ZUNE MP3 PLAYER REVIEW

After a long wait, Microsoft launches its Zune MP3 Player on November 14, 2006. This is Microsoft’s latest entry into the world of portable Music Players. Zune has a 3inch LCD video screen, wireless music sharing and a build in FM radio. Well, there are not many surprises in Zune but as the player is built by Microsoft, many people will surely buy it. The basic model launched is of 30GB HDD with video playback feature inbuilt. The screen resolution is QVGA and the codec support is quite good. It supports h.264, MP3, AAC and WMA. The wireless Zune to Zune sharing is an exciting feature in Zune and works pretty well. Some extra inbuilt features such as sharing playlists and photos with your friends.

Zune is available in three colors, Black, Brown and White. The configuration is as follows:
4.4 in. x 2.4 in. x 0.6 in. (h x w x d)
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Music up to 14 hours (wireless off), up to 13 hours (wireless on); pictures, up to 4 hours; video, up to 4 hours
Charge Time: 3 hours; 2 hours to 90%
3.0 inch display
320×240 pixels.
It can also play usual un-protected content (MP3, AAC), but also play only protected content from Microsoft new Zune Marketplace.
Some disadvantages with Zune are that it is not compatible with previous Windows Media Player based music stores like Napster, and also it not compatible with Macs.
If you consider the 80GB HDD Zune player, obviously the cost rises but has no warranty from Microsoft. It has the same dimension as the 30GB Zune. But the point is that the 80GB players are not sold out in retail stores. Well there might be some answers to the question.
A protective metal casing must be removed from inside the Zune to install the thicker 80GB drive. This casing shields the drive against crushing forces that may occur when the drive is stepped on, sat on, or otherwise abused. The Zune design team may have felt removing this piece would jeopardize the structural integrity of the player. On the other hand, perhaps they kept the drive small to allow for a lower price point and a future development path for a larger capacity Zune 2.0 device. Around 7000 songs can be added in the 30GB Zune but movies takes lot of space than MP3’s. A 30GB Zune may hold around 25 full length movies at best. In the 80GB player, around 70 full length movies can be added.