The 16GB Zune is perfect for portable audio play, if video is something you are really interested in I would recommend stepping up to either the 80GB or 120GB unit. Thankfully I have my iPhone for all my video needs but can switch to the more portable Zune when wanting to listen to my music collection, library of audio books, or favorite Xbox 360 related podcasts. I love the physical and usability aspects of the test device but what really pulled me to the “dark side” was the new software used to download and transfer media. Since the launch of the Zune player the computer program used when connecting it to a computer has gone through multiple changes, pricing plans, and other improvements, luckily they were all made for the better. The one thing Microsoft offers it’s Zune owners that Apple has not and probably will never do is a subscription service (Zune pass).
This service allows customers to pay a specific amount of money each month and in return download an unlimited number of songs (videos still cost extra), keeping ten individual songs at the end of each month (permanently). At first I was a bit unsure as to whether or not this “subscription” program would even appeal to me but since getting the test Zune I find myself addicted to finding new songs and adding them to my player just for kicks. Something you could never do on an iPod/iPhone just because of the costs related to purchasing the songs to own not rent. The other cool part about the service because it is subscription based I don’t have to worry about keeping up with all my media, transferring it from one computer to the next, and the general headache it brings over the years. Sharing media with your friends has never been so easy (both locally and online) and it helps push the idea of “social media” to a whole new level, a risk the iPod does not take.
Other major features such as the FM modulator, games section, and built-in sharing capabilities help me time after time pack the Zune for whatever trip is coming up next. Social media is something Microsoft is really trying to push with the Zune (both on the hardware and software side) and found it very enjoyable to see what online friend’s music playlist looked like (same as the Xbox 360 friends list). The software allows users to pull music directly from the multiple locations and download it to your Zune. Microsoft also let’s Zune owners use their Microsoft Points (from the Xbox Live service) to purchase/download music and video programs via the Zune Store. I could go on and on about how the Zune has impressed me but I think you can get the picture. It may not take over the spot as my single device for portable media but thanks to the subscription service and physical design I will be using one for the foreseeable future. If you have an Xbox 360 and Windows PC and love portable media I suggest you take a look at what Microsoft is now offering in terms of the Zune hardware and software (especially the Zune pass), it’s well worth it.
Final Recommendation: Buy
