Zune 8 GB Digital Media Player (Black)

I have been an IPOD addict for about 5 years. I have a 120gb IPOD classic which is flawless and I have a 120 GB ZUNE which is also flawless. But when my 30gb IPOD 5.5 Gen died when I left it in my truck overnight accidently in (-40) weather, I decided to go with this 4gb Zune as I didn't want to take my more expencive mp3 machines (IPOD/Zune 120) to work. When I first connected it my computer windows couldn't find it and it wouldn't turn on (no charge), after leaving it hooked to my laptop for about an hour it sprang to life when I touched the play button. The laptop finds it all good and I upgrade the firmware. After I finish loading my songs (I filled the player's 4gb easily) I listened to it and all was good. The next day when I go to work I plug it in to my truck via Aux cable and it dies it about 5 mins....what gives?? The battery life in this Zune 4gb models needs to be fixed, my 120 gb Zune lasts for days on and off with over 12000 songs on it, same with the 120 GB IPOD classic, but this one seems to lose it's charge within minuites. I am going to try and hook the USB charge/Sync cable into my truck adapter like I did with the old IPOD before it froze to death and hopefully that will be ok. If I have to leave it on charge is no big deal because this is strictly for my work truck and I can leave it plugged in. Even so, people buying this should go with IPOD nano, IPOD classic, Touch, or Zune 80/120gb machine, way better battary life.

So in a nutshell, this machine is great, great sync software/games, awesome controls, etc. just don't expect it to stay charged very long.

I am not often compelled to write any sort of review for products. I usually leave that to fanboys and people who get paid to do so. Nevertheless, I find it necessary to write a review in this case for two reasons.

The first of these is to praise Amazon for its absolutely wonderful return policy. My Zune arrived very quickly and I was excited to get it up and running to replace my old first Generation 4GB iPod nano. Unfortunately, after having loaded my music collection onto the Zune, and charging the unit for over 2 hours, I came to the conclusion that the backlight on the unit was not functioning. The screen was way to dark to read. I packed the nonfunctioning unit back up, not without a little frustration, and sent it back to Amazon. This is the first time I have had to use the return process, and I was amazed at how fast and seamless it functioned. The customer service department shipped a replacement unit out on the same day! I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the whole process went.

As for the device itself, I am more than satisfied. I have had good luck with Microsoft products in the past (I have owned a 20GB Xbox since 2006, and have never had a problem with it). I decided to go with the Zune because of my general aversion to Apple products as of late, and because the Zune comes with a radio. My dissatisfaction with iTunes also affected my decision.

This Zune is light, small and appears to be pretty robust in included software. The user interface seems more suited to my sausage fingers and lack of dexterity. The button on the Zune is much easier to use than the navigation wheel on the iPod, and the inclusion of the pause/play and back buttons makes it a little easier to quickly get where you need to go.

The tendency is for devices to do more and more, and as a result the individual functions suffer. I could have plunked down more money for a device that would allow me to surf the internet, take telephone calls and organize my contacts among other things. Instead, I bought a quick, intuitive media player that wont get in my way, isn't a huge brick and has great sound and function.

Kudos to Amazon for their store and return policies and kudos to Microsoft for making a great little device. I recommend both very highly!

I had a 30gb zune before i added this one to my collection, excellent quality and feel. very light, great for running and working out when you want something thats a little lighter, but has better capabilities than an ipod shuffle or something similiar

I've had my Zune for about a year and I still love it. I used it all the time when I work out and have never had a problem. The software is so easy to use and I love how you can set it up on more than one computer. I will never buy another iPod after owning a Zune!

I like this much better than the iPod. I guess it comes down to personal preference and I always seem to choose Microsoft products over Apple. iPod seems to be more mainstream, but this product gives you everything you need.