Microsoft Zune Video
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Take an in-depth look at the Microsoft Zune
The Microsoft Zune, with its intuitive interface and solid playback performance, will please most users. But lukewarm format support and the cool, but limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. The Zune is a very good start, though. CNET's James Kim takes a look.
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According to the Office 10 Twitter account, Zune lovers will be happy in June. If that wasn't weird enough, they also warn you not to buy an iPhone or Palm Pre, which is probably standing orders at Microsoft. Also Natali carries knives in her sports bra quite often. Or so we have come to understand.
James Kim takes an even closer, in-depth look at the Microsoft Zune.
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Zune (30GB, black) Review
The good: The Microsoft Zune has very good playback performance of audio, video, and photos; intuitive and colorful interface; good FM radio with RDS; works well with Zune Marketplace software; integrated wireless allows sharing of songs (limited) and photos; many accessories available at launch.
The bad: The Microsoft Zune is not backward compatible with WMA-DRM9; weak native video support (cannot play protected content) and no video offerings from Zune Marketplace; cannot be used as a hard drive (and no UMS support); proprietary USB; cannot use Wi-Fi to sync, stream, or purchase content; minimal bundled accessories; no podcast directory; maximum capacity is 30GB.
The bottom line: The Microsoft Zune, with its intuitive interface and solid playback performance, will please most users. But lukewarm format support and the cool but limited Wi-Fi capability will have advanced users seeking more. The Zune is a very good start, though.
Zune (30GB, black) Specs
Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Part number: JS8-00001
- General
- Product Basic Spec
Zune (30GB, black) Prices
Online stores
| Store | Certified rating | Inventory | Price |
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Amazon.com Marketplace |
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$199.99 |
