Zune version one-a Review
Zune version 2(or generation 2) are already out so there isn't any need for a review for these one year old PMPs(Personal media player) but since M$ has been kind enough to release firmware upgrades for their older product so with the latest firmware upgrade 2.3 the device is as good as the newer Zunes except of course the looks.
First look
When I received my Zune the first thing that came to my mind was OMG this is really big!! but after using it for 3-4 days now Its fitting nicely in my left hand and doesn't feel bad at all.Secondly The device wasn't charged at all I mean M$ shouldd have charged it a bit as is the standard practice.The packaging was really nice with all the accessories packed up nicely.The whole package included:the Device,earpones,usb cable,installation CD,and a really nice pouch(I love it),so nothing flashy but all essentials.
Day 1
Charged up Zune a bit and turned it on,it was preloaded with some pictures,never heard before songs(all crappy),and some nice videos(nothing for 18+ though).All went smooth.
Tried installing Zune software on my XP MCE install but the bugger wouldn't install!!!Later I found out it doesn't work well with MCEs.Downloaded the latest version from the zune site but it also dint install.Formatted MCE installed XP pro and then it got installed(after a full 3-4 hours of trying!).But when I tried installing the latest version it showed me 'unidentified version' whatever I am happy with the former one.Connected my Zune to usb port and synced some songs and Mp3's and videos-the software did a good job of resizing wmv videos but you definitely need a separate video converter for all the other video formats.It was 3:45 in the morning so I went to bed.
Day 2
Ok got up at around 11am that day.
tried FM/radio on my Zune but it wasn't that great indoors with just sone few channels playing stereo sounds though it detected all 10-11 channels here in Delhi.Synced all my music content to it--the software worked perfectly(some says it crashes often but it dint crash even once,maybe cos of my clean XP install).I cudn't even fill 3gb of its 30gb space
so it was time to search through all my back up DVDs and rerip my audio CDs at 320kbps instead of 196kbps
.
Played with it whole day inspite of my exams just around the corner.
Day 3
Its working great and I have got accustomed to its size,Now I can handle it with a single hand and browse everything without any problem.
The initial Hype has died and things are getting normal again and I am using it as PMPs ahould be used.
Day 4
Today.I knew it doesn't work with any other software so Linux is outaa question but whenever I connect it to PC(for charging) Rythmic music box come up..lol..but nothing more than that.
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PROS
-3' widescreen is awesome and I really mean it though the resolution is same as Video iPods i.e. 320x240.The videos are crisp and color reproduction is pretty good.
-FM reciever--it isn't great indoors but it sounds awesome(compared to my nokia 6610i's stereo FM) outdoors.It was one of the main point where it scores over iPod(ask iMav)
-The navigation is as easy as it gets though the scroll is not scroll like iPods but is a collection of 4 buttons+1 center button.But getting to a particular item in your collection is far easier cos of various ways of tagging them(I can't explain it more in short the navigation is far easy)
-The bundled earphones are pretty good with excellent bass reproduction(even a noob like me can spot the difference b\w a good and a bad earphone).But I will be buying a ep630 soon and still enhance the hearing experience.
-Did I say the 3' screen greeaat oh yea!!
-Oh and I almost forgot
WiFi yea it has wifi capabilities so it can sync with your wifi enabled desktops/notebooks and with other Zunes.Who knows they can even put a web browser in next firmware upgrade.
-Firmware upgrades:I mean this is a real cool thing-why do we need to buy the new flashy Zunes when our hardware is as good as the new ones?just for the softwares?No we can just upgrade our Device's firmware and it is as easy as nothing.Kudos to MS for this thoughtful implementation.
-some 2d/2.5d games are scheduled to be released for Zunes early next year.
Cons
-M$-not again!.Why can't we use our device with other softwares like we can use iPods?Why no software for peeps running OS X's?Can't even dream of a Linux compatible software from M$ though some guys are working on it independently.(Zuneforlinux something).
-The device can't be used as mass storage device though there are some hacks but they have their own limitations.
-umm..Device takes 3 hours to charge fully.Video palyback time:4-5 hours,audio playback time:10-12 hours.
-nothing more that I can think of right now.
fun2sh said:
THREAD REPORTED
Thanks alot man I can really count on you for reporting every damn thread you can get hold of.You should apply for the post of bajrang dal's head cos nothing less that that will do IMO.
BTW haven't you already reported this thread twice?And I can see you reporting it 3rd time soon.Thanks in advance for that.