Few questions about Zune

[StandingInAlley]

Hey Guys!

I am looking to buy a Zune but its not available here which means i will be importing one from US. I might go for 4GB Flash Zune or a 80GB Zune Player.

I am really liking the Zune software a lot plus a radio in it is really cool for me.

Since I am importing one, do i need to be worried about it conking off or the battery not working properly ? In past i heard that Zune battery expanded during charging and hence the screen used to get cracked. How is the build quality as such and the music quality ? I have used many ipods in the past and was happy with it. I am just looking for a change now hence i am not picking an iPod.

Comparing a Zune to an iPod Touch, i think i will prefer the latter because its a generation ahead of Zune. So can you guys please post your comments or feedbacks regarding the Zune player whether to go or not.

Thx

[Soldiers33]

i dnt know much about zunes, but all i know is that i want 1

[thE_qubE]

oh come on..seriously..what was the point of that post..good for you.

to the OP: where do you live now?

if you are considering an ipod touch then i would say go for the touch! bigger screen, more options, apps etc..(not sure about the radio) depending on where you are you might also have to pay customs charge if you buy it online and get it sent to you, so you should weigh it down abit more.. is there a big price difference?

[StandingInAlley]

I stay in India and i am getting it through a friend who will be coming back. Right now i can't shell out 300$ for iPod Touch and 100$ Zune 4GB seems comfy to me in all honesty. I know the ipod Touch well because i owned an iphone for a year before switching to HTC Touch Diamond.

Zune owners ? Any inputs ? :)

[NateB1]

I have a 30 Gb Zune and love it. I've owned it for over a year and it's worked flawlessly. I know a guy that got an 8 Gb Zune, and there was an issue with the headphone jack, but he exchanged it and it's been working fine ever since. Probably just a lemon - nothing widespread.

I've never noticed any battery expansion/shrinkage - it's all worked fine for me. :) As far as build quality - let's just say that I've used it for over a year, gone jogging with it, taken it to work every day, and I've had 0 hardware issues with it. Very sturdy.

[TruckWEB]

I just got my black Zune 8Gb. It's a very nice player, the interface is quite good.

But, I also found out that even if the Zune is available in Canada, the Zune Marketplace is not, same for the Zune Pass. So, I've got a MP3 player from Microsoft, but I must buy my song from elsewhere (DRM Free iTune Store!).

This is a BIG letdown. I don't know when the Marketplace will be up and running in Canada, but one thing is sure, they should warn would-be buyers that those features are not there yet.

I mean, if Apple was able to push the iTune Store in so many places, why the hell can't Microsoft do the same?

[TruckWEB]

Also, even if the sound quality of the Zune is IMO better than the iPod, it's good to know that even with the latest firmware, their is NO Equalizer/Bass/Treble adjustment.

But, it does sound good anyway. But if you like to tweak your sound, it's not possible on the Zune.

[StandingInAlley]

^ Thanks guys for the feedback. I was also hoping that they would bundle premium headphones with the flash players but i don't think they do also it seems i will need to pick a usb charger whenever i am on a move and my laptop is not around.

[Sean B. Veteran]

I've had my Zune for about a year now, 8GB Zune gen2 model. I've not had any problems with it, software or hardware. The Zune software works great on my machine, the synch time is fast, and the battery stills works as if I bought it yesterday. It's a great MP3 player and, IMHO, much better than an iPod. I've had two iPod's HDD go out and lost everything I had on the drive.

The best thing I like about my Zune is that I'm able to use it in the car with Microsoft Sync :).

[TruckWEB]

^ Thanks guys for the feedback. I was also hoping that they would bundle premium headphones with the flash players but i don't think they do also it seems i will need to pick a usb charger whenever i am on a move and my laptop is not around.

It's the same problem you'll have with the iPod. They include only the bare minimum in the box. Better quality headphones and docking/usb charger are all extra stuff. But looking at price, I find the accessories for the Zune to cost less than iPod stuff.

[StandingInAlley]

^ yeah true. I also don't think there is a Zune software for Macbook Pro. Which means i will need to sync it with Vmware Fusion running Xp which is not such a big deal. Just wondering, is the flash zune bigger than the current ipod nano ?

[TruckWEB]

Zune 8Gb : 4.14(W) x 9.15(H) x 0.85(D) cm

24 Hours Audio/ 4 Hours Video

$139 (Bestbuy.com)

iPod Nano 8Gb : 3.87(W) x 9.07(H) x 0.62(D) cm

24 Hours Music, 4 Hours Video

$149 (Bestbuy.com)

So, the Nano is smaller but it does have a 2" LCD. The Zune has a 1.8" LCD.