As you may know, Microsoft’s second generation portable media player, the Zune 80, hits stores today (and lastweek). Here’s what some of the big names in product review had to say about the device.

Yahoo! Tech: "…music on the Zune sounded pretty solid to me, although (not being an audio purist myself) I would have preferred more kick on the low end … I didn’t have a chance to test the new Zune Social service, which doesn’t go live until later this week, but the presentation I saw looked promising. Sign up and you’ll get a Zune Card (similar to a Gamercard on the Xbox 360) that’ll display the latest music you’ve been playing; you’ll be able to add friends, share 30-second music clips."

Wired: "Here’s where it starts to beat up on the iPod classic. Unlike Apple’s big HD player, the Zune has WiFi for song sharing and (new this year) wireless syncing. There’s a built-in FM tuner. There’s obviously support for Windows Media files, both audio and video, which the iPod won’t play. The 80GB model comes with “premium” earbuds, an in-ear model that’s much better than Apple’s, although no match for anything decent you might already own … Would I recommend the Zune? Yeah, I think I would."

CNET: "To optimize the Zune’s battery life in spite of its Wi-Fi capabilities, Microsoft decided to ditch the built-in audio equalizer found on the first-generation Zune. While one can argue that EQ presets are simply a band-aid for poor quality earbuds, there’s just no way to feel good about having a perfectly good feature ripped away from a product. Luckily, Microsoft includes a pair of high-quality dynamic driver earphones with the 80GB Zune … With its beautiful screen, podcast integration, revamped interface, and wireless sync, we believe the latest crop of Zunes should finally take hold as a true iPod alternative."

PCMag: "The iPod classic is a fine device, but its updates from the previous-generation iPod are mainly cosmetic. Of course, if you want double the capacity, it’s the player to get. But if 80GB is enough space, the Zune is simply more fun to use than the iPod, with more engaging software, better graphics, a larger screen, and wireless capabilities. Both devices—as well as their associated software—have some pesky shortcomings, but in a shrinking field of contenders, the Zune has finally realized its potential. The player’s extra features and overall fun-factor make it a better value than the iPod classic—and worthy of our Editors’ Choice award…"

Reviewers seem to agree that if you’re going to be looking for a hard drive based PMP, you’re basicly limited to two options: The Zune 80 and the iPod Classic. The iPod is a popular product with a big reputation, but it seems that’s all it has now. Microsoft’s Zune 80 introduces new features and polishes up the old ones to provide an experience only true Apply loyalists would pass up. Add in the Zune Social service, a social network for Zune owners, and it looks like the Zune 80 has a promising future.

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Entry was posted on Monday, November 12th, 2007 at 2:26 pm under Media players, Microsoft, Opinion, Technology, Wi-Fi.

Read more entries by Danny Mendez.
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