[Review] ZuneOne.net Zune 80 Elite Crystal Case

[ACE]

Brand: ZuneOne.net
Item Description: Zune 80 Elite Crystal Case
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $12.00 USD
Manufacturer's Description: "Very thin, Fits perfectly, Stylish, Available in 4 colors, Access all Zune functions, Maximum Zune Protection, Raised and textured buttons, Great value"



Our Take: The Zune 80 Elite Crystal Case is an affordable and effective way to protect your Zune 80 (other case models available also). Made of durable plastic, the case fits your Zune tightly and safely. Access to the hold switch, sync port, and Zune Pad make the use of the Zune a breeze without sacrificing protection. The back and play/pause buttons are covered with stylishly imprinted buttons. The added 0.2 cm of plastic surrounding the Zune almost didn't make much difference in the clear version we test drove. The Zune Pad is perfectly framed and seems front-and-center for the action to begin. Most importantly, the Zune's glass screen is shielded from any harmful objects. It also comes with a lanyard and optional belt clip. Colors available other than clear are smoke, pink, and blue.



Downsides are few. Over time scratches to the case could make viewng video on the Zune hard since it will take the brunt of the punishment time deals out. The shiney surface does become easily smudged and scratches were already evident after a couple days of use. If you have a large heaphone jack casing, you may not be able to plug them into the hole made for slim versions. Lastly, since the case is a back and front panel that connect together, it appears over time, the ability to remain connected and closed may give out as they are simply plastic interlocking connecitons. But for $12, these are definitely not deal breakers.

Overview

Pros:
- Durable plastic design
- Easy access to buttons and sync port
- Multiple color options
- Optional belt clip and lanyard included

Cons:
- May scratch over time if ruggedly used
- Headphone jack opening only allows for slim jack casings
- Plastic connection may loosen its grip over time

Rating: 8 out of 10

Do buy if: You must have protection for your Zune for a great price
Don't buy if: You want more scratch resistent protection (silicon and leather cases would be an alternative)

Online buying suggestions: ZuneOne.net

[Trogdor]

it looks nice
every zune 80 article makes me want to get one more

[ChurchedAtheist]

I just want something that doesn't scratch easily like my Belkin Acrylic for the 30.

[Jon]

This looks like something that can get dust in easily, I suggest getting a full body invisibleSHIELD before putting it on.

[Trogdor]

Really!? Are you serious?
Maybe this pic demonstrates why I have slight frustration towards this

[MajerPayne]

haha.
Nice Trogdor.
lol.


Nice Review.
I think I'll buy one

[ACE]

What's VERY interesting is with this case, The Zune 80 is the exact same size as the original Zune 30 (without a case)...I'm curious if MS took out the double shot to slim it down, but the same form factor is used in the new Zune 80.....huh....

@Trag....heh, I noticed that too, but didn't find it appropriate to note in the review....good eye ya got there....

[jrico247]

damn there out of the clear for the 80

[MadameMasenko]

Actually I thought it looked ugly. The first picture you showed me made the case look like a zune80 in a plastic sandwich bag. Now I think its mediocre.

[jasonsplace]

This case is one that has appealed to me the most. Is there a Silicone one available for the Zune 80 that doesn't cover the ZunePad?

[detroit_zune313]

Is their one of these cases for zune 30?

[stkr]

Originally Posted by detroit_zune313

Is their one of these cases for zune 30?

There are similar ones here: http://zuneone.net/products.asp?cat=12

[jbwoy]

Nice review if i see this ill pick one up because the leather case tears easily

[The Chicken.]

I might have to look into this as a secondary option for my incipio leather holster.

[jasonsplace]

I just got this case yesterday and I love it except for the headphone jack opening? Does anyone have any good ideas on how to make the hole larger without compromising the look or quality of the case? I was thinking either a drill bit or sand paper but i'm not sure. I don't want to ruin the case but I want to be able to plug the Zune into my aux jack in the car without taking it out of the case.

[Chri(Z)tian]

Yeah I got this case but in smoke color. All in all it's a really good case. Only problem is that this thing is a dust magnet, at least for me it is. Also it scratches easily, I got tons of scratches on it with in only one day of use. Doesn't really affect the viewing of your screen. Especially when you got the backlight on, I guess when your watching movies on it. Then the scratches would be a problem. In the end good case, its the only thing protecting my zune original until my invisible shield comes in.

[Darth Camel]

I would if I buy it in blue if it will detract a lot from watching videos. And whether or not I can have this and an invisible shield on without ruining one of them.

[jasonsplace]

You should be able to use this with an invisible shield but I don't see the purpose in having both. None of the invisible shield would even be exposed if it were in this case. I am using a decal girl skin with this case and it works just fine. It's about the same thickness as the invisible shield.

[wtfishtisfob]

Well I just got the smoke crystal case and its seems to get the job done, however this thing is a dust magnet and the headphone jack hole is a little slim. But the case its self is a good cheap alternative to protect your zune.

[jasonsplace]

For me, the headphone jack was way too slim for my auxiliary jack in my car to plug into it. I simply took the case apart and used some very fine sand paper to make the hole slightly bigger. It worked well. Just be careful that the sandpaper doesn't also rub against the inside of your case while you do it.