Zune 80 is one of Microsoft’s second generation portable video and audio players; also referred to as “Zune 2.” I have been really excited about Zune 2 because of the numerous articles online that praised it, pointing out the new and improved features, and saying that it was a big improvement over the first generation Zune. So, when Microsoft finally announced that they were going to release Zune 2 on November 13, I made up my mind to go and get one.
My music collection is 60-some gigabytes, comprising of around 12,000 items (songs, audio books, etc.). So, in this review I will be looking at Zune 80 especially as a music player. Also, I like to have all my collection at hand so the 80GB player was my only option.
Summary
Instead of starting off with the details I think it’s better to give you the full scoop first. Once you have read the summary, then you can decide which details you would like to read further about. If you are a power user then I would also suggest reading the section titled “Power User’s Perspective.” Overall, Zune 80 is a good media player. With most of the features of the iPod and a few additional ones, it is an excellent alternative to the iPod. The premium headphones that come with the Zune are great, but, unfortunately, they are also a slight weak point. Instead of a normal plastic cable, these headphones use a soft fabric cable, which gives it a unique look and feel. This same fabric, I believe, is also the culprit that conducts the static charge which annoys so many people, especially in the winter.
The wireless synchronization with the computer is a good feature. Unfortunately, the fact that the Zune doesn’t display the progress while it is synchronizing, makes you keep wishing for more. The Zune-to-Zune wireless synchronization is a moot point because, at this point, you are not likely to find many friends with a Zune.
The built-in radio works well. For me it is a good feature to have, especially for the times when you have listened to the music on your device for a bit too long. The usefulness of a radio on such a device varies quite a lot from person to person. Finally, if you use Mac or Linux then you are out of luck because currently the Zune is only supported on Windows.
Specs
CAPACITY: 80 gigabytes (GB)
Up to 20,000 songs, or 25,000 pictures, or 250 hours of video SIZE AND WEIGHT: Size: 61.1 mm x 108.2 mm x 12.9 mm (w x h x d)
Weight: 4.5 ounces (128 grams) BATTERY: Music, up to 30 hours (wireless off); video, up to 4 hours
Charge Time: 3 hours; 2 hours to 90 percent SCREEN: Size: 3.2-inch color display
Type: Scratch-resistant glass
Orientation: Vertical (music) and horizontal (pictures and videos)
Resolution: 320 pixels x 240 pixels AUDIO SUPPORT: Windows Media® Audio Standard (WMA) (.wma): Up to 320 Kbps; constant bit rate (CBR) and variable bit rate (VBR) up to 48-kHz sample rate. WMA Pro 2-channel up to 384 Kbps; CBR and VBR up to 48-kHz
WMA Lossless
Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) (.mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov) - .m4a and .m4b files without FairPlay DRM up to 320 Kbps; CBR and VBR up to 48-kHz
MP3 (.mp3) – Up to 320 Kbps; CBR and VBR up to 48-kHz PICTURE SUPPORT: JPEG – (.jpg) VIDEO SUPPORT: Windows Media Video (WMV) (.wmv) – Main and Simple Profile, CBR or VBR, up to 3.0 Mbps peak video bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD WMV files at device sync
MPEG-4 (MP4/M4V) (.mp4) Part 2 video – Simple Profile up to 2.5 Mbps peak video bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD MPEG-4 files at device sync
H.264 video– Baseline Profile up to 2.5 Mbps peak video bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD H.264 files at device sync
DVR-MS – Zune software will transcode at time of sync VIDEO OUTPUT: Yes (composite-video through headphone jack; composite- or component-video through the Zune Dock, sold separately) WIRELESS: Connectivity: 802.11b/g compatible
Range: Up to 30 feet
In range, see other Zune users, see their "now playing" status (when enabled on a given Zune), and send and receive songs and pictures WIRELESS SYNC: Yes
Connectivity: 802.11b/g compatible
Authentication modes: Open, WEP, WPA, and WPA2
Encryption modes: WEP 64- and 128-bit, TKIP, and AES FM RADIO: Built in
