Microsoft Zune 30 GB

Advantages: A lot of memory, very customizable, lower price
Disadvantages: Big and bulky, not-so-smart software, not a lot of accessories

I really like how customizable the Zune really is! The picture is great and the fact that I can change the background and colors really impressed me. The ability to put entire movies and whole albums from all my favorite artists, as well as all my photos, with memory to spare, really sold me on the Zune. Normally a 30GB would cost upwards of $300, but the Zune is reasonably priced and comes with software that, while not as smart as iTunes, is definitely ...
...for its money. I recommend the Zune to anyone! It can withstand being dropped over and over without cracking the screen! Trust me, I'm a bit of a klutz and my Zune has gone through a lot of abuse. All in all, the Zune is a great deal and a wonderful multimedia player. ... Read review

Advantages: Easy to use, lots of neat features
Disadvantages: Initial setup could be difficult

I was looking for an all around video/audio player, and I found it. The Zune with the most current software is my favorite geek device of all. I've used iPod's before and they're okay, but they were more expensive. The Zune and with it's updated software allows me to download music, podcast, videos and tv shows. It even has a built in FM radio (which doesn't work as well as I hoped.) The best part is that I can wirelessly synch it to my laptop. ...
...to hook it up to my TV yet, but I plan too. The battery life is around 5 hours with wireless enabled. With the wireless disabled around 8 hours, perfect for a work day. (Or jury duty) One of the problems that I originally had was that after I took it out of the box it froze a lot, but that was resolved when I let it charge overnight. A second problem that occurs it that it will randomly shutdown. A little internet researching and I found that it ... Read review

Advantages iPod Ecosystem, New Interface, anodised case. Zune larger screen, Fm Radio
Disadvantages iPod smaller Screen, easily scratched case. Zune basic funionality, poor software

...'s. This could be until now!! Back on November 14th 2006 Microsoft brought out a brand of digital music players called ZUNE. The players came in 3 colours, Black, Pearl White and Rich Brown, had a 30gb HDD, 3" LCD Screen and offered the playback of music and videos, the ability to view pictures, FM radio and also on a limited bases share files wirelessly with the Xbox 360 and other Zune players. Cases are made from silicone rubber and feature what is known as a doubleshot effect. This is produced by painting the inside of the case a different colour then the outside. The two-tone look is quite impressive and looks great. Controls are not touch-sensitive like the iPod but offer a circular controller with four buttons for direction as well as a middle button to select a song etc. The user interface is definitely the Zune's strong point. intuitive... Read review

Advantages Large colour screen, durable, great sounding tracks!
Disadvantages Slightly weighty, more features possible.

...The Microsoft Zune. Zune. What a name! I bought one of these recently because I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about. I can tell you, I was immediately gripped. After handing over (yes, again) my card getting home and putting the kettle on I was enthralled. The Zune appears to have been loving placed into its little box. The USB cable and documentation have been carefully placed into the sub sections of the box ready for an interested user to slide them out... Interesting colour, too. Brown is one of my favourites and after seeing the rather alluring but cliched iPods I wanted something different. It's matte meaning (unlike the glossy iPod) it's highly scratch resistant! The Zune didn't take long to charge. Neither did it take long to upgrade its own software and download the 2,000+ songs I have in my library. I am... Read review

Advantages Ease of Use, Sound Quality, Durability, Features
Disadvantages Design, Size, Weight, Screen scratches quite easily

...I have owned this products for a few months now and it has been the best mp3 players i have ever used. Its firmware allows easy transitions between songs and videos as well as proiding supurb sound and vision. Also for £120 it was great value. Although i did have to by an imported one due to Mircrosofts shortsightedness when not releasing it worldwide. On top of this a few weeks ago the firmware was updated to give it most of the features of the newer zunes, meaning that i can sync it over my wireless network without connecting it to the computer ,another great feature. My main concern with the product is the fact that it can not be used as a portable hard drive as most other mp3 players can including its main rival the ipod. It was also an inconveniance having to buy an imported one however this isnt a major problem as many ebay... Read review

Advantages: Sound quality, Stylish, Games, Radio
Disadvantages: Bulky, Not very Portable, Large Space Capacity

...I have borrowed my sister's Zune plenty of times. I enjoy listening to music, the radio, watching videos, and also movies. It holds over thousands of songs. I prefer it over the infamous Ipod because the screen is larger so I can see and enjoy movies better. And unlike the Ipod you can connect and share music with other Zunes. The downside is that it is pretty costly at around $200. If you don't mind spending some cash then this is great for you. Also it is pretty thick and it is not very portable. However, it is stylish, has good sound quality, and has an FM tuner. I was happy to hear that they now have games available that you can play. The Microsoft Zune is a great exception the the Apple I-pod. I recommend that you buy this product and have a great time uding it.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: Screen size and 30gb.
Disadvantages: Software

...I bought this primarily because it has a built in fm tuner. For some reason it seemed really galing to me that other brands had the nerve to make us get an attachment to listen to the radio. That being said here goes the pro's and con's for me. Pros- Attractive- Some find it a bit bulky, but as someone who grew up carrying walkman cassette players or portable cd players, the size is not too much for me. I like the matte texture because it gives the player a soft look and makes scratches less likely. Large Screen- The screen is very nice, I would not want to spend hours and hours watching it, but it is crisp and clear with great color. 30GB- This is plenty of space for me to keep all of my music and then some. I also find it handy for carrying images to show to friends and family members. Headphones- For stock headphones... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lots of storage, good navigation, matte surface, easy to use
Disadvantages: No wall charger, low battery life, hard to shut off

...This is a first-generation Zune. Not too long after this was released, Microsoft released newer models that replace the buttons in the front with an easier, sleeker touch-interface. I still have the older model as pictured here. It is twice as thick as the newer models, and it does not support wireless syncing with your computer. The Zune is a very cheap alternative to the iPod. When it first came out I paid around $199 for a 30GB. You can now find great deals across the country if you want an older model, because everyone is all about the new stuff right now. That's good for you if you want a good mp3 player comparable to Apple's products without breaking the bank. The Zune has a very sleek matte finish in whatever color that you choose, unlike the iPod's chrome backing. This lessens the fingerprints that you will get on your... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful