• On mySimon: Pea Coats Are Another Wardrobe Staple

Zune (second-generation) 4GB and 8GB Video

To play this video, you need Javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash installed. Install Flash now
Zune (second-generation) 4GB and 8GB
Created: 11/12/2007
Video description: The bite-sized alternative to the full-size Zune lets you take music, photos ,videos, and podcasts on the go.

Zune (second-generation) 4GB and 8GB Video Transcript

[ background music ]

>> Hey I'm Donald Bell, senior editor for MP3 and digital audio, and today we're taking a first look at the Microsoft Zune. We're looking at the four and eight gigabyte capacity Zunes. Can't really call these the Zune Nano, but that's essentially what it is. So the smaller Zunes here give you almost all the features you'd find in the higher capacity eighty gigabyte Zune, just gonna be a smaller space and a smaller price. For four gigabytes, you can get that at one forty nine, or eight gigabytes at one ninety nine. We like this form factor, especially if you're into taking this to the gym, taking it out on a jog, or you just want something really small. The big deal for the latest Zune is innovative support for podcasts, either audio podcasts or video podcasts. There's also the ability to do wireless synching with your home computer now. Another big thing that we like about the flash based Zune is that it has a really great main menu screen, really large font use on the main menu screen, so you can read this even if it's in the driver's seat or you've got it away from you on a desk somewhere. You don't have to squint to read the screen, that's a really big feature. Comparing this head to head with the iPod Nano, the new Zune's gonna be the exact same price point, it's just gonna be a little bit slimmer, kind of looks more like the old Nano. So if you're not already tied to an iPod, or you're thinking about making the switch, the new four and eight gigabyte capacity Microsoft Zune is gonna be a great alternative. [ background music ] It's got podcast support, music support, video, FM radio, good battery life, wireless synch, a lot of cool features. So, I'm Donald Bell and that was a first look at the Microsoft Zune. ^M00:01:33 [ music ]

Related Videos

Microsoft Zune HD

The Zune HD is one of the strongest contenders to the Apple iPod Touch, bringing unique features such as HD radio, a beautiful OLED screen, HD video output, and subscription music.

Apple iPod Classic (second generation)

The second-generation Apple iPod Classic is a slight improvement over the original model and remains an excellent value for users with large music and video collections.

HP Mini 1000

Arriving late to the Netbook game, HP's Mini 1000 still impresses thanks to a nearly full-size keyboard.

2009 Mercedes GL320 BlueTec 4MATIC

Mercedes' BlueTec diesel power train takes a starring role in its full-size SUV.

Will they swoon for the Zune?

After months of expectation, Microsoft is finally making its official entry into the portable digital music player market. But how does the Zune stack up technically, and can it challenge Apple's iPod?

Microsoft Zune

The 30GB Zune (designed by Microsoft, manufactured by Toshiba) will use ad-hoc Wi-Fi for local communication with other Zune users. So you can share, but not online (as you could with the MusicGremlin). Also, this means you cannot connect to the Zune Mark

Amazon Kindle 2

The second-generation Kindle boasts a super thin design and an improved screen.

Ultrasone HFI-580

Ultrasone's full-size, closed-back HFI-580 headphones create a private listening space between your ears.

Chumby

Chumby is an adorable and adaptable gadget for bringing bite-sized Web content into your home.

Tekzilla: Zune, best used games, VodPod, UPS, your fave podcast tools

80GB Zune: A worthy iPod competitor; best used console games; UPS = safer data; VodPod; your fave podcast tools: VodPod, Juice, TvTonic, MyPodder

See the full story

Zune (second generation, 4GB, black) Review

The good: The flash-based 4GB and 8GB Microsoft Zune MP3 players feature a 1.8-inch glass LCD, an easy-to-use interface, exceptional navigation control, audio and video podcast support, and FM radio. It also includes wireless syncing and sharing, revamped Zune Marketplace PC software, Zune Pass subscription music support, good audio quality, and a range of color options.

The bad: The Zune 4 and Zune 8 players are PC-only devices that require their own software and still don't support older WMA-DRM9 music files, nor does Zune Marketplace offer TV or movie downloads. The Zune's USB connection is proprietary, there's no Wi-Fi music streaming, and the first-generation EQ feature has been removed.

The bottom line: The 4GB and 8GB capacity Zunes (Zune 4 and Zune 8) offer a bite-size version of their full-size, 80GB sibling. While the full-size Zune is a better value, the solid-state flash memory used in the 4GB and 8GB versions make them better suited for physically active (or clumsy) users.

Read full review

Zune (second generation, 4GB, black) Specs

Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Part number: HSA-00001

General
  • General

  • Product Basic Spec

Read full specs

Zune (second generation, 4GB, black) Prices

Online stores

Store Certified rating Inventory Price
TigerDirect.com

Rate this store
See store profile
In stock $67.99
Circuit City

Rate this store
See store profile
In stock $67.99
Amazon.com Marketplace

Rate this store
See store profile
In stock $115.99