Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player (Black) | 
 enlarge
| Brand: Zune
Category: CE
List Price: $199.99
Buy Used: $129.50
You Save: $70.49 (35%)
New (1) Used (10) Refurbished (1) from $129.50
Avg. Customer Rating:  1492 reviews
Sales Rank: 304
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Display Size: 3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 1 x 1 x 1
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: JS8-00001
Model: JS8-00001
UPC: 840356622149
EAN: 0840356622149
Release Date: November 14, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Features:
| • | 30GB digital media player stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures or 100 hours of video | | • | Features wireless networking so you can share tracks and other media | | • | 3-inch color screen features a landscape mode for video viewing | | • | Compatible with Zune Marketplace for media downloads and subscriptions | | • | Automatically imports your existing music, pictures and videos from iTunes and Windows Media Player in a variety of formats |
|
| Accessories:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
When you want more than just another MP3 and video player, the Zune is the device for you. It has a huge 30GB of storage for music, photos and videos, so you'll never be bored. Device measures 5.55"L x 5.55"W x 2.24"D. Features: - Keeps 7,500 songs (MP3 format) or 25,000 photos at your fingertips, or even 100 hours of video
- Photo and video compatible
- Integrated hard drive storage provides massive amounts of memory for the least amount of money
- Unique 3" video screen goes from portrait to landscape mode as you turn your Zune; so you always see the best picture possible
- Extensive file format compatibility
- Advanced software lets you import most music, photos and videos in a snap
- FM tuner
- Real-time capabilities so you can catch the Top 40, stay up to date with your favorite sports teams, and make sure the weather doesn't take you by surprise
- Online music store means you can browse a huge selection of music in the Zune Marketplace
- Internal rechargeable battery comes with USB cable for recharging
Amazon.com Product Description
Entertainment and sharing to go. That's the Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player. The Zune plays music and videos, displays images, and unlike the iPod, it even receives FM radio so you can stay on top of local news or sports. Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery, and community, Zune connects people and empowers them with the tools needed to share entertainment experiences. The Zune experience is centered around connection--connection to your library, friends, community, and other Zunes. It's powered by software that allows users to manage files on the player, rip audio CDs, and buy from a wide selection of music and videos at the Zune Marketplace. 
The Zune lets you share music and pictures with other Zune users in the area. | 
The controls are designed to be familiar and easy to use so you can jump right in and start having fun. View larger. | 
Zune software can find compatible music files on your PC and copy them to your Zune device. | 
Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing lets you share your favorite tracks and photos. | 
Browse more than 100,000 artist bios and hundreds of playlists in the Zune Marketplace. | The Zune is a 30 GB digital media player, but there's a twist. You can wirelessly share selected full-length sample tracks, playlists, pictures, or your own home-grown tunes directly from Zune to Zune (within 30 feet). You can listen to the full-length songs that you receive up to three times in three days, flag the ones you love, and easily buy them the next time you sync up--its like test-driving songs before you purchase an album. The Zune's navigation is simple and intuitive with a scroll wheel and basic buttons, and the big, bright screen makes it easy to browse music and show off your favorite pictures and videos. This attractive, smart device stores up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 100 hours of video. Get creative. Make playlists on the go and watch slide shows while you're listening. And if you're watching video on the Zune, you'll be pleased with the landscape mode that allows you to get the most out of the vivid display. Zune-to-Zune Sharing
Don't forget the primary principle of the Zune: sharing. With this device in hand you're holding an opportunity to share music and photos wirelessly from one Zune to another. Send your favorite tracks or images to your friends, or just about anyone with a Zune that's within your reach. Whether you're walking down the street, in a room with a bunch of friends, at a concert, at the airport, or on the bus, you can whip out your Zune and see all the other Zune devices that surround you. In the blink of an eye you're connected to your best friend and you can send over your band's newest song. Another friend might get the hilarious podcast your little brother made at school, plus that hot new song you just downloaded from the Zune Marketplace. And, of course, there's all the good stuff that your friends want to send back your way. The connections are made and the Zune community grows. Best of all, the song you sent (or received) isn't a short 30-second preview--it's the whole song. Your friend can sample the song up to three times in three days, flag it on their device and then buy it from the Zune Marketplace. You can send pictures, too. If you loved the photo of your dog at the park and you just have to share it with your buddies, shoot it off to whoever is around. And any pictures that are sent or received can be kept and viewed indefinitely. Sometimes you don't want to be noticed, and the Zune allows you to fly under the radar. All you need to do is turn the wireless function off, or adjust the privacy settings to control whether people can see you are online. And if you want to keep your Zune private while studying in the library or reading the newspaper on the bus, you can also block Zune devices in wireless range from sending you a song. Zune Marketplace
Zune makes it easy to find music you love--whether it's songs in your existing library or new music from the Zune Marketplace. You can easily import your existing music, pictures, and videos in many popular formats from your PC and browse millions of songs at the Zune Marketplace where you can purchase individual tracks or buy a Zune Pass subscription to download as many songs as you want for a flat fee. Plus, you can apply Microsoft Points towards the purchase of music so you can buy online without a credit card for added security. At the Zune Marketplace you can read over 100,000 artist biographies and features from leading magazines including XLR8R, NME, and FADED, and you'll have easy access to Billboard Charts, including Billboard 200, Hot 100 Songs, and more. You'll even be able to browse what people in the Zune community are listening to by checking out the Zune Charts. Pre-Loaded Content
Zune is a vehicle to explore new sounds and share entertainment experiences. With that in mind, the Zune comes pre-loaded with a variety of songs and videos from hot, new artists, as well as some fun films and images. With something for everyone, the pre-loaded Zune content may help you discover your new favorite band, but at the very least you'll have some entertainment at your fingertips so you can start connecting and sharing. Zune pre-loaded content includes loads of audio tracks, music videos, and film shorts, plus 12 classic rock posters from "Art of Modern Rock: The Poster Explosion." Zune Accessories
You can choose from a full line of accessories to outfit your Zune. These three Zune Accessory Packs provide complete solutions for Zune in your car, in your home or while you travel. Individual accessories are also available. - The Zune Car Pack includes everything needed to hit the road with a Zune device, such as the built-in FM tuner with AutoSeek and the Zune Car Charger.
- The Zune Home A/V Pack enhances your experience in the home through five products that integrate Zune with the TV and music speakers: Zune AV Output Cable, Zune Dock, Zune Sync Cable, Zune AC Adapter and the Zune Wireless Remote for Zune Dock.
- The Zune Travel Pack is a set of five products designed to keep friends and family entertained on the road: Zune Premium Earphones, Zune Dual Connect Remote, Zune Gear Bag, Zune Sync Cable and the Zune AC Adapter.
What's in the Box
Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player, earphones, USB cable, and sleeve.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 1487 more reviews...
 Review by Actual Zune and IPod owner December 10, 2006
152 out of 169 found this review helpful
I own a 5th generation iPod and bought a Zune last week. Why? Primarily because I am a gadget-freak and I like the idea of a bigger screen and WiFi sharing of songs.
The Zune comes in a very nice package and with clear installation instructions. I didn't run into any problems on Windows XP SP2 so I cannot comment on some of the problems other people have encountered.
After using it for a week this is how the Zune stacks up against the iPod:
iPod has the advantage in:
-Size: Zune is slightly longer and thicker than the iPod but it's not that noticable. Slight advantage for iPod.
-Software: Zune software is nice and works but iPod's software is more straightforward and easier to use. Yes, even my iPod software occasionally crashes but overall I like it better.
-Applications & Games: no games and apps on Zune yet, some nice apps on the iPod but the games on iPod are pathetic. That's what my Nintendo DS is for.
-Many more accessories! It took me a while to find a nice case for the Zune but I assume this will get better over time. Still iPod rules the accessory market.
-External USB Device: I can use my iPod as a giant "memory stick", the Zune has this function disabled - although there is way to enable that (do a Google search).
Zune and iPod are even:
-Battery Life: Zune (WiFi turned off) and iPod are about the same, 13 1/2 to 14 hours with screen off.
-Interface: I liked Zune's menu structure much better than iPod's but I miss the iPod's great click-wheel. Also interface responds quicker on the Zune.
-Sound Quality: listening to music with my Sony headphones I could not hear any difference in sound quality.
-Headphones: the included headphones with the iPod and the Zune are equally crappy. The first accessory you buy should be new headphones.
Zune has the advantage in:
-Screen: ZUNE WINS by a huge margin, screen is bigger and brighter, absolutely stunning!
-Materials: iPod's sensitive chrome shell always bugged me and the screen on my iPod is horribly scratched despite a protective case, Zune's black/blue shell looks very nice and it seems to be impervious to finger prints, Zune's screen seems much more scratch resistent too.
-Video: Forget the iPod! I converted some DVDs to WM9 and watched them on my Zune, it's a delight! The screen, the landscape mode, the brightness - wonderful. On a high quality setting I was able to fit around 60h of video onto the Zune.
-Pictures: again thanks to the screen the Zune beats the iPod. Finally I can show off some baby pictures without people squinting.
-WiFi: yeah, I like it. Granted the 3-day/3-play limitation is annoying but I have received a few cool songs so far. Problem is: there aren't too many Zune owners yet.
-Radio: HUGE advantage for the Zune. I am at the gym, watching TV and tuning in to the sounds on my Zune. Why Apple hasn't included this yet in the iPod is beyond me.
-Song purchase: I love the option of the "all you can eat" for $15/month. Granted most of my music is ripped from CDs but $15 per month for all the music I want is pretty compelling.
OVERALL VERDICT: I love my iPod, I LOVE MY ZUNE EVEN MORE. If Microsoft can write some applications and games and improve the Zune PC software they'll have a perfect consumer device.
To be fair: if you already have an iPod and have no need for radio and better video capabilities then there is no need to upgrade to a Zune. If you want better video, like the idea of radio and WiFi then the Zune is the way to go. If you are in the market for a new MP3 player in the $250 price range the Zune should be on the top of your shopping research list.
Most important: ignore all the fanboy garbage of "Microsoft is evil" and "Apple sucks" and stick with the facts. Reading some of the very loud "reviews" below I can only wonder how many of these writers actually own any of these devices.
iPod user gone Zune! December 2, 2006
55 out of 69 found this review helpful
I have had my Zune now for just over two weeks now and am really enjoying it. Here are some of my thoughts. I am a PC user and have had an iPod mini for over two years now that I used constantly. Many of you are probably considering upgrading from an iPod to a Zune so I'll compare my experience of the two. To be fair, I realize that the iPod mini is old technology now and not comparable to the Zune.
Brown Color: You either love or hate the brown zune. I love it. The green double shot is really attractive and the dark metal border around the screen and center button offer beautiful contrast.
Screen: The screen is absolutely gorgeous! It is very big, very bright, and the first thing everyone asks me about when they see it.
Controls: The center wheel is a four direction button with a center button and not a touch wheel like the iPod. My first instinct was to spin the wheel like apple devices and the lack of response was a bit of a let down... at first. iPod users will no doubt be familiar with trying to navigate menus with the spin wheel and way overshooting what you're looking for or endlessly spinning the wheel to get to the end of your list. Within an hour or so, I was very much enjoying the simplicity of changing volume and tracks by a single button instead of sliding.
MP3s: Sound great as you would expect. Great organization. Love the cover art!
Radio: I actually find myself using it quite a bit. The tuner picks up digital information from many stations and lists the station name, genre, and song artist and title. It's a really nice feature.
Video: The Zune comes preloaded with some videos which are fun. My digital camera (Fuji V10) takes beautiful video that looks great on the Zune. I have been using free Microsoft software (PhotoStory and MovieMaker) to splice music, video, and pictures into videos that I can carry around in my Zune. This promises to be huge fun in the future. Also, with a bit of searching, you can find great products that let you put DVDs and Tivo recordings on your player as well.
Zune Navigation: The menus take a few seconds to get used to, but are very intuitive and easy to navigate. I love that I can put one of my pictures and make it my background. It looks very personal.
WIFI: I can't find any other Zunes out there to share with yet. I'll be searching for them at the gym and work after Christmas.
Battery Life: They say 14 hours, I think it's closer to 12. Definitly last more than a full day of use. If you are watching video, it will be less of course. No complaints here.
Zune Software: Wow, does it feel like a beta version! Install required a reboot and managed to crash what I thought was a fairly crash proof PC. The software seems to want to be the only thing running. Any other software seems to make it hang for long periods of time. It looks and feels very much like Windows Media Player 11 which also tends to hang a bit on my computer. As for usability, it has a lot of good features: auto playlists (right click on `create playlist'), stacked album cover display, video and picture tabs, built in burning, etc. Hopefully, they will get this thing running better with updates in the very near future.
Zune Marketplace: I find it a joke to buy MP3s from services like this. DRM (digital rights management) protected music is quickly showing its limitations. Microsoft is a terrible example of the problem and here is why. The Microsoft Zune will NOT play Microsoft `Plays for Sure' files purchased in the past! Nor, will it play iTunes purchased files or anything other than Zune Marketplace DRM files. I WILL NOT purchase DRM music. All of my music is ripped directly from CDs. It sounds better, can be used however I want and I will never be locked into a specific media provider for my music. You get a free 14 day pass with your Zune, but I wont' be trying it.
Carrying case: While not often in the description, the Zune comes with a soft form fitting faux-suede pouch for your Zune. I love it! It looks great, lets the player slide smoothly into my pocket, protects the screen and allows me to feel and operate the buttons through the case. I know already that I will eventually lose it, but that will be a sad day.
Headphones: They are magnetic to try and prevent tangles, but the magnets aren't strong enough to keep them connected. They are earbuds which many people don't like, but they happen to nestle perfectly in my ears and I'll use them for the time being.
Size and Weight: It's a little bigger and a little heavier than my iPod mini, but the added features easily make up for the slight increase in size. I use it at the gym, slide it in the pocket of my jeans at work and sometimes just hold it to watch videos. Its smaller than it looks in pictures.
What I miss from the iPod: In general, not much. I'm giving my mini to my little brother. One thing is podcasts. You can put podcasts on the Zune, but right now, it's a pain in the rear.
The future: Microsoft will no doubt be releasing upgrades for the Zune player and software in the very near future. This was a feature sorely lacking from my iPod. It did the same thing from the day I got it out of the box to today. There are a tons of possibilities that promise to make the Zune grow better with age. Wireless syncing over your home network, internet radio, podcasting, radio recording, contacts and calendar options, better synchronizing options, and much more.
The Zune has been a great upgrade for my needs and I can't wait to see how Microsoft makes it better in the future.
Zune a little tune with me April 28, 2007
37 out of 50 found this review helpful
Update: My Zune is continuing to be a source of musical and video joy. No complaints so far and I've loaded over 125 full albums to try out from my 14-day Zune Marketplace trial. My Zune came in handy when I was called for jury duty and put in the jury pool for the afternoon. Several sitting near me said they wished they had a Zune too as they watched videos with me and very patiently looked at the pictures of my children and grandchildren for the hours we were contained in the jury pool. Still no complaints, only complete enjoyment.
[From April, 2007] I have ony had my Zune for a few weeks now, but I am thoroughly enjoying all of the features I've tried so far. I still love my iPod, but after a freak accident with an open water bottle in my bag, the backlight on my iPod went out and could not be replaced without spending almost the equivalent of a new one. So I still listen to the music on my wonderful iPod, but the pictures have gone dark.
Back to the Zune. The instructions were simple enough. I went to the Zune site, inserted the codes that came with my device, then plugged the Zune into my laptop and off we went. I quickly downloaded tons of new albums then easily synchronized to my Zune and charged at the same time. I haven't experienced any of the problems referenced by some of the other reviewers and my laptop works from Vista. I haven't listened or played with it 24-7, but after listening to several albums -- Dreamgirls, BeBe Winans, Chris Botti, Alison Krauss, Michael Hoppe, Stevie Wonder, and watched the preloaded videos and loaded many photos, the battery is holding a charge, but maybe a little less so than my iPod.
The Zune's controls are more easily manipulated than my iPod with the menu to locate music, videos, pictures, radio, community and settings. The videos and pictures are brilliant on this nice size screen. I have done a sound comparison, and as far as I can tell, there's nothing lacking in that department either. I was excited about the added bonus of a radio and have used this feature a lot. I have not used the tune sharing or community mode that allows you to pass songs back and forth. My son owns a Zune as well, so we will play with that feature soon and update this review.
So far I am extremely pleased with this cool present from my wonderful husband. I plan on using my iPod for all the older music I've collected over the years and switch back and forth between the two for now -- unless I feel benevolent and make it a gift to someone in the future.
- Victoria Austin
Examine merits, not focus on brands January 1, 2007
32 out of 42 found this review helpful
Brand loyalty isn't always a bad thing - but putting it above the merits of the actual products can be a mistake.
As some background - the Zune is not my first MP3 player. I started with one of the original Zen Jukeboxes, then an iPod Nano, chosen for their merits rather than the brand. Apple, Microsoft, and Creative all make good products! I bought a Zen Vision M very recently, but wound up exchanging it after trying a friend's Zune.
The Zune is a very good player. Unfortunately, it's starting at a real disadvantage, and it's 99% to do with the company name. Microsoft have come out with an excellent first model - and if the player were made by anyone else, I believe reviews would be much more favorable.
The hardware and the feature set are solid. You aren't buying into the equivalent of a 1st generation iPod here; thanks to Apple, Creative, and others, media player technology has stabilized considerably, and it's clear Microsoft have studied other brands and invested a lot of time into developing the Zune.
Pros:
- The screen is very large, bright, and clear. I've enjoyed watching videos on here much more than on the Zen Vision M or the iPod video.
- There's no scrollwheel, but the controls are very intuitive. I do miss the wheel sometimes, but equally I don't find myself accidentally slamming the volume up to max.
- The Windows software is actually pretty good. Much better than the Creative software bundled with the Zen, not as good as iTunes though.
- Swapping music is neat! Tried it out and a whole album transferred in about 2 minutes. The downside: the person receiving the song can only play it three times before it expires. This is kind of inevitable though; unrestricted music exchange doesn't fit the current business model.
- I really like the interface. Looks more professional than the Zen Vision (no comic sans style font!), large and easy to read, and it's easy to navigate. The icon display of album covers is terrific. However, they need to alter the full screen display of album art - the software just stretches thumbnail size pictures to fill the screen and it's very pixelated.
- The built-in radio is a really nice touch, and I've had no problems with reception. Rumor is that XM radio will be integrated, which would be an awesome addition.
- Stylish design. Not sure why they picked brown as a launching colour - but the player itself is sleek, and the matte finish doesn't show fingerprints (the iPod, though gorgeous, made me feel like a clumsy greasy human). The Zune is on the large side, but comparable with other 30GB players, and most of the space is taken up by the screen.
- Support. This is Microsoft, they won't vanish overnight - and as a software company, they'll be releasing regular updates.
Cons:
- Only works with Windows right now. My Macbook in OSX mode doesn't even recognise it - so if you're just using OSX, you should definitely wait. There's a third party program that currently supports reading the Zune filesystem, but that's about it. Linux support probably won't take too long though. Creative players have the same problem, as I found out with the Zen Vision!
- Syncing sucks. Unforunately it seems pretty much standard; the iPod does the same thing, though in both cases there are ways to circumvent it. I suspect it's a DRM related thing, but I don't understand why both Apple and MS believe I need to keep the full contents of my MP3 player on my computer.
- DRM, DRM, DRM. Again, though, this is not just a Zune issue. Music from iTunes only works on iPods, music from MS Marketplace only works on Zune, and if you buy your songs elsewhere it probably won't work on either. Horribly confusing. If you have a large library of bought tracks, stick with whatever brand you're using. Personally I rip most of my music from my CDs; no DRM and it works on any player.
- No support for using the Zune as a hard drive. There's an easy hack available, but native support should have been there (the Zen has it!)
- No native podcast support. Maybe this will be added later, but it should have been there at the start. You can download podcasts via iTunes or third party programs, and just transfer the files across, but it shouldn't have to be that complicated.
- The software is still new and needs work. Microsoft are at heart a software company though, so I expect frequent updates. I suspect they'll be better on this front than Creative.
- File formats - I seem to have this problem with other players too. I'm never quite sure which player supports what video format. The Zune uses WMV and MP4 exclusively for video, but it's been easy to convert most of my videos with the built-in software. However, there are a few it just can't do.
- Not many accessories yet, and what's out there is far too expensive! The iPod has many more cool toys and skins. Then again, I don't need an iDog right now :-)
Generally, I'm very impressed with the Zune. It does everything I need out of the box - music and video playback, viewing photos, FM radio, music swapping, etc. The lack of cross-platform support is a problem for non-Windows users, and I'm not sure if that will ever be fixed. However, expect the Windows support to get better and better with new software releases. Also, I suspect (and hope) that the Zune won't fall prey to the endless variations and hardware updates of the iPod. I would rather see new firmware and software updates than have to buy a whole new player, and I have a feeling this is the route Microsoft will follow.
iPod and Creative fans - if you're looking for a new player, and don't have too much DRM protected music, see if you can put aside brand loyalty and give the Zune a try. To new buyers with Windows PCs - the Zune is an excellent choice, and I doubt you'll be disappointed.
Excellent hardware . . . software needs work December 28, 2006
11 out of 18 found this review helpful
I am writing this review in two parts, because I feel the software should be reviewed separately from the hardware. Why? Because very few reviewers factor in Itunes when reviewing the Ipod, so I feel it's only fair to evaluate the hardware, which mostly will stay the same, separately from the software, which (hopefully) may be changed a lot.
I currently own an Ipod Gen 4 and my wife has the newer video Ipod. The Zune beats the video Ipod. I won't bother re-hashing what others have said. My primary interest in the Zune was the larger, better proportioned screen. I make videos and slide shows and they look great on the Zune. Also, the sound seems better and I can get somewhat higher volume from it. The radio works beautifully and I live outside of a large city. It's kind of fun to see the additional data the stations broadcast. A few stations actually display the song/artist, while others just "promote" the station. But it's cool to see and the display is vivid and crisp.
Setup was reasonably easy, although I made the mistake of opening another program during the install and the install had to be restarted . . . which brings me to the software: It's not so good. Of course it's functional, but the interface is non-traditional and non-intuitive. I'm still not sure I understand everything about it, and it's often slow to update.
I have hope that after reading enough bad reviews Microsoft will re-think the non-traditional interface. It's puzzling, and I've taught multimedia production at the college level. I have a strong dislike for programs that work outside the standard Windows interface. They may look pretty, but form follows function and you'll often find yourself staring at the computer screen trying to figure out what exactly is going on.
So why five stars? The hardware is top notch. If I factored in the software, I would have to lower my rating, but I'm not going to do that. I also feel I should try to average out the ridiculous "one star" reviews from Ipod fanboys who have obviously never even picked up a Zune. (Amazon should dump such "reviews." IMHO) And if you think I can't be harsh in my reviews, check out what I have to say about the Zune Car Pack.
In fact, the Zune is a well-made piece of hardware. It does not feel junky or cheap as a previous reviewer said. It looks great, sounds great and does a super job with my videos. Will it ever be an Ipod killer? Probably not, but the competition will be good for Microsoft and Apple and the consumers will be the eventual winners.
(One other thing. If you're using Vista, the latest software/firmware upgrades during installation will give you compatibility. You can download directly from Microsoft.)
|
|
|
|
