and SW sale of each iPhone.
4) Apple doesn't need to remove profit to push old inventory.
Measuring unit sales only works when you compare like things, which is why measuring Macs to Windows has never made sense. Apple is typically the 5th or 6th largest PC vendor in the US, but when you compare OSes it's only 1/9th the size of MS' Windows.
The only relevant measure of a for profit company is its profits. Apple made $1.25 Billion on their iPhone segment for calendar Q4. What did MS make selling 5M OEM copies of WinMo? They would have to have sold each OEM copy to vendors at $250/each to equal Apple's revenue in that same quarter, yet I think I read once that they cost about $8 on average. That would be $40M, which isn't bad, but it's surely not anything great for a major tech company.
PS: I'm glad to see Palm not using WinMo for the Pre and, at least looking like, Palm is back in the running with a decent device. I thought using WinMo-based Palm devices was going to bury them.
“Everyone knows Windows Mobile marketshare is FAR larger than the iPhone's.” If all I read was engadget, no I would not know this. I think Mr. Turner brings up a valid point.
You just low ranked TWO engadget editors. Are you kidding me? I really hope they disable comments for this. You guys are ridiculous.
@ Samus Q. Turdburglar: Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Just as long as you aren't being rude and stupid you have every right to agree or disagree with even the Engadget writers.
Oh and by the way. The guys above do have a point. I can't remember last time I saw "MS has record breaking QX".
But the writers do have a point too. WinMo is on many devices while the iPhone is only 1.
Its a known fact that Engadget users are M$ Windows biased, but yet love to read about anything Apple (its called envy, but no one is willing to admit it here).
It always amazes me how the Microsoft fanboys always manage to mention Apple in a post that has nothing to do with Apple and then complain about Engadget's bias for Apple. You clownshoes are the ones that mentioned Apple IN THE FIRST PLACE.
oh god not this again.
Actually, I think they deserve to be low-ranked. I love the iPod and iPhone. I think Apple is doing great things to move the market forward. I had a WinMo powered Moto Q and thought it was a piece of garbage. And yet, I still think having Engadget editors trashing somebody for pointing out their obvious biases is totally inappropriate. Engadget does have a point of view, and they should think about that every so often.
If WinMo 6.5 comes out and is half-way decent (who knows, it could happen) or WinMo 7 does the same, they should be open to the possibility of commenting on it in some halfway open way. Like it might be possible.
From the low ranking of the editors, it seems like they're a bit out of touch with their readers and their interests.
I don't want to be banned or lowranked myself, but it does seem very curious how that engadget doesn't say anything that would lead readers to understand that devices with a comparatively ancient mobile OS (WinMo) is still besting Apple's much touted iPhone in sales. If you read only engadget, you'd think that Microsoft was teetering on bankruptcy.
@ Alan Stangis: apple was mentioned in the posting
Seriously though, who do I have to call a bad bad name to get the comments turned off.
@ Bender Bending Rodriguez : You know pretty much the same principle applies to the zune, fewer countries, trying to compete with a product which has a HUGE head start and pretty much was the pioneer in this market.
Cut MS some slack, the guys at the zune team are working hard on their products. And lets cut down on the Fanboism everyone!
The parent comment in this thread brought up the iPhone and Windows Mobile in an article about the ZUNE. Yes, Ross Miller mentioned iPod, as a direct competitor to the Zune, but didn't say squat about the iPhone.
Why the heck does the iPhone and WinMo have to do with the subject at hand?
They need an ad campaign. The Zune Pass is the best thing to happen to music in a while; a user is essentially only paying 5 bucks a month for unlimited DRM'd songs, while the remaining 10 bucks per month go straight to 10 un-DRM'd songs per month.
It's a smoking good deal, even compared to iTunes' recently un-DRM'd offerings.
they have an ad campaign. thats about the only thing they advertise about the zune these days, the zune pass.
I don't see any television ads on local stations in DC. If I don't see any TV ads here, they're not trying hard enough.
Agree, Microsoft needs more advertisement for their Zune devices AND Zune pass. Apple is far ahead in advertizing iPods, plus cult, etc.
I am waiting for iTrolls to start a feast in this topic. And I even know the names of their leaders...
Don't forget the Zune fanboys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBbOBc-L720
@Paul A. Chapel:
Didn't he jump ship?... hmm, yeah, yes he did... apple fanboy I presume, now hes just a quiet sheep in a flock of hopeless elitists.
Bryant, youre not seeing them on local stations because theyre not played on local stations. Tune into MTV, VH1, etc. and you will see at least one per hour.
It's a good deal if you want to RENT music. Just not something I'm into.
Stop paying your monthly fee and watch all of you music stop playing (with the exceptions of the specific titles you buy separately). I know a lot of people do love subscription services but they're not for me and I'm sure I'm not the only one.
@Max PL
Ah and there in lies the problem with advertising on MTV and VH1. It would make sense to advertise on the radio only, since they actually play music.
Agree with ack. I'm not in to renting music, so the only reason I'd buy a Zune is to have a device that's not for sale in my country, with less 3rd party accessories and no Mac support. Thanks, but no thanks.
Microsoft doesn't need more ads, they need a better product. The reason the iPod has been so successful is because Apple did a thumping good job with it. Microsoft just added things to the Zune which are tagentially related to popular trends, and hoped that would be enough to make a good product. It isn't. You've got to have features which are useful and make the reason people buy the device - to play music - even better.
I agree but it might help if everywhere I went to look a an mp3 I wasnt assaulted about buying an ipod over a zune. When I bought my brother a Zune instead of an ipod I was asked about 5 times why I didn't want an apple product instead. It was ridiculous.
Ack - the Zune Pass allows you to download and keep 10 DRM-free tracks a month, so you are getting a long term product, along with the all-you-can-eat subscription music downloads.
The alternative in the Apple lineup would be that you can run the Pandora app on your iPhone, and listen to all the music you want for free as well. Streamed instead of subscription, but kinda the same.
Now obviously the iPhone is very different from the Zune in a lot of ways, and maybe Apple *should* think about doing a subscription model. Don't think they're feeling a lot of pressure from the Zune though... so its more just a question of whether it would make their customers happy/sell more iPods (is that possible?) or make them more money (e.g. not eat into album sales).
And I got a Zune during this time to replace my iPod.
AWESOME device. The only downside I can think of is the inability to use as an external HDD like the iPod. Which I think is what does a cut in the market for Microsoft. I know that junk is very small, but it could be implemented by a firmware update and every bit works.
Also they should put advertisement. Very few knows what the Zune is in Canada and most stores put them in the section of the crappy MP3 players, turned off, hidden in the abandonment section of the store. Microsoft should step up and make Wii like booth for the MP3 player, advertise on TV a lot. I remember I saw several awesome video ads on Microsoft website on the Zune, but nothing touching the TV, which is a shame.
I plan to get Zune Pass next month... they should make an ad on this. This is a great deal!
Calling it rented music is just plain silly. Having the ability to download whatever I want whenever I want has done wonders for my taste in music. My Apple fanboy friend termed it "complete music freedom". Besides, it's only rented if you return it. And I'm about as likely to end my Zune Pass as I am to cut off the hot water. In addition, you now get to keep 10 songs every month. There is not better value proposition anywhere in entertainment.
Oh and iTunes blows chunks.
i wish they'd release it in the UK *angry glares at microsoft*
the zune pass is the best thing ever! and it just doesn't stop when you stop paying. I wasn't able to pay for 2 months but my music still worked because the expiration date is set like 2 months ahead. u still have to pay ur left over balance but they dont just cut u off the day u don't pay.
advertising is key and MS doesn't do it enuf. people dont know what it is. most people dont say MP3 player they say iPod
@ Good_Bytes
From what I gathered from your post, you appear to live in Canada. You also said that you "plan to get a Zune Pass next month." Do you know something I don't? Is Microsoft planning to make the Zune Pass/Marketplace available to Canadians in February? This is what has been holding me back from buying a Zune in Canada...
THIS JUST IN!
Microsoft has a Zune revenue!
No really. What?
Exactly what I was wondering.
There are two things keeping me from snapping up a Zune 120 - No blue Zunes at my local electroniccs shop, and no "disk mode" out of the box. Once the fix the latter, I'll be happy to pick one up.
Who buys stuff locally anymore, and hard drives are dirt cheap... lame excuses my fine feathered friend.
maybe he doesn't want to carry a disk AND a PMP?
My 64GB flash drive does just fine fitting on my keys... =P
The blue 120 is only available from Zune Originals
For all you people saying that you are not getting a zune because it doesn't have a HD function: An ipod is an ipod. Not a disk drive. Get a flash drive or an external HD for that. ipods are the only product that offer that feature. WD MyPassport essentails carry over double (and triple) the storage of ipods for a smaller cost. And, they are tiny!
relyt:
Your reply makes no sense. An iPod *is* a disk drive. That's all an mp3 player is. (either a winchester drive or solid state, it's still a drive.) It happens to also have a little piece of software on top of it that allows it to play media. But underneath, it is just a hard drive.
Your suggestion that you should need to buy a separate hard drive when you've already got a perfectly good one that you *should* be able to use is nonsensical.
I have an iPod Classic that currently has 95GB free. Why shouldn't I be able to use that space for files? Or more to the point, why should I have to buy *another* hard drive that has that same amount of space on it when I've already *got* one?
fieldcar. 64GB is not enough in some cases. I have a 120GB iPod, and I use it to back up all my important stuff, photos, client work etc and I keep it with me in case the house burns down or something. paranoia, probably, but over 90GB at this point.
Jeff. Yep. the drive in the iPod is slow, but it's big. When I need to travel it's nice to just take it with me to move files. My big beef is that under windows it's FAT32 and my VM images won't fit 'cause they are bigger than 4GB
What's a zune?
Its a shining beacon of pure music ecstasy.
I heard they have them in America.
... And like most shining beacons, it is routinely ignored, resulting in many horrible deaths and ship sinkings in mediocrity bay.
All they need to do is come out with a new version every 6 months that makes the old like look like a turd. Haven't they learned anything from Apple.
make it recognizable as a hard-drive and ditch the proprietary file system.
yeh i wouldnt mind it being used as an HDD.
Here's a new marketing concept. Make it cheaper! What's with this price fixing and making it the same price as an iPod. I guarantee you make these cheaper they will sell a ton more. That's why Sandisk is doing so well. They have really good players for really good prices.
I've noticed alot more of my friends with Zunes over the past year, but the funny thing is that they all have the Zune 30. The huge after market on Zune 30s (not to mention the $99 price tag it enjoyed on many sites) make the 30 a much more interesting product than the 80 or 120, especially since they all have the same firmware.
I'm using my Zune right now and do so every single day. If I had the need for more Zunes, I would buy them, but my 2nd Gen 80GB does me just fine as has since the day I bought it. Guess that's what happens when you build a quality product.
lol
Why does engadget insist on showing the 2 year old version every time. Such bullshit.
If Microsoft made Zune software that is compatible with Mac OS X, I'd get a Zune.
If they'd freaking use a dual purpose wifi chip that incorporated Bluetooth, they'd surely gain marketshare. That's one of the things that has kept me from deciding between an iPod and a next gen Zune. Waiting to see who gets to an integrated Bluetooth stereo within the device. I personally hate having to resort to using an external module. Also, they seriously need to open up the specs to allow a plethora of 3rd party peripherals to be created for the unit.
i have a zune myself
and they need to make the zune software for linux :P
i hate restarting my pc just to load new music
have you tried WMware?
I've never even heard of WMware...