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Zune HD

Zune aren't terrible. They definitely come packaged with better headphones. But I am just so accustomed to the iPod controls. The click wheel is a lot more natural to use for me than the Zune pad. Also, the Zune software looks cool, but I don't think it's very intuitive. I hate having to click on things 3 times to get them to play. Same story on the actual player.

All that being said, I wish they made Zune software for Mac so I could put good music on my friends Zune. And if it wasn't possible for me to have an iPod, the Zune would definitely be my 2nd choice. (Of course I couldn't use it on my computer :p)
 
clmason said:
It's already dead! Just bury the bloody thing!
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+1.

Look, the reason Apple stuff may sometimes seem expensive is that they are paid to daydream today about what they will roll out five years from now. Five years from now in real time is like warp speed to Pluto and back the way time and technology relate to each other at Apple. So the Zune of tomorrow has been bobbing in Apple's cosmic wake to the next big thing for a few years already.
 
DougB541 said:
See this is what I mean (not attacking you) but this tells me you haven't used a Zune....the Zune no longer uses a re skinned version of WMP (which sucks for audio I agree, but is a damn versatile video player with the right codecs).

The Zune software is very functional and didn't try to copy iTunes (seriously, check out a video or something, it doesn't look like an MS product at all).

And if you think the Zune UI copied the iPod....i def. don't believe you've tried it. ALso add to the fact the Zune supports more media file types than the iPod its another thing I enjoy about my Zune.

All i'm saying, some people should give it an honest look before just dismissing it as "Microsoft copying apple."

Some would be pleasantly surprised (not converts but I doubt many of you would be implying this hate for a device I am not convinced many of you have tried.)

Take a read at CNET's 120gig Zune review. (and if that is bias or something look at any reviews, majority have put this right up there with the iPod classic....take a look at the original Zune and see how much is was ridiculed comparatively.

http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players...third/4505-6490_7-33259222.html?tag=mncol;txt

(i personally have the Zune80 but they are close enough).
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Again, what does the Zune provide that the iPod doesn't? (codecs doesn't count, since you can convert movies anyway using iTunes)

(I've used a 1st gen Zune... Haven't looked back since.)
 
Wikinerd said:
Again, what does the Zune provide that the iPod doesn't? (codecs doesn't count, since you can convert movies anyway using iTunes)

(I've used a 1st gen Zune... Haven't looked back since.)
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better audio quality
 
dwd3885 said:
Looks like there is going to be an HDMI port to display the content on your HDTV. Now THAT is awesome!

http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=4120
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News indeed. Finally something that Microsoft did on their own that Apple might consider copying...

(Though I think Apple'll stick with their MiniDisplayPort)


... Even though it might be interesting to some people, it alone doesn't make it appealing to me; I have a computer hooked up to stereo and TV.. might as well use that..
 
Wikinerd said:
Which contradicts exactly what the other user said...
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If you read his full quote

See this is what I mean (not attacking you) but this tells me you haven't used a Zune....the Zune no longer uses a re skinned version of WMP (which sucks for audio I agree, but is a damn versatile video player with the right codecs).
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you will notice he's actually talking about WMP and not the Zune when he says "which sucks for audio" inside the brackets. He also mentions Zune no longer uses it.
 
Does anyone else think that this product is BS? It looks like some fanboy trying to gather up some attention for the Zune, especially after I read the "specs".


Why is anyone actually believing this?
 
BMWFan said:
you will notice he's actually talking about WMP and not the Zune when he says "which sucks for audio" inside the brackets. He also mentions Zune no longer uses it.
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While that is correct, I haven't had the chance to touch another Zune that does not use a "re skinned version of the WMP". Every one I've tried's sound quality sucked.. And Microsoft never put an EQ into the Zunes....

And again, if you're an audiophile, then you shouldn't be looking at Microsoft or Apple either. There are plenty that beats them in sound quality.
 
LizKat said:
+1.

Look, the reason Apple stuff may sometimes seem expensive is that they are paid to daydream today about what they will roll out five years from now. Five years from now in real time is like warp speed to Pluto and back the way time and technology relate to each other at Apple. So the Zune of tomorrow has been bobbing in Apple's cosmic wake to the next big thing for a few years already.
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I don't know if that's a good enough excuse for the Apple tax, but I really like the way you put that.
 
Wikinerd said:
Again, what does the Zune provide that the iPod doesn't? (codecs doesn't count, since you can convert movies anyway using iTunes)

(I've used a 1st gen Zune... Haven't looked back since.)
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I fully agree, you can find better audio quality in other devices, but for me, I documented my experience.

My 20 gig iPod had better sound quality than my iPod classic. Without a doubt in my mind. I listen to mostly hip-hop/funk and a mix of other music, but the bass response using hte same headphones was simply filled with more distortion.

I'd say my Zune 80 quality is around the 20 gig iPod quality (a true audiophile would be able to give you a better answer but this is what i've found. I've been toying with getting a pocket amplifier but we'll see)


Some of the features of the Zune that the iPod classic are a big feature for me believe or not but an FM radio. I go through music collection fatigue sometimes and I like being able to just go to the radio to hear music that may or may not be on my zune. Also, wifi syncing comes in handy as I have my zune connected to my xbox360 and I can easily just sync through wifi before i leave for work in the morning.

Another feature that i personally don't use but is def. handy: Zune marketplace access from the actually Zune with a hotspot.

I also like i can use my own wallpapers on the device. And of course, the screen is simply better than the classic's for movie/tv viewing.

Now, again, i'm not saying the ipod classic is lagging in features, but just by box specs Zune simply at this time has more features than the iPod classic.

The iPod touch of course has the most features, but thats why, regardless if this is a fan made prototype or whatever, I think a Zune Touch would be the obvious next step.
 
randomusername said:
Does anyone else think that this product is BS? It looks like some fanboy trying to gather up some attention for the Zune, especially after I read the "specs".


Why is anyone actually believing this?
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Ah, 1. this is a rumor and only a rumor. nothing should be assumed as the final product. 2. this product actually looks ok. (apart from the bezel, which looks quite a bit thick compared to the screen vs those on the iPhone and Touch) 3. Specs? what specs? ne'er knew official specs were released.. though the rumored specs are actually quite impressive... hdmi out, multitouch, XBox games (I like playstation's tho...)
 
Wikinerd said:
3. Specs? what specs? ne'er knew official specs were released.. though the rumored specs are actually quite impressive... hdmi out, multitouch, XBox games (I like playstation's tho...)
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That's what I meant when I said "especially after I read the 'specs'". I'm not saying they're official. I just said that it sounded like BS, making me believe even more that this is just a fake.
 
DougB541 said:
I fully agree, you can find better audio quality in other devices, but for me, I documented my experience.

My 20 gig iPod had better sound quality than my iPod classic. Without a doubt in my mind. I listen to mostly hip-hop/funk and a mix of other music, but the bass response using hte same headphones was simply filled with more distortion.

I'd say my Zune 80 quality is around the 20 gig iPod quality (a true audiophile would be able to give you a better answer but this is what i've found. I've been toying with getting a pocket amplifier but we'll see)


Some of the features of the Zune that the iPod classic are a big feature for me believe or not but an FM radio. I go through music collection fatigue sometimes and I like being able to just go to the radio to hear music that may or may not be on my zune. Also, wifi syncing comes in handy as I have my zune connected to my xbox360 and I can easily just sync through wifi before i leave for work in the morning.

Another feature that i personally don't use but is def. handy: Zune marketplace access from the actually Zune with a hotspot.

I also like i can use my own wallpapers on the device. And of course, the screen is simply better than the classic's for movie/tv viewing.

Now, again, i'm not saying the ipod classic is lagging in features, but just by box specs Zune simply at this time has more features than the iPod classic.

The iPod touch of course has the most features, but thats why, regardless if this is a fan made prototype or whatever, I think a Zune Touch would be the obvious next step.
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Actually the Classic is lagging in features; I'd agree with you on that. This is because there simply isn't much of a market for such a high-capacity player—Apple have been focusing on the Nano and the Touch... (notice how the nano's got the accelerometer and the Classic doesn't?)

But then again, most of the features on the Zune, I can definitely survive without. (Not sure how I would need them either; syncing over wifi is probably the most important one for me, but that might take out your battery life anyhow... My iPhone can survive up to 2 and a half days in "sleep" mode playing music without wifi on...)


By the way, does the Zune have features that they were lacking for the previous generations? Calendar? How does it (the calendar app, if it exists) compare?

Though for me anyhow, I'd stick with the Classic simply because of the reliability, support (at least I don't get redirected to India.. no offense, you Indians are great, but I'd like someone who is in my locality who I can easily reach), brand, design, accessories (extremely important!)... etc.

randomusername said:
That's what I meant when I said "especially after I read the 'specs'". I'm not saying they're official. I just said that it sounded like BS, making me believe even more that this is just a fake.
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Ah. I see. But it's not impossible (except for the XBox part... housing a PPC processor inside something that small would end up [literally] burning a hole in your pocket)
 
Wikinerd said:
Actually the Classic is lagging in features; I'd agree with you on that. This is because there simply isn't much of a market for such a high-capacity player—Apple have been focusing on the Nano and the Touch... (notice how the nano's got the accelerometer and the Classic doesn't?)
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If you think about it differently, there's a good reason that it doesn't have an accelerometer: the fact that it still uses an actual hard drive as opposed to flash storage.

The accelerometer would be alright for Cover Flow (but that would be nonsensical on the classic anyway given the position/orientation of the screen when compared to the nano). Other features, like shake-to-shuffle, is totally out of the question. Sudden movement to a hard drive is a very bad thing and in many cases can destroy/corrupt the drive.
 
Wikinerd said:
Actually the Classic is lagging in features; I'd agree with you on that. This is because there simply isn't much of a market for such a high-capacity player—Apple have been focusing on the Nano and the Touch... (notice how the nano's got the accelerometer and the Classic doesn't?)

But then again, most of the features on the Zune, I can definitely survive without. (Not sure how I would need them either; syncing over wifi is probably the most important one for me, but that might take out your battery life anyhow... My iPhone can survive up to 2 and a half days in "sleep" mode playing music without wifi on...)


By the way, does the Zune have features that they were lacking for the previous generations? Calendar? How does it (the calendar app, if it exists) compare?

Though for me anyhow, I'd stick with the Classic simply because of the reliability, support (at least I don't get redirected to India.. no offense, you Indians are great, but I'd like someone who is in my locality who I can easily reach), brand, design, accessories (extremely important!)... etc.



Ah. I see. But it's not impossible (except for the XBox part... housing a PPC processor inside something that small would end up [literally] burning a hole in your pocket)
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Yeah its truly a toss up in my opinion based on what the user needs. Most of my friends of course have a Nano with a few having a classic and even fewer the Touch. I have 0 friends I know in person with a Zune haha....but a few of my xbox live buddies do have a zune and its nice to check out each other music in the Zune social.

But yeah no calender app, but for me i enver used the one in the iPod (i have a blackberry for those type of needs).

I saw the specs too and if those are true specs.....more power to MS cause that would be impressive. But i too think this is just a strong rumor.
 
Ivan P said:
If you think about it differently, there's a good reason that it doesn't have an accelerometer: the fact that it still uses an actual hard drive as opposed to flash storage.

The accelerometer would be alright for Cover Flow (but that would be nonsensical on the classic anyway given the position/orientation of the screen when compared to the nano). Other features, like shake-to-shuffle, is totally out of the question. Sudden movement to a hard drive is a very bad thing and in many cases can destroy/corrupt the drive.
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While I agree with the sudden movement thing, maybe an accelerometer inside for some of the Apple/Nike integration might be nice...

Though imho Apple will eventually phase out the Classic in favour for a high-capacity nano and Touch since flash/SSDs will eventually replace much of the HDDs...

That and the fact that the nano has changed shape, color, styles for nearly every iteration, the Classic, merely style updates, memory expansion refreshes, etc
 
Wikinerd said:
Ah. I see. But it's not impossible (except for the XBox part... housing a PPC processor inside something that small would end up [literally] burning a hole in your pocket)
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But do you really expect them to fit HD radio, an HD screen, and a decent sized battery to support these and the other claimed features into a device with probably a 3" screen and still have it be affordable? Plus, you know Apple will sue them if MS decided to include a multitouch browser on a Zune.

This "Zune HD" is fake until I see Balmer run up onto a stage, pits sweaty, and scream that this device exists.
 
randomusername said:
But do you really expect them to fit HD radio, an HD screen, and a decent sized battery to support these and the other claimed features into a device with probably a 3" screen and still have it be affordable? Plus, you know Apple will sue them if MS decided to include a multitouch browser on a Zune.

This "Zune HD" is fake until I see Balmer run up onto a stage, pits sweaty, and scream that this device exists.
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I don't think it'll be an HD screen. No idea what HD radio is, maybe just ability to play HD radio media...

Again, this is definitely not impossible, and considering that Microsoft always want a piece of something that's profitable, this would probably be it. If it's not it yet it's enough of a kick on their head to start working and actually make one...
 
the zune is not bad, but the ipod is better.

Actually, if iPods would not exist, i would have got myself a zune, probably.:)
 
jojo13 said:
the zune is not bad, but the ipod is better.

Actually, if iPods would not exist, i would have got myself a zune, probably.:)
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Problem being that Zunes won't exist if the iPod never lead the way and show that there's that much of a market out there...
 
Wikinerd said:
Problem being that Zunes won't exist if the iPod never lead the way and show that there's that much of a market out there...
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True enough, but there's also the argument that if Apple didn't do it, someone else would have eventually because the need was there.
 
Wikinerd said:
btw if you're looking at sound quality, then you should try some of the smaller brands... imho both Apple and Microsoft's products are not for the audiophile...
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Apple Lossless, bitches... :D

Just as a humorous side-note, I go to a school full of raging Microsoft/Windows/Zune fanboys who constantly blather on about how poor the iPod's audio quality is and how great their Zunes sound. Which is interesting, seeing as how this is coming from a group who listen to distorted screamo/metalcore with midrange Skullcandy headphones cranked up to full volume. :D

Myself, I'm a big Apple Lossless fan...almost all of my music is now in this format. Can't beat it. :cool:
 
Roessnakhan said:
True enough, but there's also the argument that if Apple didn't do it, someone else would have eventually because the need was there.
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Well I'd think it would be like the low-end mp3 player market; a collection of small companies in a cut-throat competitive environment... no real winner, but a lot of stress in features, etc, with maybe a few established firms but no substantial market share... Rather like TVs...

Sehnsucht said:
Apple Lossless, bitches... :D

Just as a humorous side-note, I go to a school full of raging Microsoft/Windows/Zune fanboys who constantly blather on about how poor the iPod's audio quality is and how great their Zunes sound. Which is interesting, seeing as how this is coming from a group who listen to distorted screamo/metalcore with midrange Skullcandy headphones cranked up to full volume. :D

Myself, I'm a big Apple Lossless fan...almost all of my music is now in this format. Can't beat it. :cool:
Click to expand...

From what I know from the previous generation of nano, the sound quality sucked, noticeable distortion, etc.; sucks compared to the mini (which I still have around... these things seem to survive forever..)
 
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