Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)
by Zune
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Our Price: $449.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $189.00 (click here) Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)
Customer Review: I Love My First MP3 Player
Summary: 5 Stars
Zune 120 GB Video MP3 Player Black (2nd Generation)
May 6, 2009 update: Still love my Zune 120. No problems or issues. I use it daily and it's running perfectly. Also, I brought it with me to Italy for two weeks and it was great to be able to change a couple of settings on the fly and tune in to Italian radio stations. Handy!
Initial Review:
A friend gave me an old iPod of hers when she upgraded to the iPhone. It was nice. I liked it. An old (I don't know which G; maybe 2G or 3G?) Little 2GB guy. Anyway, I outgrew it so decided to do a little research before choosing something. I know that Apple kinda has the corner on the "cool" of this market, but personally I think the iPod and iTouch (and therefore the iPhone, too) are u-g-l-y (ain't got no alibi). So if there was something sexier out there with good reviews and capabilities, I would definitely be interested. This is, after all, the very first MP3 player I've ever purchased. I wanted it to be a great one! Anywho, after much reading of Consumer Reports reviews and CNET reviews and such on the 5G iPods and the Zune, I decided to give MSFT a chance. I loved the way the 2G Zune models looked, with the big screen. And I wanted to listen to the radio, too. Luckily I was able to cancel my Zune 80GB order before it shipped, just as the 120GB model was released/announced. Whew! I got it today and charged it at work on my laptop and listened to the radio on the commute home. Now that it's loaded with all my music, pictures, videos, and podcasts and I've had a few hours to fool around with it and upgrade the software to 3.0 - BLISS! No complaints. Not a one. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Zune, my first (purchased) MP3 (and more) player. Way better than what Apple has to offer at present (for the same price), IMHO.
Full disclosure: I'm both an AAPL and a MSFT shareholder, so I want both companies to live long and prosper. Glad to see MSFT making a formidable crack at AAPL's iEmpire.
Cool discovery on an oops!: Doing chores around the house while listening to my Zune, I accidentally dropped the Zune (on the carpet, thank goodness). When this happened the headphones came unplugged from the Zune and when I put them back in, nothing happened. No sound, no nada. The lock was on, so I knew I hadn't accidentally hit any buttons with some effect. I was worried, but then realized that the Zune automatically paused my music and went into standby mode (the semi-off mode you can also reach by holding down the play/pause button). Tested it again, on purpose this time, and the same thing happened. Very cool! When I turned the device back on (by hitting the play/pause button) I then hit the play/pause button again and my music came back on, exactly where I'd last left it before the fall (and subsequent reenactment/test).
Smudges: The screen and control area are prone to smudges, but I bought a Griffin brand clear (hard) plastic (protective) case for it and not only does it look great, but the smudge factor is now a non-issue.
Battery life: So I've only had my 120 for about 48 hours, and I think I only charged it to 90% on the first day. After playing around with it since then (lots of HEXIC, a little video, radio, music AND HEXIC simultaneously, etc.) the battery was drained and needed to be recharged. I'll have to keep better track of the b-life now that I let it charge fully for 3 hours. Anyway, found some great battery life extension tips on CNET. Google "Make your zune battery life last longer" if you're interested. The tip I found the most helpful was number 8 (I didn't realize I hadn't been turning my Zune all the way off 'til reading this): "Be at the main menu for these procedures: To turn the unit off if you are going to come back to it in about a hour, (or a school day): Hold the play/pause button down until the screen goes dark. To turn the unit completely off, if you are not going to be using it for about a day or several hours, do the following: Hold down the back button while holding down the down button on the touch pad until the screen goes dark. Now the unit is completely off."
Games: Totally addicted to HEXIC, one of the two games that comes for free with this Zune. It's like TETRIS but with hexagonal (six-sided) blocks. It's way too much fun. You can listen to your music or the radio while you play the video game. Love it! Which isn't a shocker seeing as how I loved TETRIS as a kid. But it's really nice to be able to play games and listen to music, radio, or a podcast at the same time. Very cool.
Customer Review: Take Your Favorite Music, Podcasts, Pictures & Videos With You on a Zune!
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently purchased a Microsoft Zune 120-GB multimedia player and am very pleased with its performance, compact design, sound quality, screen size, battery life and ease of use. I have used the Zune to listen to MP3 files, watch videos, watch podcasts, and listen to FM radio stations. MP3 file playback sound quality is excellent. When playing MP3 files, the Zune will display the album's cover for several seconds after you select the song or change the volume. The Zune also displays album covers when you browse your saved music collection. (If the Zune's PC software is unable to recover an image for a particular album, then it will use a default album icon, but you have the option of using a different album image by supplying it directly to the Zune's PC software.)
Depending upon your location and the signal strength of an FM radio station, sound quality while listening to an FM radio station with the Zune is very good. When listening to an FM radio station, the Zune displays the radio station's call letters, format and current song information on the Zune's display if the particular station that you are listening to transmits that digital information within its signal. You can then easily save your favorite FM radio stations as presets for fast tuning.
Video playback is truly excellent on the 120-GB Zune with its 320x240 screen that is significantly larger than other players with similar storage capacity. In addition to music, a number of TV episodes are available from the Zune Marketplace, as are a large number of free podcasts. If you have your own video files, you can upload them into the Zune as long as they are a compatible video file type (either WMV or MP4). If they're not compatible, there are a number of different software applications available (many for free) that will convert the video files into Zune-compatible files. Using the sound & video output cable, you can even watch videos saved on a Zune directly to a TV. This is even easier while using the AV dock that permits component video out.
As for the Zune's PC software, I had absolutely no difficulties installing it on my PC, which uses the Microsoft Vista operation system. The software will automatically check for any updates from Microsoft for both the PC software and the Zune's embedded software. It then found all of the music files that I already had on my PC that I had copied from CD's or purchased online and synchronized the Zune with my own music collection. The Zune's PC software is easy to use to rip CD's. It's also very easy to then synchronize (copy) the new music files onto the Zune with only a few mouse drags & clicks. It's also easy to copy image and video files onto the Zune. Since video files can be very large, you'll want to be patient since the larger the video file, the longer it will take to get it onto the Zune.
As for the Zune's battery life, Microsoft programmers were good in ensuring that battery life will be extended by automatically turning off the Zune's display when you are listening to music or the radio. If you change the volume or do something else with the Zune's menus, then the display will automatically come back on. Of course, if you're watching a video or looking at images, this requires a higher sustained current draw on the battery, so the battery's charge won't last as long. If you are planning to watch videos frequently on the Zune, then you might want to keep a charger or the Zune's computer cable with you so that you can keep the batteries charged. I have listened to music stored on the Zune for many hours on a single charge.
My overall rating for the Microsoft 120-GB Zune is 5 out 5 stars as I very much enjoy using it. Before you decide to purchase a Zune (or any other portable MP3 player), do some research to determine if some other manufacturer's MP3/video player is more suitable in meeting your own individual needs, as there are quite a few manufacturers producing portable MP3 & video players. That's what I did. A note for XBox 360 owners: you can share files between the Zune and the XBox 360. Also, if you have a registered XBox 360 online account, you can use that same account with your Zune. Additionally, you can optionally use the Zune's social network to track which music you listen to most and find other Zune users with similar musical tastes.
Customer Review: Zune 120 GB Review
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my 3rd mp3 player. My first was a 512 MB ipod shuffle and my second was a 4 GB sansa fuze. This has, by far, the most memory (240 times the ipod and 30 times the fuze).
When I was looking at buying a new mp3, I was considering mainly between this one, the ipod 120 GB, and the 32 GB sansa view. I pretty quickly decided that I did not want the ipod because I have songs on more than one computer. From experience with my old ipod, I knew that I could not download songs from more than one computer. Once the ipod had synced with one library, it would not let me sync to the other library without first unsyncing it from the other and deleting all the songs I had on it. I am very happy to say that my new Zune can connect and download songs from more than one computer/library. It will sync to one library, and you can connect as a "guest" to another library, thus still download the songs from the other computer. Plus, once you put the songs on the mp3, you can connect it to the other computer and copy the songs to the collection and the other computer.
Now, the Zune software. I thought it worked very well. It uses a drag and drop system, like the fuze uses with Rhapsody. One plus is that with the Zune software you can put all the types of media on with it (though I have still not figured out how to rip my DVDs onto the computer to put them on). Comparing that to the fuze, you can use Rhapsody to put songs on, but then you have to go to Sansa Media Converter to put pictures and videos on. Also, the software finds a bunch more of the album art than the other softwares I have had. Plus, for the albums that the software did not find, I can right click on them and click "Add Album Art" and then add any picture in my picture collection as album art (including if I have a picture of the album). However, if you want to experience for yourself what the software is like before buying, just go to www.zune.net/setup to download the software.
The screen is great. It is 3.2 inches, which is more than the mp3s I have had in the past (with the shuffle not having one and the fuze being 1.9 inches). It comes with a few pictures that are full screen. However, if you download pictures from the internet, like from google, they will not take up the full screen and be at the center. I downloaded pictures from an AC/DC concert I went to, and they are full size so pictures from a camera should be full size. One cool thing you can do is to have any picture you have on your device be the background. All you have to do is click on the picture (after you have it opened on your device) and use the Zune touch pad to scroll down to "Apply as Background" and click to apply. Even the pictures that aren't full screen when you view them will appear as full screen for the background.
The games that come with it are cool too. I also like that the Zune has a clock now. You can choose to turn it on or off in settings. One bad thing about the clock is that it only shows when you are in the main menu of your Zune, and does not show when you are, say, listening to a song.
I have not tried the Zune marketplace, the Zune social, audiobooks, or podcasts and thus cannot comment.
I have sort of listened to the radio. I have scrolled through the channels on the radio a bit, anyway. Plus, I am not a big radio listener.
Movie; as I said before, I have not figured out how to rip movies onto my computer to put them onto my Zune. However, the Zune does come with a movie entitled "Zune" and it is pretty cool.
There are 2 minor negatives for me about the Zune. The first is that, unlike my old Sansa Fuze, the Zune cannot record things. I did like that feature, and hope that Microsoft adds that feature to a future Zune. My second one is that it feels at least a bit more fragile than my other mp3s, but that is probably because it is a bit more fragile than my other mp3s. I would suggest getting a case or skin for your Zune.
Otherwise, everything about it is great. It is the best mp3 I have had. I hope Microsoft continues to work on the Zune and make better ones. I would suggest this Zune to anyone interested in mp3s, especially someone who wants movies on theirs, though I would even suggest this to someone who doesn't want many movies on theirs. For less than $250, this is a great mp3 player.
Customer Review: Easier and smarter than iPod
Summary: 5 Stars
I highly recommend Zune with Zune Pass. I have a mid sized music collection. (I think I have 7000 MP3s ripped from music I own). If YOU LOVE MUSIC, subscription makes total sense. I can't think of any reason a music lover should choose an iPod over a Zune - EVEN IF YOU ONLY BUY MUSIC. Read on for my reasons...
I am a 30 something guy who hasn't been swayed by the masses when it comes to choosing an MP3 player. I use iTunes to buy/rent movies, and was using RhapsodyToGo and a PlaysForSure device for subscription music. My mp3 player was an older model, and small. So I was faced with the decision of upgrading to something new. Frankly I wanted a device like the iPod or Zune that SUPPORTS PlaysForSure because I like the Rhapsody service. (This is my only MAJOR complaint with Apple and Microsoft - and my voice only joins the chorus - Give us a device that will Play ALL MY CONTENT, regardless of where I bought it.) So with that criteria, I had to decide between iTunes/iPod - and Zune/Zune Pass.
First I had to decide which was the better device; regardless of what I wanted to do with it. So I went up to the local Big Box to demo both devices...
**For the first time in recent memory Microsoft has taken Apple to school on the USER INTERFACE.***
The Zune simply blows the iPod out of the water on Ease of use, feel, navigation, etc. I had never touched a Zune, and I *instantly* knew where to find EVERYTHING on it - and could find it, quickly and easily. I picked up the iPod and fumbled around for about 10 seconds, and knew immediately that the Zune was easier. Another KEY feature was the size of the screen, and the size of the text. While I would never recommend it ;) , tuning to a new song on the road is much easier with a large, easy to navigate interface. Now add the Wireless interface to the mix, and I was quickly sold on which DEVICE was the better machine. (I can walk into my house and sync my ZUNE with my PC over my WIRELESS connection- That rocks.)
Next - I had to decide what I wanted to do with it? Buy Music? Rent Music? Watch Video? If all I wanted to do was watch MOVIES from iTunes on my player, I was in trouble. However, Zune does have the most popular TV shows available.
-Buying music - Well I don't buy music, but if I did, I can get most everything from the Zune service, and if I have to buy from iTunes, I will find a way to convert it if it doesn't already come as an MP3. I don't really buy music anymore anyway, I rent it- so...
Renting - The idea of having to dump Rhapsody really irked me. It's a great service. But the future of PlaysForSure doesn't feel solid to me, so...
Zune Pass: This is great software, the social features are great, it doesn't hog system resources, it has a beautiful interface, and it mirrors the interface on the Zune device. It is much more advanced than iTunes. Library management is a breeze and navigation is effortless. The only minor complaint I have is that managing the "now playing" list could be a improved with click and drag. (This could be me not figuring it out yet -which is the only thing I see that goes counter to the ease of use of everything else associated with this device.)
Zune Pass Content: Okay, no doubt Apple has it all over Microsoft right now on content, if for no other reason than the movie collection. The Music selection on Zune is acceptable though, and if you like PodCasts and popular TV you won't be disappointed.
In the end, I cannot think of any reason to buy an iPod, other than to say, "Of course I have an iPod." So if you are looking for a fashion accessory, read another review. (I am not qualified to determine if an iPod is sexier than a Zune. -though I'd say its not.) If you are looking for the best MP3 player - look no farther than the Zune.
***
One final note: There is more to the Zune than I have covered here. Look up info on the Social features, sharing music and discovering new music. Microsoft has really done this thing right. (And make no mistake, I love to bash Microsoft- but in the case, its just not deserved at all.)
Customer Review: After 2 years of use, It still works perfectly. I love it.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have seen lots of bad reviews for this device and I have to say that I had no problems with this device. I am not sure why so many people are having so many problems with Zune or maybe if I'm lucky, but I haven't had any problems for 2 years and was waiting for a problem before I wrote a review. I have only had it freeze and needed to restart it a couple of times, and that only happened when I was changing songs or going though the menu as if some hyper freak was playing with it.
I did the research between iPod and Zune before buying and liked the bigger screen and scroll pad of the Zune compared to the smaller screen and click wheel of the iPod. I also tried the iTunes and Zune software. The iTunes software looked like a big huge spreadsheet and had messed up my id3 tags and was missing cover art. Oh, and not to mention that you need an iTunes account to add album art, and if the album is not on iTunes, you're stuck with a music note as the album art. The Zune software in my opinion looked better (A Grid of album art with album title and artist listed underneath). Zune was also easier to set up and use. Also you can find album info and change the album art to anything you want, without any account.
When I went to go buy it at a certain big box store (before I had an Amazon account). The sales associate was trying his hardest to make me buy an iPod, by telling me that Zune 120 had more memory than I will ever need (guess he did not know about my 10,000+ song collection [mp3~320kbps]) and other stuff like it was "ugly" and that "nobody uses them". Apparently he gets paid more for selling iPods, because I think zune 120 looks awesome and there are lots of fan websites just for zune.
When I brought it home, I installed my zune with no problem, gave it a name, and synced my media. Then, after a long time waiting (Because it was the first sync), I tried it for the first time. I was happy to find that it had really clear sound and that the sound would not distort even at full volume. I was a little disappointed to find that it had no sound equalizer which I thought it had, but still sounds really good. The treble and mid sound perfect but the bass is a little too punchy for my tastes. I like the really deep harmonic bass that is pretty much nonexistent on zune 120. But depending on the headphones you use, the deep harmonic bass could be somewhat audible.
Now to the video feature. The image quality on the screen is excellent. It is very clear without blurring on fast action, and has good color depending on your screens' brightness and video format. Connected to the TV however, it has was a little pixelated and was a little blurred out even when the conversion settings are on TV output. The other thing I don't like is if the video is not in a compatible format(most of my videos are)take forever to sync because they are converted first. It's really no big deal because I don't watch videos on it that much.
The radio is pretty cool. You can see what song is playing and tag it for zune marketplace to buy later (never tried tagging because I don't have a zune marketplace account, because I like to buy CDs and rip them to my extreme standards). The reception is better than I expected, Local channels are clear, but it either can't pick up distant channels or plays them in mono sound.
The battery is not the best out there, but it is better than others I have seen on some mp3 players. It has been 2 years now and is barely starting to show weakness. It's probably because I wait for the battery to die before I plug it in and wait until it is fully charged. I also turn it off by holding the back and down buttons for a few seconds when I am done with it.
I love and would recommend this to anyone who wants to be able to carry lots of music with them anywhere. My zune is completely full with nothing but music only. I would get Zune HD if they put more memory on it. 64 GB is not enough for me. Oh, and I almost forgot, non DRM AAC format music (which iTunes mostly use) works on this too. So you if you already have songs from iTunes, you can still put it on this zune.