Microsoft's challenger for the Apple crown. (Microsoft Zune 30 GB)

Member Name: jespin

Product:	Microsoft Zune 30 GB
Date:	10/08/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Radio function. Wireless audio sharing. Large screen for video.

Disadvantages: Not available from UK stores.

With Apple dominating the market of MP3 players, it is hard for any other competing device to get a foothold especially in the UK. This is the case with Microsoft's offering to the market, the Zune.

Somewhat of a rival to the Ipod, the Zune has been going steady in the US but has never and probably never will be formally released in the UK. Despite this, many people (including myself) decided to ship one of these in from the states due to their impressive features. Firstly, in comparison to the Ipod, the Zune is a little bulky however, this makes it so much more durable than the flimsy Ipod. Secondly, the screen is much larger than an Ipod meaning video playback looks far better in comparison. Another feature of the video playback is that unlike the iPod, the Zune rotates the video image so that you view it in Landscape not portrait. This both improves the quality of your viewing and does not leave you squinting at the screen like the Ipod often does. Further to this, unlike the Ipod, the Zune has an in-built radio option meaning it is also a portable radio player as well as an MP4/MP3.

The most impressive feature of the Zune is the Zune Marketplace. This is somewhat like iTunes allowing you to purchase tracks and albums however the most notable feature of this is within the Zune device itself. You have a friend who also has a Zune. You have a new track or album you think they might like. Through wireless association built into the Zune, you can send the track to your friend allowing them a certain amount of free listens to the track. Me and my friends often found ourselves doing this with a number of new songs that we found during our time at 6th Form. In terms of the software that comes with it, the Zune far surpasses the iTunes. Okay, so it doesn't have things such as coverflow however it is brighter, less drab and easier to use.

There are however, some drawbacks to the Zune. Firstly, there is no click-wheel like the iPod meaning you have to navigate through menus with a d-pad style control. Furthermore, the range of colours that the Zune is available in is rather drab. Finally, if you plan of switching from an iPod as I did, you will find that any files you have in .aiff format will not play on the Zune as it only play MP3 and WMA.

This is a great little player and is much cheaper than the rip-off Ipod for what you get. I'd seriously recommend getting one instead of an Ipod if you do not yet own an MP3 player.

Summary: Much more value for money than an Ipod. More features and cheaper.

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