Microsoft Zune 80

The Zune 80 is part of Microsoft's second generation of media players that compete with Apple's iPods; the Zune 80 competing directly with the iPod Classic. With the second generation of products Microsoft is refining the Zune experience expanding the WiFi sharing capabilities, and file format support. The hardware is also updated with a larger screen and a touch sensitive pad that can be used for quickly scrolling through menus. Microsoft's previous generation, renamed the Zune 30, will not be discontinued and is instead being updated with the latest features through a new firmware.

Where to Buy

Microsoft Zune 80 1
MSRP $249.00
Release date November, 2007
Brand Microsoft
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Pros & Cons23
Reviews38
Details
Buy It1
Competitors5
Comments4
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
36 reviews
50
negative
mixed
positive
16 positive
4 mixed
15 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
Wireless media syncing with your computer
+17agreedisagree

•
Better media format compatibility
+13agreedisagree

•
Best integration between service and player outside of the iPods
+11agreedisagree

•
High quality audio output
+10agreedisagree

•
Doesn't require iTunes
+10agreedisagree

•
Comes with good set of earphones
+9agreedisagree

•
Fewer WiFi media sharing restrictions
+7agreedisagree

•
Easy to navigate interface
+4agreedisagree

•
Great podcast managing
+3agreedisagree

•
Zune Pass, unlimited song for 15 dollars a month and more
+2agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
STILL the 3-play limit restriction
+15agreedisagree

•
There's WiFi, but no web browser
+12agreedisagree

•
No EQ system
+12agreedisagree

•
Windows only sync
+7agreedisagree

•
Restrictive DRM
+6agreedisagree

•
WiFi use is very limited
+5agreedisagree

•
Worse batter life compared to iPod Classic (about half)
+3agreedisagree

•
Self-destructs at random
+3agreedisagree

•
Requires Windows Media Player to use
+2agreedisagree

•
No support for Ogg Vorbis and other open formats.
+2agreedisagree

•
Incompatible with iTunes
+1agreedisagree

•
Stops working on leap days.
+1agreedisagree

•
No touchscreen
-12agreedisagree


43 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
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Details

Features

  • 3.2 inch screen with a 320x240 resolution
  • 80GB hard drive
  • WiFi capabilities for sharing music and photos with other zunes
  • WiFi syncing with host computer
  • Integrates with Zune marketplace
  • FM Radio with RDS support
  • Image formats: JPEG
  • Audio formats: unprotected AAC, MP3, WMA
  • Video formats: h.264, MPEG4, WMV

The screen can be used in portrait mode when navigating menus, and flipped on its side to landscape mode for viewing widescreen videos. Directly underneath the screen lies the touch pad which has been improved over the Zune 30's by providing touch sensitive operations reminiscent of the iPod. Playback of the new video formats is supported natively so the Zune software no longer has to convert videos into the WMV format. Microsoft also claims that the Zune Marketplace will begin to offer video and podcast content, though currently the only videos are music videos and not television/movies. The Zune also supports television out, and can accommodate videos with DVD resolution for better quality on a big screen.
 

Microsoft raised some eyebrows when it launched the first Zune Marketplace abandoning its own PlayForSure initiative. The Zune continues this trend seeing the marketplace improved by expanding its audio content, and offering unprotected music. A subscription option to the Marketplace remains. With the next-generation Zunes, Microsoft introduces what they are calling the Zune Social, which is a social network to connect Zune owners. The network shares what music your friends are listening to, tracks the top music, and allows friends to listen to 30 second previews of music on your playlist.

The Zune's WiFi capabilities have also been expanded. Previously, music shared with other Zunes had two major restrictions: the music was only available for three days after the fact, and the second Zune could only play the song three times. Microsoft is lifting the restriction on the number of days, but the three-time playback restriction remains. Similar to before, there are no restrictions on sharing photos. Limits on video sharing remain to be seen. The WiFi sync allows you transfer music from your computer without a physical connection. When the Zune gets into wireless range of the computer the sync will happen automatically.

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This report was started October 3, 2007 at 10:47 am by Omar
with the last edit occurring Wednesday, 12:29 AM by ark_v2
This page has been viewed 13975 times, with 459 edits by 53 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Microsoft Zune 80 | Black

• Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player (Black)

UPC: 882224519953

EAN: 882224519953

MPN: HPA-00001

Microsoft Zune 80 | Red

• Zune 2nd Generation 80GB Media Player - Red

UPC: 882224692304

MPN: HPA00010

Competitors

Microsoft Zune 80 is ranked 3rd among it's competitors.  See the top picks in MP3 Players »
Cowon A3

Cowon A3

MSRP  $399.00    Released  December, 2007
Pros
  • Fantastic screen quality
  • Can act as a USB host
  • Video output AND recording
Cons
  • Expensive ! (80GB version almost twice the price of an 80GB ipod)
  • Annoying joystick control
  • Chunky body design
ProSCORE
7 reviews
71
Vote! (6 votes)
vote Microsoft Zune 80 33% vs. vote Cowon A3 67%
Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen

Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen

MSRP  $499.00    Released  September, 2007
Pros
  • WiFi access with Web browsing using Safari
  • Amazing multi-Touch interface
  • Accelerometer detects horizontal or vertical position and adjusts display accordingly
Cons
  • Limited codec support
  • No USB mass storage mode (disk mode) so it can't be used to move data around.
  • Small capacities - 8GB or 16GB
ProSCORE
68 reviews
48
Vote! (25 votes)
vote Microsoft Zune 80 52% vs. vote Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen 48%
Archos 605 WiFi

Archos 605 WiFi

MSRP  $230.00    Released  August, 2007
Pros
  • Supports many video formats including XviD and DivX
  • WiFi enabled for streaming and web browsing
  • Supports Adobe Flash for embedded video
Cons
  • Have to pay $30 for Opera plugin to browse Web
  • Requires plugins for MPEG-2 and H.264 support
  • UI isn't as slick and organized as iPhone/iPod Touch
ProSCORE
16 reviews
61
Vote! (12 votes)
vote Microsoft Zune 80 58% vs. vote Archos 605 WiFi 42%
Apple iPod Classic (2007)

Apple iPod Classic (2007)

MSRP  $349.00    Released  September, 2007
Pros
  • Big capacity upgrade compared to previous models
  • New UI elements are interesting
  • Great battery life
Cons
  • Limited file support - no Ogg Vorbis
  • Little or no recording capabilities (even compared with other iPods)
  • 160gb version cancelled
ProSCORE
22 reviews
68
Vote! (10 votes)
vote Microsoft Zune 80 60% vs. vote Apple iPod Classic (2007) 40%
Creative Zen Vision:M

Creative Zen Vision:M

MSRP  $250.00    Released  December, 2005
Pros
  • Easily plays DiVX formatted files unlike the iPod
  • Intuitive user interface.
  • FM Radio, Able to record FM Radio with newer Firmware.
Cons
  • Playlist building via player needs work.
  • Requires a Separate Dongle for TV Out/ Charging purpose's.
  • heavier and larger than the competition
ProSCORE
9 reviews
71
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Microsoft Zune 80   vs. vote Creative Zen Vision:M  

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Comments

17 taps
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1.  avatar Omar said:

You know, looking at the Zune 80 vs the 80GB iPod Classic, I'd say the Zune comes out ahead. On paper/spec-wise anyway. And looking at the interface I'd say it's a step up from the previous Zune, which people seemed to be happy with. So overall, it looks like Microsoft has a pretty darn good offering here.

However, everything looks pretty archaic compared to the iPod Touch. Still, if you were considering the Classic 80GB I would actually recommend taking a look at the Zune. Never thought I'd say that!
Oct 03, 2007 12:19pm
2.  avatar Erik said:

With its large screen, 80 GB capacity, WiFi syncing, and fairly low price tag it definitely should be on your list if you want a large capacity player. I can't help but feel bored by this offering though. There really isn't any standout features. I want my mp3 player very small (shuffle), have a touch screen (touch), or have ridiculous playback abilities (Archos 605).
Oct 03, 2007 3:03pm
3.  avatar Carbonkill said:

From what I understand from other sources, the 3 day limit is now gone. It will now be a 3 time limit instead with no actual time limit. Also the TV out resolution is increased to 720x576, more than double the on screen zune reso. The screen is now 3.2 inches and of course the videos are played in a landscape view. There is an on board FM tuner for those who want to hear the game or NPR (most other radio is trash nowadays). The controller is way updated, with a single click up and down or swipe scrolling many at a time. This will be handy compared to the sometimes too fast circle touch of Ipod. The glass is new and stronger than Ipod or older Zunes. Overall the Zune is lighter than the Ipod 80, 4.5 oz to 4.9oz. The new Zune comes with real earphones in the form of premium in ear buds. The above info is accurate as to format playback with the addition of BMP for image files. More than Ipod which only plays MP4 vids. I have the Classic Ipod 80..... Its a good unit, but as you have probably heard, the software is clunky. It hesitates badly at times for up to 5 seconds. It just seems frozen, then jumps all over, never where you wanted. I'll save my Ipod info for an Ipod review. That is, in my opinion alot of standout features for the new unit. The touch screen in just not needed, unless you like fingerprints and low HD space. I'm good with that.
My final word on the Zune 80 is buy. I will be putting my pod on craigslist and paying retail for the new Zune 80 black.
Oct 25, 2007 8:06am
4.  avatar DuxSyagius said:

I think reviewers should keep things in perspective. Both players are essentially the same. I think the Ipod has more doo dads and accessories though. You can argue the point that the Zune has a radio, but other will say reception is not always good so whats the point. Some will say that the Ipod is more useful because you can use it as a HDD. Others will say that is not what an MP3 player is for though. You say tomayto and I say, well, tomahto. The real difference is battery life though. No one can argue the point on that though. I ran a continous loop of the family guy for 12.5 HOURS STRAIGHT on the 160GB classic. No joke. Seriously. I might have gotten 13 had I not been tired of waiting. I had screen brightness an 10% and the volume at 40%. I have never supported apple and I dont think I will ever buy anything from them again. But I couldnt pass up the battery life. I had bought a Zen vision:M just 3 months ago because it could play video for 6 hours (which is 2 hours more than the 5.5 gen Ipod). It was a waste but I sold it. I can honestly say the Ipod is better because you never really have to worry about the battery giving out on you. 3.2" screen is great but if you only get to use it for 3 or 4 hours its kind of a rip. I never want to have to choose between music of video because my battery may give out on me.
Nov 25, 2007 10:37pm
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Reviews

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hatali

avatar
January 5, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons

Pros

  • Best integration between service and player outside of the iPods

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

kdm

avatar
June 30, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Doesn't require iTunes

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

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Yes
 / 
No

4ntisocial

avatar
June 20, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
0 cons
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Doesn't require iTunes

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

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 / 
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squalorking

avatar
December 16, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
1 con
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

Did not agree with any pros

Cons

  • There's WiFi, but no web browser

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

jpopesku

avatar
November 22, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
1 con
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

Did not agree with any pros

Cons

  • STILL the 3-play limit restriction

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

GT-D

avatar
October 5, 2007
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
1 con
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

Did not agree with any pros

Cons

  • There's WiFi, but no web browser

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

hbl33

avatar
May 20, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
0
negative
mixed
positive
0 pros
0 cons
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Yes
 / 
No

DamienT98

avatar
October 5, 2008
ProSCORE
33
negative
mixed
positive
1 pro
2 cons
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Wireless media syncing with your computer

Cons

  • STILL the 3-play limit restriction
  • There's WiFi, but no web browser

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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