[tags]Microsoft, Zune, Media Player, Review[/tags]

The time came.. after replacing my iPod Videos battery twice and hard drive once Apple would no longer fix it for free. Instead of paying 100 dollars for a new battery I decided to replace my old iPod and replace it with something just a little bit newer. The media player I chose was none other but Apple’s primary competitor, the Microsoft Zune.

The Microsoft Zune, known to some as the “iPod Killer” or at least it tries, is a wonderful device and is a fine alternative choice if you do not like the Apple iPod or the price associated with them. The first thing I did when I got the Zune home was unpacked it and let me tell you that the packaging was probably the best thought out packaging I have seen from Microsoft. Much nicer then the Windows Vista packaging which I broke when opening. The packaging included all the usual things you can expect to find if you had any MP3 player before this includes, the zune itself obviously, ear phones, USB cable (which is almost identical the iPod’s except it is black, Getting started Manual and Product Guide, installation CD, and a nice touch, a velvet like protective case for your Zune.

Like any MP3 player the first thing required was installation of the software included. Microsoft has limited this device to only be compatible with Windows XP SP2 and higher. Windows 2k folks and Apple/Linux users are simply S.O.L on this one. The installation went smoothly and it automatically downloaded the appropriate software and Zune Firmware updates as part of the installation.

Once the software was up and running the Zune connects for the first time. Do you use Windows Media Player??? If the answer is yes you will feel pretty much right at home with the Zune’s software. The Zune’s software is basically a stripped down specialized version of WMP 11. This is good because it will automatically sync your “My Music” or “Music” folder with the Zune player. Now it was little bit confusing getting videos and or pictures onto the Zune manually, as in without syncing entire folders. I expect this to a little bit better with the upcoming software/firmware release on November 13.

The Zune itself at first feels like a bulky device. While it is thicker than an iPod it is by no means huge. The player comes in two colors at the time I purchased mine. Brown and Black. I chose black and was happy to know that the entire thing, other then the screen, is covered in a a clear black plastic making it smudge proof. Good thinking Microsoft.

I’m going to hold off on writing anything about the wireless because with the next big firmware update the wireless will be going to a whole new level and the limited poor implementation that it is in it’s current state is not even worth talking about.

The Zune firmware was very easy to use and I had no problem flipping through my music, pictures or video. The screen automatically adjusts to widescreen for videos and pictures which really makes it feel like the video is bigger. You might not be watching entire DVD’s on this thing but it’s great for music videos.

Overall I can’t complain to much about my Zune but the question still remains unanswered. Is the Microsoft Zune better than the Apple iPod. I still can’t come to that conclusion.. I like the Zune’s firmware, navigation controls, and software better then Apple’s. However I like the iPod’s style, slim and rounded look. You decide.. what best compliments your current setup? If you use a Apple.. the Microsoft Zune is probably not for you unless you dual boot with boot camp. Remember the Zune only works with Windows XP SP2 and higher..

TheDub

-Update- I held off posting this for a long time. Upon me getting the Zune in early October I read that Microsoft planned on releasing a firmware and software update for it’s older devices, now called the Zune 30’s. I want to keep this short and simple. Very easily put the software/firmware update combination is outstanding. The Zune software is much easier to navigate and is very easy to sync individual files to. The firmware now includes Wireless syncing capabilities. I would have to re-write most of this review to fully cover the new software.
The Zune in my honest opinion is a the winner against the iPod Classic but has a ways to go before it can compete with the iPod Touch.