Editorial Review
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. |
Simple, Innovative Controls 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.
Cached date: AWS Called=true
Customer Reviews
Awesome... except... 
2008-07-22
Absolutely awesome device... ONLY STUPID THING is that when you randomize your playlist it literally RANDOMIZES your playlist... so instead of just playing it in a random order you have to search through all your songs in random order which is ridiculous... it should keep them alphabetical and play them randomly... just another Microsoft "derrrr" moment. Lets get a patch for that rich people!!!
Nice 2008-07-21
Works really well. The screen is a good size and the sound is nice and clear. The only annoying thing is that you have to plug it into your computer to charge it.
Best Music Player Out There 2008-07-20
Let's just cut to the chase. You want to know how the Zune 80GB fares against the iPod. Such as comparison is best summarized in this sentence: "Microsoft's Zune beats the Apple iPod in almost every single way!"
I have run into quite a few people who took a look at the 1st generation Zunes in 2006 and never thought about it since. The old 30GB Zunes were not exactly the slickest devices on the market, but the NEW 2nd generation Zunes were built from scratch. So forget everything you heard about the old Zune.
The new 80GB Zune features a 320x240 glass screen which is much larger than the iPod Classic's plastic screen. The menus and interface are gorgeous. The background image is customizeable. 'Now Playing' displays album art in fullscreen.
The zunepad (aka 'squircle') is incredibly intuitive. Swiping your finger across the pad causes the menu to scroll in that direction. Swiping faster scrolls faster. The zunepad also acts as a 5-directional click-pad: up, down, left, right, and center-click. All of this is remarkably easy to use.
What makes the Zune most unique is the Wi-Fi capability. This allows you to detect other nearby Zunes and share songs. But the greatest use of the Zune's Wi-Fi is wireless sync. The Zune can be sync'd manually whenever you are at home or automatically whenever you plug the Zune into a dock (This means that you can leave your Zune in your iHome and it will automatically update itself without ever plugging into your computer!).
Other advantages over the iPod include the built-in FM tuner and the somewhat scratch resistant front surface (matte finish and glass are a lot tougher than shiny plastic).
Microsoft makes really classy Italian leather cases for Zune found here: Zune Leather Case 80 GB.
I've been following press coverage of the Zune from the beginning and bought myself one a few months ago. So far I have no complaints. I hated my old video iPod and I found iTunes to be really inconvenient. Zune software has all the major features of iTunes, but with your choice of some very stylish skins and more options for sorting and viewing your music collection. Zune software also lets you categorize your videos, unlike iTunes. However, this software does not work on Mac yet.
I cannot recommend any other hard-drive music player on the market. If you do not need more than a few gigabytes you might want to look at smaller players (the new Creative Zen is a good choice that comes in 4gb - 32gb sizes. Take a look here: Creative Zen 16 GB Portable Media Player (Black)). But if you have a big collection or want to watch a lot of movies in a compact player the Zune is your best choice.
Much Improvement Needed to match iPod 
2008-07-18
I replaced my iPod back in January with the new 80g Zune in the hope that I would be getting a device that not only matched the performance and reliability of the iPod but was better. After all if Microsoft hoped to compete with the mighty Apple in the arena of MP3 players, they'd better have a product that was just as good or better. After seven months of using the Zune I can state unequivocally that Microsoft has a long, long way to go and many improvements in both hardware and software to make before they hope to match the convenience, reliability, flexibility and performance of the iPod device and iTunes software. My first complaint with Zune is with the limits of the Zune software which is woefully and pitifully inadequate when compared to iTunes. Where iTunes allows the user full and total control over all aspects of his/her music library such as sorting, categorizing and listing songs, albums, playlists in any way, shape or form the user desires, Zune's software is severly limited and not as user-friendly as iTunes. A small example of this would be the fact that if you rip a particular artist's song, let's say "Suspicious Minds" by Elvis, off of a multi-artist compilation disc, you won't be able to locate that song in your library by going to Elvis Presley because the Zune software lumps all songs from various artist compilations into the "Various Artists" category and you would have to go there and search for the album the song is on. Another huge example of a Zune software limitation is that, unlike iTunes, it does not have a "Smart Playlist" feature where you can have songs automatically go into a playlist based on criteria that you choose when you set up the playlist. You also can't combine two tracks into one track on Zune like you can on iTunes. Those are just a sample of many areas that the Zune software is lacking compared to iTunes. I could list many more. Now let me move on to my criticisms of the Zune device itself. The hardware. Prior to buying the Zune, I had my old 30g iPod for three years and used it daily for hours on end with no problems other than having to reset it once in a blue moon. No such luck with the Zune. In the seven months I've been using the Zune it has crashed on me three times and I've had to reload all of the 10,000 songs in my library onto it three times. It takes about 3 hours to reload all of the content onto the device which isn't that bad considering the size of my collection but it's the instability and unreliability of the hardware that bothers me. I can now never tell when it's going to crash on me. The first time it crashed was at the beginning of a very long plane flight which left me sitting and twiddling my thumbs for the several hour flight without my music. This never happened with my iPod.
Needless to say, I'm planning on dumping the Zune and returning to the old reliable iPod. I'm shocked that Microsoft has ventured into this part of the market with such an inferior product and it has made me think twice about any Microsoft product I purchase in the future.
LOVED the Features and Interface; HATED how it broke after 2 weeks 2008-07-18
I bought the MS Zune 80GB because I wanted an alternative to the unexciting iPod. I loved the look and feel of the Zune - from the sleek black casing to the edgy graphics and backgrounds. I loved everything about this product - except the fact that it broke right away.
I bought my Zune in June 2008. I loved the "squircle" and how easy it was to scroll through menus and lists of artists. I loved the larger screen and the way that videos played with the Zune turned sideways. I loved the nifty little headphones. I loved the packaging. I loved that this really seemed like an alternative to the iPod. (I am a Mac person, but I found the iPod to be boring.) I loved the price.
I loved everything about the Zune, until everything started to break. First, the battery would only hold a charge for 3-4 hours of music play time (with the wifi turned off). Then the unit started to hang when I moved through the menus. Then, to top it all off, the "squircle" stopped working. Without it, I could no longer scroll through lists or menus, reset the unit or make song selections. Internet research tells me that I am not the only with this problem, and there is no easy fix.
I loved the Zune so much I was willing to overlook the slow, clunky Zune computer interface. It took me a total of about 10 hours over 2 days to load up my 50 GB music library, and the software needed a lot of coaxing, restarting and troubleshooting. This was easily forgotten, once my 50GB of music were happily playing through my awesome little Zune headphones. But when the music stopped for good, I remembered how much I HATED the Zune software. It reminded me of Windows ME, the ill-fated OS that was absolute hell to use a few years back. Yes, it was THAT bad.
I hate to admit it, but my new iPod WORKS. It loaded my now 60 GB music library in 2 hours, and the iTunes software is a dream in comparison to the Zune. The iPod has not broken so far, and I honestly don't think it will. And if it does, I will not worry because my AppleCare experience has been very positive.
If only MS could give us all the great features of the Zune without the wonky "squircle" problems and glitchy software, we would have a real winner. Maybe in a few years, I will give the Zune another go.
Great product! 
2008-07-24
I am not a newbie, however I am not an iPod user either. I've owned several different MP3 players, from a cheap 1GB generic player to a Creative Labs Zen Vision M (30GB). The Zen now belongs to my 11-year old and she loves it. This Zune is by far the best device I've had. Yes, it has its minor drawbacks - an EQ would've been nice, lack of compatibility with WMP11 (which I know for a fact was a political decision because of EU), however the pros far outweigh the odds, IMHO. The nice size screen, the intuitive interface, the zune pad with the touch buttons (that alone is worth the upgrade from Zen's impossibly sensitive scroll pad!), the ability to see which songs are going to be played next in Shuffle mode. The list goes on and on. The home dock, the travel pack and the armband holder are just a nice plus to get at the same time. All come in very handy and are very well made.
I am not proclaiming that the Zune will magically make the iPod disappear... not do I think it should. I think there's room for both. Zoom Market Place or iTunes? Who cares? If it serves the purpose of the device owner, then everyone should be happy with their choice and let the other consumers enjoy what they like.
Not Good to Run With 
2008-07-24
I went through three of the 80-gig Zunes in a two-week period. Every time I tried to go running, the songs would start skipping and the screen would freeze. I couldn't even turn it off! It works fine if you're not moving it at all, but definitely do not use this for exercise!
Throw those boring iPods away...Zune is here 2008-07-24
Its so unfair that the apple lobby has put out so much bad feedback about this that I was hesitant to invest $250 on this. But after 3 months of pure music, I have to say that this product is one of the best I have ever owned. Zune software is a revelation. Integration to marketplace where you can buy music is awesome. I have not subscribed to the monthly pass and find songs a tad more expensive than amazon. I usually buy songs from amazon and then sync to my zune.
More than anything else, it has bee Microsoft track record on this which is impressive. They have not left even the Zune 1Gen owners out in the cold. All new firmware updates are for everyone, unlike the penny pinching Apple which charged 9.99 for the latest upgrade.
As far as sound quality goes, I can say with conviction that this sounds worlds apart from an IPOD. For a player without an Equalizer this was a revelation. I have compared the same songs on both an Ipod and Zune and Zune does better hands down. But you compare Zune with an Sony Walkman and Sony sounds better. But that is not to say Zune is average, Sound quality wise, Zune is well above being better. Only thing that works agains the Sony is the sizes ( 8g / 4g ) 16g is way more expensive at $249.
And believe when they say Zune 80 comes with premium ear phones. It beat out my Sennheisers in sound quality.
Would I buy a Second or a third Zune if I need it ? In a heartbeat.
No second guessing here.
TOTALLY AWSOME! 2008-07-23
The Zune 80 is my first PMP (Personal Media Player) ever, and I must say that I think that it is AMAZING. All of my friends have mp3 players (mostly Ipods), but I never really liked them. I just thought that the screens were too small, and I really wanted something that would have great video playback. All of the Ipods (except for the Apple iPod touch 32 GB with Software Upgrade) have small screens in my opinion, especially the Apple iPod classic 80 GB Silver (6th Generation), with it's huge amount of memory. I really didn't warm up to the idea of watching a two hour movie on the Ipod Classic's small 2.5 inch display. So I waited until I found something better than an Ipod. And I did.
A friend of mine bought the 1st gen Zune (Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player (Black)), and I loved the sceen size and the user interface, but I wanted more memory. Then the Zune 80 was released last November, and I fell in love.
Here's why:
- The Zune 80's GLASS (!!!) screen is 3.2 inches. That's almost twice the size of the Ipod Classic's!
- The Zune 80 has a nice, matte metal finished case back, instead of the Ipod's freaking, scratch-prone chrome.
- The Zune 80 has a really cool, wi-fi sharing feature that allows you to send songs, photos, videos, and podcasts to other, nearby Zunesters.
- The Zune 80 can hold up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 photos, and 250 HOURS OF VIDEO!!!!
- The Zune 80 has the new Zune Pad, which is similar to the Ipod's Cick Wheel, but alot easier to use (in my opinion, anyway).
- The Zune 80's big sceen is glass instead of plastic, making it really scratch resistant.
- The Zune 80 is able to sync wirlessly with your PC.
- The Zune 80 can play videos, photos, and music through your XBox 360 using your home wi-fi network.
- The Zune 80 has an awsome user interface that is very atractive and easy to use and understand.
- The Zune 80's design is elegant, sexy, and feels great in the hand.
- The Zune 80 sells for the same price as the Ipod Classic ($149), so if you have saved up to buy an Ipod Classic, but decided you wanted the Zune 80 instead, then it's no extra money out of you pocket!
So, I bought my Zune about a month ago from Amazon, and I haven't had any problems with it. A few of my friends are even thinking about jusping off the Ipod bandwagon and buying one for themselves!
So, if you want a high-capacity mp3 player with amazing video playback and some out of the ordinary features, then go for the Zune 80. Get off the bandwagon!
Here are some acessories that I found that work well with the Zune 80:
- Insten - Retractable Audio Video Cable for Apple iPod Photo, iPod Video, iPod U2 Special Edition, Microsoft Zune by Eforcity
- Eforcity USB Travel Charger Adapter for Palm (PalmOne) m500, i705, Tungsten T, W, C, Zire, Zire 71, Treo 600, 650, HP iPAQ 3100, h5555, Jornada 500 series, Sony Clie NX70 /SL10 /N or S series Sony Clie 500 /600 /700 series, Toshiba e310 /e755 /Handsprin...
- iLive IBR2807DPBLK iPod Docking System/Boombox with Speakers, AM/FM Radio in Black This works well with the Zune 80 because it has an audio line-in jack, and the Zune 80 fits perfectly in the Ipod cradle, even though it will not charge it. The iLive comes in severral colors, too: pink, blue, green, white. You can also find them in almost any K-Mart store. To be able to use this with your Zune 80 you will also need: Scosche IU3.5RC 3.5mm Retractable Cable
- Monster Wireless Fm Transmitter
- Premium White Universal USB Car (Vehicle) Charger Adaptor [w/ LED power indicator] for Apple iPod Shuffle iPod/Zune and Microsoft Zune
awesome 2008-07-22
I've owned 4 other mp3 players, and this mp3 player is the best out of them all. The controls are easy to use, the sound quality is really good, and the screen is amazing for viewing pictures&videos. It's a good alternative if you don't want an ipod, but its pretty much the same as an ipod classic besides a few small things. However, i've found that the wireless feature is basically useless. I keep mine off all the time. I've never run into anyone that has a Zune, so I've never used the wireless sharing feature. (I live basically in the middle of nowhere though, so this might be different if you live in a city or somewhere more populated.)
