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Non-NEC Console Related Discussion => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Kitsunexus on October 22, 2007, 07:58:01 PM
Title: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: Kitsunexus on October 22, 2007, 07:58:01 PM
OK, this is a thread of mourning. My Creative Zen Sleek Photo 20GB, has finally bit the dust. I will be able to retrieve all the data from it, but it now takes 4 minutes to load up, and every thing it does comes with a lot of hard drive clicking. So I must bid my fathful little player a fond farewell, and apologize for the couple of times I cursed at it, because it really didn't deserve it, it was that bastard Creative's fault.
I'm never buying Creative again, my shitty $10 MP3-CD players lasted longer than this thing! I'm not buying into Apple either, it's too rich for my blood and my computer HATES iTunes.
I wanted an iRiver or an Archos, but the closest store near me only sells the $300 model, which is way more than I can afford.
So I'm thinking of going with the Microsoft Zune, my friend had one at work, looks pretty sweet. Nice screen, 10GB more than my last player, haven't exactly listened to much beyond a demo at a Target one time.
Also, there's a port of Rockbox in the works for this, unlike my Zen.
What's the audio quality like, and the battery life? Keep in mind, I'm either getting the plain black or the plain red one, f*ck these content-packed color scheme editions.
What do you think? Buy the Zune or hold out for something else? If worse comes to worse, I still have my PSP to play MP3s, but I really like carrying around my entire library, so please help me out here! ^_^
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: WoodyXP on October 22, 2007, 09:23:16 PM
I have a Zune and I love it. The audio quality is good, it has power and a good 'thump' with the right earphones. The screen is what sold me on it though. I primarily use my Zune for watching movies. I usually get about 4 hours video out of the battery before it dies.. I never pushed it with MP3's.
The design is great too. It's thick, sturdy and doesn't look all gheyed out like an Ipod.
My only knock on it is that it doesn't play well with Linux.. I gotta boot Windows if I want to add any content to it.
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: SignOfZeta on October 23, 2007, 12:09:29 AM
After seeing the new iPod Nano in action the other day I'm really impressed. Things have really come along since the b/w days. The storage is small, but that's never been an issue with my 4GB Mini. The new Nano is $150 (4GB), and $200 (8GB) I think. The unit is small, but the screen is still large enough and very clear.
I'm pretty sure this is cheaper than a Zune. I'd avoid a Zune pretty much no matter what, honestly. I'd either have an iPod or one of these:
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: Pcenginefx on October 23, 2007, 05:41:14 AM
You aren't talking about the 1st gen Zune right? You know that the 2nd gen Zunes are coming out around Nov 13th and they kick ass. The headphones are way higher quality than anything Apple has, and the Zune itself is super slick - the OS is fast & flashy, has WiFi and built-in FM tuner. . I recently bought a iPod Classic but I'd so return it for one of these.
.....headphones are way higher quality than anything Apple has.....
But that's not really saying much - Apple bundles poo with iPods. Have you seen any specs (S/N ratio, THD, crosstalk, etc.) comparing the new Zune to the latest iPods? The Zune 2 interface looks pretty sweet, and if it's a performer too, I just might have to get one.
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: Kitsunexus on October 23, 2007, 09:59:38 AM
I actually got an Archos 404 for $169, I think I will like it better than the Zune.
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: Pcenginefx on October 23, 2007, 10:45:47 AM
.....headphones are way higher quality than anything Apple has.....
But that's not really saying much - Apple bundles poo with iPods. Have you seen any specs (S/N ratio, THD, crosstalk, etc.) comparing the new Zune to the latest iPods? The Zune 2 interface looks pretty sweet, and if it's a performer too, I just might have to get one.
Yah that is true (poo with iPods). I think this is the spec on the ear bud Zune phones:
Model Number: 9NZ-00001 Frequency response: 20 to 15000 Hz (+/- 68 dB) THD: Less than 1 percent at 2 mW, 1 kHz Driver type: Dynamic Type: Binaural Form factor: Ear-buds Impedance: 16 ohms (+/- 15 percent) at 1 kHz Sensitivity: 96 dB SPL (+/- 3 dB) at 1 mW, 1 kHz Sound output mode: Stereo Maximum output: 107 dB SPL (+/- 6 dB) Nominal output: 3 mW Peak power input: 15 mW (1 second, pink noise) Connector type: 3.5-millimeter mini jack Cable length: 4.6 feet / 1.4 meters Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: WoodyXP on October 23, 2007, 10:49:32 AM
Why's that? The Zune became the best selling PMP that wasn't an iPod, which ain't bad considering that it only comes in one flavor. While the various iPods are pretty good, there are many competing players that are equal or better and at a better price.
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: WoodyXP on October 24, 2007, 12:19:42 PM
Sometimes I wonder if Microsoft ever considered selling it's products under a different company name. If the ignorants didn't know that the Zune came from Microsoft it would be kicking more ass.
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: Joe Redifer on October 24, 2007, 01:02:55 PM
Quote from: WoodyXP
My only knock on it is that it doesn't play well with Linux.. I gotta boot Windows if I want to add any content to it.
That really sucks. It needs to be OS independent. Didn't Microsoft learn anything from Apple? The Apple iPods can be used on pretty much any OS if I recall, and they are anal-raping the Zune in sales without any kind of lube! I don't think iPods require iTunes unless you want all of that synching crap. I don't blame people for hating iTunes, though. There might be a 3rd-party software alternative for syncing with an iPod, not sure. However I don't like iPods either, as the sound quality sucks and I just don't like the user interface. So far there has not been a portable music player that gets my seal of approval. I'm still happy with MiniDisc. :)
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: Turbo D on October 24, 2007, 07:56:01 PM
my ipod mini boots linux 8)
Title: Re: Opinion on Microsoft Zune?
Post by: Tablet on October 24, 2007, 09:21:33 PM