Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player (Red) Reviews
Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player (Red) Reviews
Other products by Zune Ratting 4.0 Out of 5.0 Special Offer Total New 5 Total Use 12
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Music and entertainment, your way. That's what the Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player is designed to deliver. The Zune easily connects you with your music, videos, and pictures wherever and whenever you want, and unlike the iPod, it even has a built-in FM tuner so you can keep up with local news and sports. Your Zune gives you the power to wirelessly share full-length tracks, playlists, pictures and podcasts with your other Zune-wielding friends. And when you receive songs that you just can't get out of your head, you can easily tag the songs and buy them the next time you sync up. Whether you're listening to music, radio, or rocking out to the latest music videos on the bright, roomy screen, the Zune allows you to tailor your entertainment, right in the palm of your hand. Watch a demo on Zune.
 The Zune easily connects you with your music, videos, and pictures wherever and whenever you want. |
 Share full-length tracks of your favorite songs, albums, playlists, pictures, and even audio podcasts with other Zune users. (Black Zune shown here with Dock Pack v2 with remote, sold separately.) |
 Store up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 250 hours of video. |
 Get all your favorite music at the Zune Marketplace. |
The Zune is a breeze to use with new, intuitive touch controls. Don't subject yourself to cumbersome, slow scrolling. The innovative new Zune pad makes browsing your music, video and picture collections fun and effortless. You'll fly through your favorites and get to just what you're looking for in no time flat. This powerhouse device stores up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 250 hours of video. (Please note that music estimates are based on 128 kbps WMA files, with length of 4 minutes each; pictures transferred to Zune will be optimized for Zune screen size; and video estimates are based on 500 kbps WMV files with 128 kbps WMA audio tracks.)
That's a lot of entertainment, and you'll appreciate it even more with the Zune's awesome screen. The big, beautiful, 3.2-inch color screen provides uncompromising portable video viewing. This Zune also comes equipped with premium earphones. Designed to block out external noise, these earphones provide superior sound and bass response, and leave your ears with nothing but your favorite tunes. Your favorite music, videos, and pictures have never looked and sounded better.
FM Radio
The Zune also features a built-in FM radio tuner so that you can listen to local FM stations or tune-in programming while you're at the gym. Advanced tuning capabilities allow you to see the name of the song that's currently playing on select frequencies.
Wireless Sync
We're all exhausted by the cables and wires that tangle up our lives. Luckily, the Zune is one device that doesn't require another cord. You can easily connect to your home wireless network and sync your Zune with your PC collection of digital goodies. You can also sync using the dock, AC adapter, or speaker dock accessory (not included).
The Zune Community and Marketplace
Zune is all about sharing and community. At the Zune Online Community, you'll discover, share, and leave your musical mark. Create a Zune card and Zune profile page to reflect your musical identity. From the Zune Online Community, you can invite friends, share song recommendations, post comments, and browse member pages to unearth new tunes and connect to others who share your musical tastes.
When you're ready to purchase music and load your device with new tunes, turn to Zune Marketplace. With more than 3 million songs, DRM-free MP3s, music videos, audio/video podcasts, and more content added every day, you'll certainly get your fill. The store is always open and just a mouse click away. You also can choose between the download or subscription packages--buy individual songs and albums, or snag a Zune Pass subscription with all you can eat access to discover and explore the nooks and crannies of artists and genres.
Zune-to-Zune Sharing
Once your Zune is loaded with good stuff, you'll be ready to embrace wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing. Share full-length tracks of your favorite songs, albums, playlists, pictures, and even audio podcasts. You can listen to the full track of any song you receive up to three times, and you can even pass along songs that are shared with you to other friends. If you find a song you really love, you can easily add it to your wishlist and buy it later when you sync to your PC. When it comes to syncing and importing your music, the Zune makes it easy. Zune software can automatically import your existing music, pictures, and videos from iTunes and Windows Media Player in a variety of formats, including your existing playlists and song ratings.
Recorded TV or Movies to Go
The Zune will also automatically import TV shows or movies recorded using a PC running Windows Media Center in Windows Vista. Record all your favorites, sync to your Zune, and hit the road with your favorite TV shows right in your pocket.
Your Games. Your Music. Your Way.
Another awesome feature is the Zune's compatibility with the Xbox 360. Plug your Zune into your Xbox 360 to customize the soundtrack in supported games. You also can stream music, pictures, and videos from the Zune software on your PC to your Xbox 360 console using a wireless connection. Whether you're staying in or going out, travelling or working, the Zune can be right there with you, providing loads of entertainment direct from your pocket.
What's in the Box
Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player (red), premium headphones, sync cable, and three sizes of ear sleeves.
Technical Details
- IMPORTANT: Allow your Zune to charge for 30 minutes then disconnect and reconnect the cable to turn on the player- 80 GB digital media player stores up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 pictures or 250 hours of video
- Big, bright, 3.2-inch color LCD; premium Earphones included
- Compatible with Zune Marketplace for media downloads and subscription services
- Automatically imports your existing music, pictures, and videos form iTunes and Windows Media Player in a variety of formats
- Features wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing so you can swap tracks and other media
See more technical details
By Nolan Lemon
With all of the five-star ratings posted here for the 80GB Zune, I'm certain there will be many people who may be started to see somebody refer to it as junk. So, let me elaborate. First, I think the sleek design, sound quality, and video quality are all superb. I couldn't ask for more. Anything beyond that, however, Microsoft couldn't have provided less!
The battery life, which initially performed as touted, delivering nearly 16 hours of continuous listening time, was dramatically reduced within the first two months. By the fifth month, I had to fully charge it before each use. Even then, I'd be lucky to get two to three hours of playback from it. I've had at least three other mp3 players (including cheap models like Iomega's early entry and Sansa's player, as well as Creative's early high-end model) that all outperform the Zune for durability, ease of playback, and playlist construction and execution.
Now, here's the puzzling part. Microsoft is a SOFTWARE COMPANY. If there's an area I'd expect them to struggle in, it would NOT be SOFTWARE, especially because Windows media player works admirably well. Apparently, Microsoft decided to reinvent the wheel and rolled out four squares for its "Cadillac" mp3 player. The Zune software has to be one of the most counterintuitive, inflexible media management application on the market. The only reason I haven't uninstalled it is because I cannot get Windows Media Player to load music directly onto the Zune. Another "Are-you-kidding-me" moment! Both are Microsoft products, but there's a compatibility issue. So, I manage my music (load, remove, create and/or modify playlists) in Media Player before connecting the Zune because the launch of the Zune software will create instability and freeze Media Player. So, essentially, the Zune software is horrible, and the Zune team hasn't done much to improve it with updates.
Okay, so let's say you're on the fly and want to create a playlist. No problem. You add a few songs to the "Now Playing" playlist. Well, let's say a little later, you decide you want to modify the "Now Playing" list. You have to clear the entire thing and start all over. In this regard, it's like pulling out the original Motorola flip phone when everyone around you is using iPhones and Androids. Awkward, backward, and frustrating!!!
The headphones, which are outstanding out the box, began shorting out within a few months. While this is minor, because I can always purchase additional headphones, it's just a running tally of frustrating issues associated with this player.
Now, here's the lynch pin--customer service. It's non-existent. They don't reply at all, or you're sent to the circular maze of lingering death. It felt like trying to get customer service from the notorious Sprint--a waste of time and energy!
This could have been a great product, but my experience with this has forever tarnished Microsoft's brand to me. Currently, if I fully charge the player today, by tomorrow it I will need to charge it again--whether I use it or not.
By A. N. Patterson (MD)
I love Zunes, bought a Iod and hated it. The only thing that I hate is that I didn't see the 120GB when I purchased the 80gb. It was only a couple of dollars different but I am satisfied either way.
By Peter C. Seitz (Jamesville, New York United States)
I bought my Zune in Dec. 2007 and I just got the dreaded error 5, contact customer service. After calling them and trouble shooting it, for a mere $159 I can send it in and have it fixed or replaced. I paid approximatel $250.00 for this barely over 2 years ago and it's shot. Do NOT buy this product without an extended warrantee, this was a complete waste of money for me.
By Michael Johnson (Moberly, MO USA)
This is my 2nd Zune 80 GB MP3 player. The sound is great. I have never had any dead pixels. It is very easy to use. I love the features that come with the PC software. There is only one problem and this is just a personal problem. I have a LOT of Japanese music. The Zune doesn't support uni-code. So instead of Japanese fonts appearing on the screen, I get a bunch of squares. Hopefully, Microsoft will fix this. But the Zune is a great player and I recommend it to anyone looking for a great MP3 player.
By Tommy Edoson (Kansas City, MO USA)
I recieved the Zune 80 in reasonable time, item was in good shape...it appeared to be as advertised, like new. I chargied the battery fully and attempted to operate the Zune. It turned off unexpectedly. time after time. After charging the Zune again for the recommended three hours, I attempted again to operate the zune. The only time it operates for more than thirty seconds, is if it remains plugged into the AC adapter! The product itself may be very good, but this one is a piece of junk. I will not buy another from THIS vendor at any price.
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