Typical price: £189
What is it: Portable media player with 30GB hard drive and 76mm screen
What we think: An intuitive interface and solid playback performance will please most users, but advanced media fans will want to look elsewhere
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 22 November 2006
Tags: microsoft, windows media player, inbox, windows media
We like:
Very good playback performance of audio, video and photos; intuitive and colorful interface; good FM radio with RDS; works well with Zune Marketplace software; integrated wireless allows sharing of songs (although limited) and photos; many accessories available at launch
We don't like:
Not backwards-compatible with WMA-DRM9; weak native video support (it cannot play protected content) and no video offerings from Zune Marketplace; cannot be used as a hard drive (and no UMS support); proprietary USB; cannot use Wi-Fi to sync, stream or purchase content; minimal bundled accessories; no podcast directory; maximum capacity is 30GB
CNET.co.uk judgement:
The Microsoft Zune, with its intuitive interface and solid playback performance, will please most users. But lukewarm format support and the cool but limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. The Zune is a very good start, though
Microsoft Zune (30GB) History
23 Jan 2007 in News
Zune to bring UK Christmas cheer?
Jason Reindorp, Zune marketing director, is reported to have said the media player could be available in Europe by the end of the year
5 Jan 2007 in News
Zune fails to make it into US top ten
A report shows that eight of the top ten models sold at big US retailers during the Christmas period were iPods -- SanDisk held the other two spots
14 Dec 2006 in Crave
Zune disses iPod in 'I'm a Mac' spoof
Could the Zune really be cooler than the iPod? According to this spoof video the Zune's wireless sharing feature makes it the daddy of MP3 players
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