Zunetastic (Microsoft Zune 30 GB)

Member Name: geek_squad

Product:	Microsoft Zune 30 GB
Date:	13/07/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: High quality picture and sound, easy to share files, radio capabilities, good battery stamina,

Disadvantages: Not compatible with WAV or copy right WMA, operating systems are limited, must use software

The Zune 30 GB by Microsoft brings a feel of sophistication and style. In comparison to its leading competitors, it is quite light, only weighing 159 grams, which is good for a hard disk based player.

Unlike the majority of MP3 players, the player can't be used like a flash drive to transfer files, meaning that it is not possible to plug the player into computer A and use it to copy a file to computer B.

In addition to its main purpose of audio playback, the player also supports viewing pictures and watching video clips. The player allows you to share files with other Zunes wirelessly.
When using the supplied headphones, the sound quality was slightly above average, its in-ear headphones makes the bass rich. When the headphone cable is moved it creates a rather loud sound when it is moved against your clothing. Upon using an additional pair of headphones, the sound quality had a minute improvement. The max volume of the player is not restricted, therefore listening to music continuously at full volume will damage your hearing.

When transferring files to the player, you must use a software that needs to be downloaded. The installation itself took quite along time, and no warning message appeared. Other than that, the player is user friendly.
The battery stamina is quite good, on average providing about 14 hours of continuous audio playback.
In addition to the bog standard features, it also boost FM radio capabilities, and the ability to create a favourites list. However, it does not have a repeat all function and equalizer setting.

The player does not support WAV or copy right protected WMA file format. Its file transfer rate is quite fast taking on average 2.1 seconds to transfer 10 megabytes of audio files.

It can only be used with Window Vista and Window XP operating systems.

Summary: Quite a good player is you can put up with needing the software

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