Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I bought the refurbished Zune 8 for $77. The price may have changed after I posted this review.
PROS
[+] Well-built, all parts are scratch-resistant including the glass and plastic
[+] Sturdy build and flash memory make this drop-resistant even without a case
[+] The touch-sensitive Zune Pad interface is intuitive and fun to use, like a laptop pad that you can click and flick
[+] The screen is crystal-clear, videos and pictures are very sharp
[+] FM radio offers good reception through the earphone "antennas"
[+] Good battery life, just charge once or twice a week with normal use
[+] Supports Zune Pass (14 day free trial available for everyone, regardless of whether you own a Zune)
[+] Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to download and stream songs with a Zune Pass
[+] Free yearly firmware upgrades from Microsoft with new features
[+] Excellent price
NEUTRAL
[*] Normal resolution (240x320)
[*] Average amount of storage space (8 GB)
[*] Includes stock earphones, which are of average quality but can be magnetically attached for convenience
CONS
[-] Small screen (1.8 inches diagonally)
[-] Windows only, but free software Songbird can give limited support for Zune on Mac and Linux
[-] Wi-Fi features drain battery quickly
This Zune was much smaller than I had originally expected-- I never realized how small 1.8 inches really was for the screen. On the other hand, it's remarkably small and thin, and very sturdy for its size. You won't need a case to protect this, since the glass, plastic, and metal are too hard to be scratched in casual use. You don't even have to worry about dropping this, since there's no hard drive involved, which means that the Zune will, in almost all situations, continue to work properly.
One of the main perks for the Zune, compared to the alternatives, is support for the Zune Software. Although it is Windows-only, the Zune Software has a very easy-to-use and nice-looking interface, and has features like Mixview, which suggest new music depending on the history of music you listened to. Also, the Zune is compatible with the Zune Pass, which is a subscription service that gives you access to all of Zune's music library for $15 per month. If you buy songs on a regular basis, this is definitely worth a look. Also, Microsoft rolls out yearly firmware upgrades to all Zune models, so it's like getting a new Zune annually for no charge.
Please note that while the Wi-Fi features are pretty nice (especially for such an affordable MP3 player), you will drain the batter much faster while you are using these features. Turning on wireless already speeds up battery drain, but downloading or streaming music, while potentially handy if you are in a place with Wi-Fi, can make your battery run out 10 times as quickly! Use Wi-Fi in moderation unless you don't want enough battery power to listen to music or watch movies later.
Even though this is refurbished and Amazon said that the product may have "cosmetic imperfections," the only thing I noticed was a tiny dent in the plastic at the border of the glass. It's not easy to spot, and not nearly as obvious as the numerous scratches I've seen on the screens and surfaces of some other MP3 players. This purchase has confirmed for me that buying refurbished is a great way to save money on a good product without sacrificing much at all. You even get the same warranty, so the only real difference is not being able to claim that your product is new (which is certainly worth saving $50 for).
As a device that I use to listen to music on (through downloaded songs or radio) and watch videos on, the refurbished Zune 8 is a steal at under $80.
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Zune 4 GB Video MP3 Player, Refurbished (Black)This slim 4 GB Zune device is good to go with plenty of room for your favorite music, pictures, and video. It comes complete with a built-in FM tuner and buy-from-FM capabilities, wireless sync, Zune-to-Zune wireless sharing, video playback, and more--so you get all that Zune power in one tight little package. It holds up to 1,000 songs, 25,000 pictures, or 12 hours of video. Watch a demo on Zune. NOTE: This product has been refurbished to its original specifications for electrical performance. Unit may contain cosmetic imperfections. Consumer warranty for refurbished devices is one year.
Buy from FM Click to buy from the built-in FM radio. Every Zune device lets you listen to your favorite FM radio stations and click to tag the songs you like for later purchase when you sync your device with your PC.1
Zune Pass With the Zune Pass subscription service, you'll get millions of tracks for the price of one CD. Download tracks, whole albums, or playlists. Explore new music or rediscover old favorites--then sync them to your Zune. Extend your subscription online or by purchasing a Zune Pass card. Or, if you like, purchase songs or albums individually.2
Wireless Sync Remotely sync with your PC. Connect to your home wireless network and remotely sync your Zune device with your PC collection from your dock, AC adapter, or speaker dock accessory.4
Device to Cloud Your Zune player can access thousands of wireless hotspots around the country. Automatically update your collection, browse Zune Marketplace, refresh your Channels, exchange favorites with friends, or buy songs you've tagged from your FM radio. Take advantage of a Zune Pass and access the music you love where you want, at no extra cost.
Wireless Sharing Music is in the air with Zune wireless sharing. Send your favorite songs, albums, playlists, pictures, and even audio podcasts freely between any Zune devices. Listen to the full track of any song you receive up to three times and pass them along to other friends. If you want to buy a song, click to tag it and have your Zune find it later when you sync with your PC.3
Channels Like your very own radio stations, Zune Channels are custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to your Zune from a variety of sources you select, such as music experts, celebrities, or top radio stations. Channels you subscribe to automatically update whenever you're connected--to your PC, home network, or even selected wireless hotspots. When you subscribe to Zune Pass, you get an unlimited Zune Channels experience.
Games Zune players now come with a selection of fun free games. Choose music from your collection to create your own personal game soundtrack. Connect and compete wirelessly with other nearby Zune users.
Video/TV Shows Choose from a growing selection of TV shows now available on the Zune Marketplace video store, and take your favorite episodes or whole seasons with you wherever you go. Use your Zune device to watch popular shows like The Office, South Park, Heroes, and 30 Rock from NBC; shows from Comedy Central; Adult Swim from the Cartoon Network; and countless other shows from other major networks.6 Also, if you're recording TV shows or movies with Windows Media Center in Windows Vista, you can import and sync them to your device. Load up your favorite videos, and hit the road.5
Zune Social Discover, share, and connect with the Zune Social, a free online community that lets you share your musical tastes with friends and millions others. Customize your Zune Card and Zune profile page with your favorite music and pictures. Then connect and share Zune Cards, music, and messages with friends and other members of the community.
Zune Marketplace Fulfill your entertainment desires at Zune Marketplace. Millions of songs, albums, TV shows, audio/video podcasts, and more are available--plus, your online store is always open and only a mouse click away. Download or subscription? It's up to you. Buy individual songs and albums, or an unlimited Zune Pass music subscription2.
Audiobooks Let your Zune read to you while you can't. Listen to everything from your favorite novels to the latest bestseller. Now you can transfer your existing audiobook files from sites like Audible.com to your Zune device and enjoy them whenever you want.
Xbox 360 Compatibility Ever wish you could play games to the sound of your favorite tunes? Now you can. Connect your Zune device to your Xbox 360 console and play your favorite songs while you game on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE. You can share content from your Zune collection to an Xbox 360 console on a home network and play your media through the Xbox Dashboard.
Accessories Traveling, working late, or working out? Whatever you're up to, your Zune will be right there with you. Make sure you have the best accessories to keep up with your lifestyle.
Zune AC Adapter: Fast recharge wherever there's an outlet
Zune Car Pack: Ride with Zune as it charges while playing in your car
Zune Home AV Pack: Hook up your Zune to any home stereo and control it via remote
Zune Premium Earphones: noise-isolating design that delivers superior sound quality and comfort
Zune Cable Pack: Provides every cable you need to stay connected
Zune Dock Pack: Nonstop your tunes while you charge your Zune
Zune Leather Case: Protects your Zune with style
Legal Disclaimers: 1. Buy from FM feature available with stations broadcasting RDS and RT Plus data 2. Zune Pass is a monthly music subscription service; some songs are not available via Zune Pass. Available Zune Pass content may vary over time. 3. Wireless sync feature requires access to a home wireless network 4. Zune to Zune wireless sharing may not be available for all songs in your music collection and works only between Zune devices within wireless range of each other. Recipients may play full-length sample tracks up to three times. 5. Requires a PC running Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate and an integrated or external TV tuner. 6. Available content may vary over time.
What's in the Box?Refurbished Zune 4 GB Digital Media Player (Black), earphones with three earpiece covers, sync cable
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