Zune 80: First Look
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Written by ACE   
Sunday, 18 November 2007

zune 80So I was one of the lucky ones to find the scarce Zune 80s and here's my first 2 cents.  I take a look at a couple features not found in the Zune 30 and give you my first impressions.  Anyone else have one of the new Zunes?  Be sure to go into the forums and give us your thoughts! Read on...

 

 

 

 

zune 80 and 30Sound
The most important thing of any media player is how's it sound? It's interesting to note (and to the complaints of many) there's NO EQ on the new Zunes. And I've come to find out there's no plan to do so. The hardware will not support one. BUT the thing here is the new Zunes are designed to deliver superior sound! Jason Reindorp, Zune's marketing director, has said in a recent c|net article,

 

"we've gone to great lengths to ensure top quality throughout like with the signal path, delivering 32 ohms to the headsets, ensuring we compare very favorably to other devices like iPod in terms of signal to noise ratio." 

 The result is noticeable! Plugging in the premium headphones in my old Zune 30, the sound is good, but with the new Zune 80 - the sound is more rich, deep, and clear. I can't describe it!

zune 80 and 30 backThe Zune Pad
It's funny. Every time I go to use my Zune 30, I instantly brush my finger across the D-pad - and then laugh at my brain fart. It's crazy how intuitive and easy the Zune Pad is. It instantly makes sense and going back requires thought. I do sometimes find myself selecting options I don't want since the pad is pretty sensitive, but I'm learning it takes some finesse.

zune 80 and 30 screenThe Screen
The screen is amazing. It's much brighter and clearer than the Zune 30. One downside is it does smudge - I'm finding myself wiping it often so I'm getting a case ASAP, and is my suggestion for anyone thinking of getting one.

The Cool Factor
A lot of people I show my new Zune to is surprised! They're like, "THAT'S a Zune?! WOW!" And while the device is nice, I tell them all about the other stuff - the ZuneSocial, ZuneCards, and Zune Software and they are even more surprised! MS has really gone to great lengths to extend music from just a solitary device!

 

z80 z30

 

 

Comments
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JawaKing   | 67.186.195.xxx | 2007-11-18 04:52:43
I hate you...I wish I had one of the new Zune 80s. Even if I could find one I don't have the money. My friend got one though. Enjoy yours while it lasts, until I steal it, lol [smiley=tongue]
Guest User   | 24.3.16.xxx | 2007-11-18 04:56:16
ur definitely are one of the few.
CookingDoggy     | 24.247.40.xxx | 2007-11-18 05:22:19
Man... now I really want a Zune 80! Oh well, I'm gonna wait till version 3 to get my money's worth out of my 30. I can hold in there. Ace... you're awesome!
1031982   | 76.209.55.xxx | 2007-11-18 06:04:31
I still like my 30. I got a Halo3 edition one, with more then 15GB free still. The EQ helps out with thew songs I have that are flat. The only way to fix them is to decode them to wave and force an EQ effect on them, making it a real pain.
But I have to wonder, why would anyone have something like this without a case? Fragile things, I don't risk. I paid $25 for a clear hard plastic case, and my Zune flew across the seat in the car when I had to slam on the breaks. Case has some scratches, and the Zune still looks brand new.
Fenvy   | 69.234.187.xxx | 2007-11-18 20:25:53
Oh, you lucky, lucky... person![smiley=wink]

I agree that the Zune right now is pretty mouth watering, but I'm thinking about waiting for Zune 3.

Thanks for this little preview![smiley=happ
y]
Guest User   | 147.26.29.xxx | 2007-11-19 16:03:38
I got lucky and got my zune 80 at a super walmart, they only had one
Anonymous   | 221.220.210.xxx | 2008-07-17 20:24:22
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 18 November 2007 )
 
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