Zune HD Review

[jonhapimp]

The big question: Can the Zune HD compete with the iPod Touch? I get the sense that Microsoft isn't trying to, exactly.

While the Touch and its apps are a multi use pocket computer, the Zune HD is an evolution of the PMP—not a devolution of some smartphone model. Every new feature it has is used to expand the way you absorb media, from the HD video output to the HD radio to the redesigned UI.

Hardware

The Zune HD is not a simple curved rectangle with a screen, like the iPod Touch, but a resolutely industrial, luxurious, angular and slim design. From the angled back to the visible screws to the long and thin home button, the Zune HD is a look all its own.

Constructed of aluminum, rubberized black plastic and glass, the Zune HD feels tough and solid in the hand. The widescreen display offers less space for non-media applications like web browsing, but for media (which, after all, is the Zune HD's raison d'etre), it's a really nice size. It won't quite fit in the change pocket of your jeans, but it'll slip into even the tightest of regular pockets. The iPod Touch may be a hair thinner, but the Zune HD's narrower body makes it feel much smaller.

The gorgeous 3.3-inch capacitive OLED touchscreen takes up the majority of the device's face. More on that below. It's surrounded by three hardware buttons: Underneath the screen on the face is the home button, on the top edge is the power/hold button, and in lieu of a volume rocker the Zune HD has a button on the left side that brings up Quickplay options. These options drift onto the screen and offer volume, track forward/back and play/pause. Quickplay can be enabled to work even while the player is locked.

On the bottom of the device is the proprietary Zune port (the Zune HD will work with all of the surprisingly easy-to-find existing Zune accessories) and the headphone jack. It's rated for 33 hours of audio and 8.5 of video, which is very strong if it's true (especially since previous Zunes were lacking in battery life, to say the least). The Zune HD lacks both a speaker and a camera, though neither is necessarily a mark against it. Still, both options would be welcome....

FULL REVIEWs HERE

http://gizmodo.com/5360126/zune-hd-review-the-pmp-evolved

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2009/0...e-hd-review.ars

http://gamesblog.ugo.com/games/zune-hd-review

part 1 http://www.winsupersite.com/zune/zunehd.asp

Edited September 16, 2009 by jonhapimp

[ahhell]

Old Zunes lacking in battery life?? My Z80 seems to last forever.

[Lamp0]

I just love the interface on this thing!

[Guest xiphi]

I just got mine a while ago, and so far I'm loving it! As far as the battery life for the older Zunes go, my Zune 80 seems to last forever on one charge. Especially if you shut it down instead of putting it to sleep.

[Ambroos]

I'd totally love having one.

Had a Zune 8 and thought it was somewhat disappointing in sound quality compared to my Sony. Anyone listened to the Zune HD with good in-ears and can tell me what the sound quality is like?

[bjoswald]

I downloaded the new Zune PC software and fell in love with it instantly. If the Zune itself is as good as it looks, then I'm definitely interested in trying one out! My iPod gave me nothing but problems and I hate iTunes with a passion.

[mhbas0001]

I wish they would release the Zune in Australia. I'd definitely buy one in preference to an iPod.

[Ayepecks]

I love the Zune HD itself, but the software is severely lacking in my opinion. I know a lot of people here like it, but I simply don't. It's missing a lot of features I use iTunes for -- such as converting files, ratings (besides like and dislike), a lot of sorting options and views, etc.

That said, I still prefer this over an iPod Touch. Glad I purchased it :)

[TruckWEB]

No ZuneHD in Canada = FAIL.

Apple win again.