[Chri(Z)tian]

Ok so I've been looking for a multimedia device lately. Tried a few, returned them all. I am considering getting a Zune 4gb. But, I have a few questions.
1. Is it durable? This is my main problem with devices. will it last more than a week. will the screen scratch easily or break, or is it strong enough to hold up a few years?

More than a week yes, screen wont scratch easily due to the screen being made of glass. And yes it is strong enough to hold up for a few years one reason is because it's a flash drive zune and flash drives last longer. Also because the body is scratch resistant. Plus zunes got a reputation for being strong and durable.

2. Is the software that it comes with compatible with my 2002(Yes I know It's old, but I'm cheap) Windows XP? I returned an mp4 player just yesterday because the damn videos wouldn't convert to the needed format. I think it said something about a mp4 codec that I needed.

I have no clue..sorry

3. does the battery last long or will I be charging it every day? I use my current mp3 for about 4 hours a day.

Yes in my honest opinion I think it will last more than 4 hours. One thing you can do though to help conserve more battery when/if you get the 4gb flash zune. Is..

Turn off the wireless, this eats the zunes battery alot.
Change the backlight setting to either 15 seconds or lower.
And make the brightness on your zune to either medium or low.

4. Can I play mp4s and mov files easily? These are mainly the two video formats that I use.

Mp4's = Yes
Mov = No clue..

5. Finally does it have a digital recorder? This isn't something that I consider a necessity but it's a nice feature I would like to have.

Nope