Microsoft Zune (second generation, 80GB, black)
The Zune has blossomed from an ugly duckling into a worthy iPod alternative.
Reviews
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CNET Review
The Good: The 80GB Microsoft Zune MP3 player features a 3.2-inch glass LCD; a user-friendly interface; exceptional navigation control; audio and video podcast support; a superlative FM radio with RBDS information; wireless syncing and sharing; high-quality earphones; revamped Zune Marketplace PC software; Zune Pass subscription music support; good audio quality; and a built-in composite-video output.
The Bad: The Zune is a PC-only device that requires its own software and still does not support older WMA-DRM9 music files; Zune Marketplace does not offer TV or movie downloads; the USB connection is proprietary; no Wi-Fi music streaming; and the EQ feature has been removed.
The Bottom Line: The Zune has blossomed from an ugly duckling into a worthy iPod alternative.
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alaTest.com
Review Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 3297 reviews of Microsoft Zune 2nd Generation from international magazines and websites.
The Verdict: Experts rate this product 74/100 and users 76/100. Comparing these reviews to 460400 other MP3 Players reviews gives this product an overall alaScore 74/100 = Good.
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electronista.com
Review Summary: The Zune 80 is the most capable model but shoehorned between iPods.
The Verdict: In the past several months since the second generation of Zunes went on sale, Microsoft has been busy addressing longstanding complaints about the Zune and its software: version 2.5 adds auto playlists, gapless playback, and other features that the i
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futurelooks
Review Summary: We've already been told that it's coming "Zune" to Canada, but how does Microsoft's sophomore entry into the MP3 player market compare against the iPods of the world? I had ...
The Verdict: With the noted exception of the integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (and all the associated functionality), this feature set is pretty much in line with the iPod Classic 80GB. Where the Zune wins, in this regard, is the fact that it has a much larger...
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computershopper.com
Review Summary: Microsoft's flash-memory-based Zune player offers unique features in a sleek package for the Windows-loving crowd, but it's still no iPod.
The Verdict: Double your display real estate by adding a second monitor. It's a snap: Here's how
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maximumpc.com
Review Summary: Microsoft, seeing the futility in polishing turds, went back to the drawing board to design the second rev of the Zune. (If only they'd do the same for Vista!) Fortunately for early adopters, many of the new features and desktop software will be made...
The Verdict: The Zune 8GB sounds every bit as good as the first Zune, and Microsoft has added support for tracks encoded in WMA Lossless. The 1.8-inch glass screen looks very sharp, but it’s also very small—especially when you’re watching videos—and the flash...
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pcadvisor.co.uk
Review Summary: The first-generation Zune media player that Microsoft released last year was a so-so product with a few nice touches. So the question with the new, second-generation Zune is whether Microsoft is ready to surpass its competition, most notably Apple and...
The Verdict: While Microsoft has made solid progress with the Zune, the device still isn't compellingly more attractive than its competitors. It's not out in the UK as yet, but at $149 for the 4GB version and $199 for the 8GB version, in the US it's priced...
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pcadvisor.co.uk
Review Summary: Wireless synching, good sound quality, and a nice touch control finally make Microsoft's affordable player a good choice. Indeed, for some users the wireless synching will make the 80GB Zune a better bet than the iPod classic.
The Verdict: The 80GB Zune is a decent choice as an 80GB MP3 player. It sounds great, its interface isn't a hindrance, and its pricing is right in line with the competition. Accessories and features such as premium headphones and an FM tuner give it at least one...
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engadget.com
Review Summary: Mr. Mossberg just handed down his verdict on the latest series of Microsoft Zunes. Those of you who shout him down with your flaccid cries of "fanboi" will want to turn away... now. Walt considers the new Zunes a "vast improvement" over Microsoft's ...
Price Range: $289.99 - $289.99
- Microsoft
- HPA-00001
General
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Product typeDigital player / radio
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PC interface(s) supportedWi-Fi, Hi-Speed USB
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Digital storageBuilt-in 80 GB Hard disk drive
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Weight4.5 oz
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Dimensions (W x D x H)2.4 in x 0.5 in x 4.3 in
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ColorBlack
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Included accessories6 ear tips
Digital Player / Recorder
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Supported digital audio standardsWMAPro, MP3, WMA, Audible, AAC
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Playback modesRandom play / shuffle
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ID3 tags supportYes
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External hard drive functionYes
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Additional featuresMPEG-4 playback, Variable bit-rate compatible, JPEG photo playback
Built-in Display
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Audio system built-in displayLCD
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Diagonal size3.2 in
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Resolution320 x 240
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Display menu languageFrench, Spanish, English
Audio Features
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Sound output modeStereo
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Built-in clockDigital clock
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Additional featuresBuilt-in games
CD System
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CD system typeNone
Radio
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Tuner typeRadio tuner
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Tuner bandsFM
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Station memo displayYes
Remote Control
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Remote controlNone
Headphones
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Headphones typeBinaural Ear-bud
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Sound output mode [Sep 14, 2011 from CDS: Audio Output]Stereo
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Connectivity technologyWired
Connectivity
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Cable(s) included1 x Data cable - External
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Connector type1 x Headphones / composite video, 1 x Docking station
Battery / Power
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BatteryLithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Mfr estimated battery life24 hour(s)
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Recharge time2 hour(s)
System Requirements
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Operating systemMicrosoft Windows XP SP2, Microsoft Windows Vista
Videos
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