Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player (Red) |  | Brand: Zune
Category: CE
List Price: $249.00
Buy Used: $119.99
as of 7/31/2010 22:15 CDT details
You Save: $129.01 (52%)
New (3) Used (14) Refurbished (1) from $119.99
Seller: SgtDAT216
Rating:  566 reviews
Sales Rank: 3654
Color: Red
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Display Size: 3.2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 3.5 x 1.8
Warranty: 1 year warranty
MPN: HPA-00010
Model: HPA-00010
UPC: 882224692304
EAN: 0882224692304
ASIN: B00176AX6W
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | IMPORTANT: Allow your Zune to charge for 30 minutes then disconnect and reconnect the cable to turn on the player | | • | 80 GB digital media player stores up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 pictures or 250 hours of video | | • | Big, bright, 3.2-inch color LCD; premium Earphones included | | • | Compatible with Zune Marketplace for media downloads and subscription services | | • | Automatically imports your existing music, pictures, and videos form iTunes and Windows Media Player in a variety of formats | | • | Features wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing so you can swap tracks and other media |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
Music and entertainment, your way. That's what the Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player is designed to deliver. The Zune easily connects you with your music, videos, and pictures wherever and whenever you want, and unlike the iPod, it even has a built-in FM tuner so you can keep up with local news and sports. Your Zune gives you the power to wirelessly share full-length tracks, playlists, pictures and podcasts with your other Zune-wielding friends. And when you receive songs that you just can't get out of your head, you can easily tag the songs and buy them the next time you sync up. Whether you're listening to music, radio, or rocking out to the latest music videos on the bright, roomy screen, the Zune allows you to tailor your entertainment, right in the palm of your hand. Watch a demo on Zune. 
The Zune easily connects you with your music, videos, and pictures wherever and whenever you want. | 
Share full-length tracks of your favorite songs, albums, playlists, pictures, and even audio podcasts with other Zune users. (Black Zune shown here with Dock Pack v2 with remote, sold separately.) | 
Store up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 250 hours of video. | 
Get all your favorite music at the Zune Marketplace. | Simple, Innovative Controls
The Zune is a breeze to use with new, intuitive touch controls. Don't subject yourself to cumbersome, slow scrolling. The innovative new Zune pad makes browsing your music, video and picture collections fun and effortless. You'll fly through your favorites and get to just what you're looking for in no time flat. This powerhouse device stores up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 250 hours of video. (Please note that music estimates are based on 128 kbps WMA files, with length of 4 minutes each; pictures transferred to Zune will be optimized for Zune screen size; and video estimates are based on 500 kbps WMV files with 128 kbps WMA audio tracks.) That's a lot of entertainment, and you'll appreciate it even more with the Zune's awesome screen. The big, beautiful, 3.2-inch color screen provides uncompromising portable video viewing. This Zune also comes equipped with premium earphones. Designed to block out external noise, these earphones provide superior sound and bass response, and leave your ears with nothing but your favorite tunes. Your favorite music, videos, and pictures have never looked and sounded better. FM Radio
The Zune also features a built-in FM radio tuner so that you can listen to local FM stations or tune-in programming while you're at the gym. Advanced tuning capabilities allow you to see the name of the song that's currently playing on select frequencies. Wireless Sync
We're all exhausted by the cables and wires that tangle up our lives. Luckily, the Zune is one device that doesn't require another cord. You can easily connect to your home wireless network and sync your Zune with your PC collection of digital goodies. You can also sync using the dock, AC adapter, or speaker dock accessory (not included). The Zune Community and Marketplace
Zune is all about sharing and community. At the Zune Online Community, you'll discover, share, and leave your musical mark. Create a Zune card and Zune profile page to reflect your musical identity. From the Zune Online Community, you can invite friends, share song recommendations, post comments, and browse member pages to unearth new tunes and connect to others who share your musical tastes. When you're ready to purchase music and load your device with new tunes, turn to Zune Marketplace. With more than 3 million songs, DRM-free MP3s, music videos, audio/video podcasts, and more content added every day, you'll certainly get your fill. The store is always open and just a mouse click away. You also can choose between the download or subscription packages--buy individual songs and albums, or snag a Zune Pass subscription with all you can eat access to discover and explore the nooks and crannies of artists and genres. Zune-to-Zune Sharing
Once your Zune is loaded with good stuff, you'll be ready to embrace wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing. Share full-length tracks of your favorite songs, albums, playlists, pictures, and even audio podcasts. You can listen to the full track of any song you receive up to three times, and you can even pass along songs that are shared with you to other friends. If you find a song you really love, you can easily add it to your wishlist and buy it later when you sync to your PC. When it comes to syncing and importing your music, the Zune makes it easy. Zune software can automatically import your existing music, pictures, and videos from iTunes and Windows Media Player in a variety of formats, including your existing playlists and song ratings. Recorded TV or Movies to Go
The Zune will also automatically import TV shows or movies recorded using a PC running Windows Media Center in Windows Vista. Record all your favorites, sync to your Zune, and hit the road with your favorite TV shows right in your pocket. Your Games. Your Music. Your Way.
Another awesome feature is the Zune's compatibility with the Xbox 360. Plug your Zune into your Xbox 360 to customize the soundtrack in supported games. You also can stream music, pictures, and videos from the Zune software on your PC to your Xbox 360 console using a wireless connection. Whether you're staying in or going out, travelling or working, the Zune can be right there with you, providing loads of entertainment direct from your pocket.
What's in the Box
Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player (red), premium headphones, sync cable, and three sizes of ear sleeves.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 50
 Outstanding. November 13, 2007
L. Gonzalez (NC)
839 out of 911 found this review helpful
I've owned 5 different kinds of iPods, as well as the original Zune, and I must say, that this product is by far the best of the group. I spent the day trying to return my iPod Classic (80GB) so that I could get my hands on one of these---and I had to look just about everywhere in town to find one.
Is this better than the iPod Classic? Undoubtedly. I can make a fair comparison, as I have been toying with the Classic for the last two weeks. I've had iPod Nanos (first and third generations), 3 iPod Videos (5G), and an iPod Classic (80GB). The iPod is a fine product line, but I had too many bad experiences with the 5G video to want to keep them. I heard that the Z80 came out so I went and bought that one instead.
I'm going to spend most of my time here discussing how the Zune 80 compares to its predecessor, the Zune 30, as well as the iPod line--as it has set the standard for mp3 players for the last few years.
Screen- The glass screen looks much better than the original Zune's plastic one. The 320X240 resolution looks great. It looks far better than the Classic's screen. You can turn it sideways to take full advantage of it while watching videos. The iPod Classic's screen can only be viewed from one direction, and it has for the most part remained the same since the fifth generation. The video quality is great. Although this is technically the same resolution as the ipod Classic, nano, and Zune 4 and 8, it still manages to look great because of its size and clarity. You will notice that the quality on the smaller Zune appears sharper, but that's only because there are more pixels per square inch on them, due to the smaller size. Still looks awesome. This screen is slightly larger than the 1G Zune, but overall it is still smaller in both thinness and height. The glass screen is far more durable than the plastic one, and after a few months of testing it now I can say that it does not scratch easily, if at all.
Build- This thing is built to last. It feels a lot denser and sturdier than the last year's model. The first generation Zune couldn't win a beauty contest by a long shot--but I think this one's a winner. Aluminum back reminds me of the iPod line, although it's much better because it is brushed metal. (Meaning you don't have to keep it in a glass case, and bring out gloves when you want to handle it, like you did with the iPods). The paint, believe it or not, is actually very difficult to scratch. I've put it in my pocket with my keys, and the screen nor the paint scratches. I wouldn't want purposefully subject it to such tests, but it happened, and it's still in pristine condition. I scratched the back of my iPod Classic the first day I got it because of the glossy metal back. Scratching the back of your iPod is inevitable. I really don't see a need for a case.
Zunepad- The iPod's scroll wheel was a nice piece of work when it first came out. The Zunepad is better. Bold statement? Maybe. But I can now navigate via touch controls in four different directions as opposed to two with the iPod. And it is very easy to do so. I was skeptical at first, but Microsoft nailed it. You can choose if you want to flick your fingers across the "squirqle" to play your music, or you can just press the buttons to navigate. Nothing against Apple, but the scrollwheel on the Classic wasn't nearly as sensitive as the 5th generation iPod video's. Aren't you supposed to make progress when you release new hardware? I had problems with my Classic's scrollwheel's sensitivity. I can definitely see myself navigating menus much faster using the Zunepad.
A few things that I've noticed: Zunepad doesn't work with gloves of any sort (most of the time). Not that big of a problem, but I have noticed something interesting. Even the analog buttons underneath the Zunepad do not work if you are wearing gloves. It must sense that your skin is actually touching it to work correctly. I found that rather odd. I get some response out of it, but it usually doesn't respond the way you want it to. This is a big deal for me, as it is getting cold. Taking off your gloves to change a song is a burden, although I still enjoy using it more than I did the scrollwheel (which worked with gloves.) I've tried cotton, leather, and suede. This sounds crazy, but it is my biggest gripe with the Zune 80.
Firmware- Not too much different from the original, aside from aesthetics. It just looks pretty. Oversized letters are nice to look at, in addition to some decent animations. You can set your own backgrounds, as opposed to having the iPod Classic automatically flowing album art in the back (I hated that). The "twist" interface is much easier to use than that of the Ipod. I'm pretty sure I can get to a song much faster than someone with an Ipod. It works similar to a spreadsheet, as you have artist, songs, albums etc. listed at the top, with the contents of the respective categories listed below. A simple f lick to the right or left immediately changes categories. Microsoft definitely wins in this department.
Radio- You'd have to pay for this if you bought an Ipod Classic. Although I don't use it, it is still nice to have.
Zune Software- I'll be honest, I've been using itunes for a few years now, and I hate it. When I bought the original Zune, I thought that escaping itunes would be a good thing. I was wrong. The original software was abysmal. BUT, the new software is a vast improvement. It's almost too simple. And it's also easy on the eyes. I may consider using this as my default player from now on---something that I would have never done with the original software. The reason why I got rid of my original Zune in favor of the iPod classic was the software. I was tired of using it. Now I have more reason to keep my Zune.
After using it for awhile, I have noticed a few quirks with this software, mainly that it seems to sync a small group of songs over and over again. I see this being fixed by Microsoft's next update. I've been using it for awhile now, and I am not entirely as optimistic about it as when I wrote this review. It is STILL superior to itunes, and definitely the original software, but they need to fix a few issues with it. Namely the syncing options. The software recognizes some of the videos in the mpeg 4 format, but not all. I am thinking that this might have been a problem with the conversion software (Xvid->mpeg4).
The sound quality, which is probably the most important part of this review, is great. One problem is that they removed the equalizer, so what you hear is what you get. That wasn't a smart move on Microsoft's part. I think it sounds louder than an iPod, but I'm not an audiophile by any means.
Premium earbuds. These are alot nicer than most other stock headphones. They're the in-ear type, and they will take some getting used to if you've never used them. Bass response is a plus. I tried them earlier and they are comparable to my more expensive Sony's.
DRM- I don't know alot about this category, so look at the comments that people have left at the end of this review. I don't use this type of content. I do understand that anything downloaded from itunes will not work on the Zune. So if your entire library was downloaded on itunes, don't get this MP3 player. It's their way of making sure you continue to buy their products, as well as preventing piracy.
Wireless sync. I really can't use this. I hear it works nicely though. I can't really imagine using it, so take this one as you will. I really don't see the big deal about this. If I'm syncing my music, I want my Zune to charge as well. Maybe this feature is for lazy people, but I don't see it as useful.
Drive usage. You can't put anything on here that doesn't run through the Zune software. In other words--You won't be using this as a portable hard drive, even though most of us will not fill it up with music. You can do whatever you please with an iPod. There ARE hacks online that require you to alter your registry available online. Google is your friend. Try it at your own risk.
Battery life- Okay, the battery life isn't too shabby when just playing mp3's. I went a weekend with reasonable use without having to recharge it (forgot usb chord in the car). Battery life with video isn't good at all, but I don't think it was too far off from that of the Classic iPod. I'd prefer the large screen and lesser battery life over that of the Classic any day.
Conclusion-
I'm not a Micro$oft fanboy, contrary to what this review might look like. I've owned nothing but ipods before owning the 1G Zune. I must say that this seems to be the best one I've owned, and I don't regret returning my Classic.
It's easier to use, has a nicer screen, very generous capacity, great sound and video playback, a built in radio, and sleek design.
If the iPod Classic can earn four stars, this definitely gets five, as it is the superior mp3 player---by a longshot. It's not without its shortcomings, but they are forgivable, considering we've been under "ipod control" for the last few years.
That's about all I can think of. Hope this helps.
Pleasant Surprise - goodbye iPod December 16, 2007
ILoveGadgets (Florence, SC)
44 out of 49 found this review helpful
There is no such thing as a perfect digital player - they ALL have some shortcomings. That being written, I am pleasantly surprised by the Zune 80 gb player. I have owned hard-drive based MP3 players since 2003 when I bought my first one. I was recently using the 5G 60gb iPod and it needed replacing so I start researching players again. After a great deal of research, I bought the Zune but didn't open it right away. I waited a few days. That was a mistake. For a few days, I just used the free Zune software. I have read some reviews that the software is terrible. I initally agreed but after learning it, I realized I reacted in haste. Sometimes it is a bigger challenge to 'unlearn' other product's software. That was my case. Now I like its simplicity. I would recommend some improvements to it though but it is fine in a general sense. The player is quite good. The sound of the music, to me, is better than my iPod. I did a direct comparision listening to the exact same songs with the same headphones on each device and that is how I drew my conclusion. I have read a review that reported a great deal of problems with synching and so forth. I have experienced none of those issues. No doubling of songs. I do see it run back through the list of everything but it isn't resynching everything. To me, it is checking the index of the Zune software's list of files to the index on the Zune looking for differences to know what to synch or ignore. Here is my list of Pros and Cons for the Zune 80.
Pros:
*Better sounding music (even without equalizer - go figure)
*Choice to use click method and/or touch. If you aren't a huge fan of the iPod click-wheel, you will really appreciate the Zune. I love that change. The touch function is more natural. To scroll up, run your finger up on the touch pad. To scroll down, run your finger down. Or just click on the top/bottom/left/right of the touch pad to navigate. Again, it really is very natural to use.
*Extremely easy on the eyes. This is a pleasure to view. Easy to read.
*Friendly navigation. Again, unlearning other players is the biggest hurdle but worth getting to know the device. Once you do, you will really like this device.
*Larger viewing screen.
*Radio - with RDBS. Very nice feature.
*Supports Podcasts. I subscribed to X-Play's video game review podcast with no problems.
*Nicer headphones included. They come with headphones that have inserts to help find a better fit.
*The quick add playlist is very friendly to use. I didn't really like the iPod one mostly because I wasn't a huge fan of the clickwheel.
*Substantial feel. It handles like a quality effort was put into it.
Cons:
*Battery life. Not long enough for me.
*Some software design improvements needed on the Zune device and the Zune software on the pc. I could list a set of improvements but I won't. They are more tweaks that I believe the development team could easily add. My field is software so I know I view things from a different perspective.
Overall: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I am glad I did not buy another iPod. I am excited about music again thanks to this player. I am actually looking forward to buying CD's and DRM-free music. And remember, there is no such thing as a perfect digital player. Keep an open mind when you are browsing for players. There are many good choices out there, not just one. Oh, and please don't give away music. Pay for it so the artist that you love can devote their creative talents to making even more music. (No - I don't work in the music industry in any way. I just want to at least support the artists that make the music I want to hear.)
Zune 80gb, the best mp3 player out there! Five stars! January 9, 2008
Marina N. Locks
26 out of 28 found this review helpful
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R357K8TL4R8Q4V This video is a basic overview of the Zune. You can see how it functions, and some of the great features. At the end there are pictures of the zune software and the zune marketplace. By Marina
Come join the squircle April 3, 2008
psychomuse
18 out of 19 found this review helpful
It's not quite as fancy as the iPod Touch but it's got a much better price. For the same cost as the 80gb iPod Classic, it's the indisputable winner. Do yourself a favor, as I did: try out the iPod Classic and the Zune.
The Zune has a screen that lies size-wise between the iPod Classic and Touch. Best of all- it's a beautiful scratch-resistant glass screen. The video and images are stunning.
I thought the iPod had a cool interface with the touch-sensitive circle. Well, Zune has it beat with the "squircle" which is a four-way click pad and a touch-sensitive brush pad. It works better than you might expect. When scrolling long lists, you lightly brush the squircle pad up or down and the list scrolls at a speed commensurate to the speed at which you brush the pad. The scrolling even slows down after a few seconds kind of a like the wheels of fruit in a slot machine. It's a cool effect hard to describe. Again, get a hold of a Zune and check it out. You'll love it.
Sound quality is excellent. I've had many earphones and listened through the iPod phones. The Zune comes with high-quality buds that sound amazing; much better than the iPod buds. I'm a musician and what my friends call a music snob. So take it from one- these sound great.
Several folks have complained about the software. It does have some quirks but is actually quite functional and simple to use. I am sure that Microsoft will continue to fine tune it and it will get better and better. You will also uncover hidden features as you use it more. The screen saver mode, which isn't obvious to find, is super cool and visually compelling. You've never seen your album art so neatly displayed.
And best of all, I have thousands of high-quality mp3's on my Zune (320kbps) and still have plenty of room. Not one single song has DRM or Apple's dreadful proprietary protection on it. I can upload and download my songs anywhere, anytime, with anyone. That's the way it should be.
With my Zune, I bought the overpriced AV and car connection kits. While they cost way too much, they are essential add-ons. In fact, they should come with the Zune. But that whole greed thing gets in the way of companies' priorities! Anyway, the kits allow me to listen to my Zune everywhere. And that's pretty much all I do. I can now listen to my huge cd collection all the time. I put my Zune on shuffle mode and get to hear songs from my collection that I haven't heard in years. I'm finally getting my money's worth from all those cds I bought and listened to only once or twice.
My Zune has already been put through its paces. I have listened to it all day long for weeks, without giving it a break, and it has never experienced a single mishap. It has performed flawlessly and made me a very happy music lover.
The price of the iPod Touch is too much to spend on a freakin' mp3 player with only 8 or even 16gb. And the Classic just doesn't "touch" the Zune. If you're licking your lips at your friend's Touch or iPhone, the Zune won't turn you on, but if you've been considering the Nano or Classic (or any other mp3 player), the Zune will impress you mightily. I've never been a Microsoft cheerleader and I've always been fond of Apple but I think the Zune really is the better mp3 player.
I have shown mine off to friends and two of them have gone out immediately and bought one. That says more than all the words I could say (or write)! It's really that cool.
Great media player November 14, 2007
O. Durojaiye (Bothell, WA United States)
64 out of 78 found this review helpful
I got this device yesterday and I haven't been able to keep my hands off it. I was one of many people who made fun of the v1 zune but this device is a huge improvement.
The interface of the desktop software is very clean and easy to navigate. The software on the zune works really well. The Zune pad is a big surprise. I wasn't so sure when I saw pictures of it but this touch sensitive pad is great. It makes navigating your media very effortless.
Setting up and using wireless synching was incredibly easy too.
Now for the down side:
1. Getting help when using the desktop software could use a little "help".
2. Every once in a while there's some distortion on the headphones
3. Increasing the volume while playing video isn't as easy as it is for audio
Overall, this is a great device and it's going to be my buddy for a long time.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 50
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