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Microsoft Zune 8GB

review DATE:11.12.07

Microsoft Zune 8GB
With Package With Earphones Sharing Media

review

By Tim Gideon

Want to know up front whether or not the flash-based Zune 8GB is better than the Apple iPod nano? Well, it's not. It is, however, a pretty good player in its own right. The real victory from Microsoft comes in the form of the Zune 80GB, a hard drive-based portable media player with more screen space and overall charm than the iPod classic. In the realm of flash memory-based players, however, Microsoft's debut has more formidable opponents.

red arrow Read the Microsoft Zune 8GB full review

Company

Microsoft Corporation

http://www.microsoft.com

Spec Data
  • Price as Tested: $200.00
  • Player Type: Flash MP3 Player
  • Radio: Yes
  • Recording, Voice: No
  • Recording, Line In: No
  • Video Recording: No
  • Music Playback Formats: AAC, MP3, WAV
  • Photo formats: JPEG
  • Video Formats: MPEG4, WMV
  • Screen Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels
  • Screen Size: 1.8 inches
  • Storage Capacity: 8 GB
  • Dimensions: 1.6 x 3.6 x 0.3 inches
  • Weight: 1.7 oz

Bottom Line

The first flash-based Zune is a good-looking, easy-to-navigate device that can be synced with your PC wirelessly, but its small screen and jumpy interface are no match for Apple's superior iPod nano.

Pros

Works seamlessly with redesigned Zune Marketplace. Navigation pad works well. Excellent graphics. Bundled earbuds aren't bad. Customizable rear panel. Syncs to PCs wirelessly.

Cons

Screen is too small. Headphone jack poorly designed. Interface can freeze up. Player-to-player wireless can be fickle. Full wireless syncing capability will be added in a firmware update.

Video
Video Icon Watch the Zune 8GB and 80GB Video Review!

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