Microsoft Zune 8GB 2nd Generation

Microsoft Zune 8GB 2nd Generation

Published August 25, 2008 at 01:16:10 PM, by Raymond So

Overview & Design

When Microsoft released the first generation Zune (Zune 30), they were aiming squarely at the harddrive-based iPods (now 'iPod classic'). It was a good first attempt at challenging the ever popular Apple iPod, but they were after the wrong target: it was the flash memory iPod nano they should have been aiming for.

The iPod nano is by far, Apple's best seller and it's no surprise why: It took all the best bits that made the white iPods so good, and shrunk it down considerably to a size that everyone could fall in love with. Plus, not everyone felt they needed all that massive storage space; thereby, the nano was the perfect size at the right price.

Well look out Apple, as the 2nd generation of the Zune is now available in a more manageable size: The $199 Zune 8GB (also available in a 4GB model for $149). For the sake of this review, I'll call it the Zune 2. How does Zune 2 fair against the iPod nano? Read on to find out!

Design

Exterior:

Besides the obvious trimming down in size, Microsoft did a great job redesigning the look of the Zune 2. One thing I found rather interesting is the uncanny resemblance to a 'certain' product. Yes indeed, at first glance, it looks strikingly similar to the 1st- and 2nd-generation iPod nanos in both, dimensions and physical appearance.

Want further proof of Apple design influence? The hold switch, data and headphone ports are all located in the same spots as the iPod's! The Zune even mimics the half-black, half-metallic casing found in the 1st- and 3rd-generation nanos. Flip the Zune over and you'll notice similarities as well.

Even the 'Hello from Seattle' motif is a blatant twist on the 'Designed by Apple in California' tag. I guess if you can't beat them, why not try copying them?

Yet despite all this irony, the Zune still manages to carry a design language to call its own. Whereas the original Zune felt a bit on the cheap side, the Zune 8 is all quality. It has a handsome candy-bar form factor that is clean, sexy, and understated. Quality of materials are top notch and the unit is very lightweight too. The 5-way direction pad even has a nice metallic-like trimming to give that added touch of elegance. And while I never liked the chrome backing of the iPods, I'm very glad that Microsoft stuck with silver anodized aluminum to eschew fingerprints.

Interface

Power up the Zune and you're presented with a slick user interface with large legible type and snazzy transition effects. Here, Microsoft actually one-ups Apple in simplicity and presentation for a change!

iPod users will have no trouble getting used to the intuitive controls as they are remarkably similar. I know I didn't - I didn't even bother to read the instructions and I was able to navigate through the UI with ease. Kudos to Microsoft for creating an interface that's as beautiful to look at as it is to use. Not having to squint at tiny text is a great feeling...I love it!

Features:

The Zune box in itself is a great piece of quality packaging. Inside, you'll find a black USB cable with pink cover caps, and black earphones that are much better sounding than the ones Apple supplies with their iPods. Everything was designed with the iPod in mind, both in packaging and product, but with more added features. With 8GB and 4GB flash memory versions, the product offerings compete directly with the iPod nano. There's even 4 color offerings to choose from.

Unfortunately, none of the features on the Zune will work right out of the box without first downloading the Zune software from their website, and then syncing it with the device. Once you get things running though, you'll find a wealth of features to work with.

5-Way Directional Control Pad with Touch controls

The Zune incorporates a single 'squircle' button that takes up a good chunk of the Zune's face. Within this single button are 4-way directional controls for adjusting volume, playback functionality, and browsing through lists. Tapping the large pad at the center confirms a selection. The squircle even incorporates touchpad controls allowing you to easily scroll through long lists of audio or video with your finger. All this combine for a very intuitive user experience and really makes navigating around simple enough.

1.8' Color Screen

The 1.8' LCD screen may be tiny for an all-purpose media player, but graphics are crisp, vibrant, and the video playback is smooth. Thanks to large menu text, legibility is a no issue. Viewing video or photos requires tilting the Zune to its side in landscape mode.

FM Radio

The original Zune has this feature and it's great that this also made it into the little Zune as well. Now you can tune into Loveline on the go! The radio even displays the station name and has international settings.

Marketplace

Think iTunes for Windowsfor Zune.

Photo Viewer

Pretty straight forward these days. Sync the Zune up to your PC to view images straight from the device. Zoom and scroll options are controlled with the squircle.

Video

The Zune plays unprotected .wmv, .mpg4 and h.264 video files. For a device this small, video playback is smooth on the tiny screen, and there wasn't too much motion blur. You might have to squint though

Wireless

It's amazing how Microsoft was able to inject a wireless chip into the Zune 2. To even have wi-fi built into the device is quite a surprise. Unfortunately, there's no support for browsing the web, but the Zune does offer a unique way of sharing your music around.

Wireless sync

Both the Zune 8GB and 80GB possess the capability of syncing content from your PC via Wi-Fi. Like a Laptop, it can automatically connect to your home 802.11b/g network instead of connecting the Zune directly with the included USB 2.0 cable.

Zune-to-Zune sharing - This feature gives Zune users the ability to send and share media to each other from playlists, songs, photos, to podcasts. However, you can only playback a song you receive a maximum of 3 times. It's got potential, but good luck finding another nearby Zune user to share stuff around

SOCIAL

Social is an online community destination for Zune users to interact within the music and pop culture realm. It's hip.

XBOX360 Connectivity

Sick and tired of the soundtrack that comes with your XBOX360 games? Hook you Zune up to a XBOX360 console and you can play your tunes while playing to your favorite game.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Slick UI design
• Intuitive 'squircle' controls
• Excellent build quality
• Lightweight
• Touch controls
• Large legible type on menu
• Great sound quality
• Great quality earphones
• FM Radio function
• Wireless connectivity

Cons:

• Looks like an iPod nano
• Spotty software setup
• Windows ONLY support
• No WiFi web browsing
• Small screen for video and pictures
• No widescreen

Conclusion

I have to admit, I really like the new smaller Zune. For once, Microsoft has delivered a product that's as easy to use as it is good looking. And while it may be a bastardized ripoff of the iPod nano design, the Zune offers a much better user interface that is cleaner and slicker is almost every way. The Zune even includes FM radio and wireless capabilities - features that are notably missing in the iPod nanos - into the package making this a tremendous value for such a robust little device.

So is the Zune for you? Well, actually, the question really comes down to: Are you good enough for the Zune? First of all, the device runs on Windows XP and Vista PCs only. Mac users will just have to stick with the iPod.

One huge issue that the Zune has is its flawed software installation. For such a well-designed product, there have been numerous reports of the software having trouble installing onto Windows PCs, rendering the Zune useless. I fell victim with both my laptop and home desktop PCs failing to install the software. So far, solutions to remedy the problem have been hit or miss and the only way to find out if the Zune works is to buy one and test it out. Microsoft really dropped the ball on this and is looking for a workaround. Nonetheless, aside, from this issue the Zune experience has proven to be refreshing.

The new Zune 2 is a refreshing alternative and a better portable device in almost every way to the iPod nano for the same price.

User Reviews

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• bajen at Oct 24, 2008

  this is my review

  

  test

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