Zune 30 GB Digital Media Player (White)

I've had my Zune for about 2 months now and I absolutely love it. My iPod owning friends are jelous and I love how pretty the entire experience of listening to stuff on the Zune is. I love album art so I love that its featured nicely on the Zune now playing screen, not just a tiny thumbnail like most mp3 players. The radio feature is great for those days when you can't seem to find anything you want to listen to. I haven't used the video feature much yet but from watching the preloaded ones it seems great too. My only complaint is that my hundred or so songs that I had downloaded with Yahoo Music won't work on the Zune, but thats the fault of Yahoo more than the makers of the Zune (theres a reason Yahoo's music store is gone now)

overall I HIGHLY recommend it!!!

The Microsoft Zune is no iPod-killer. However, I greatly prefer the Zune over the iPod. As some have previously stated, it is doubtful that many iPod/iTunes users will want to make the switch to Zune, if any. The iTunes experience is solid, and there is not much that the Zune software can improve on over iTunes. The iPod itself offers (for most users) no reasons to switch to Zune. All this being said, I highly recommend the Zune as an option for anyone new to mp3 devices.

Pros:
>Wireless functionality: wireless syncing, wireless transfer between Zune devices
>Large screen
>FM Radio
>Very simple interface on the device itself
>Very simple setup of options in the Zune software; simple navigation
>Solid construction/materials: does not feel cheap--very sturdy; does not scratch/smudge easily
>Premium-quality accessories
>Great sound quality
>Picture quality/playback of photos and videos is top quality
>Device is operated by button presses--no scroll wheel (pro for me, con for others)

Cons:
>Buttons require a bit of force to press
>Device is operated by button presses--no scroll wheel (pro for me, con for others)
>Music is purchased with 'Microsoft Points,' which you must purchase--an unnecessary step
>Zune device can not be used as external hard drive
>Videos from Zune Marketplace work flawlessly; videos from other sources can require a lot of work to convert and function
>Initial installation of Zune software can be a nightmare; look on the Zune website for 'Zune Setup Package' for an easier time
>Accessories are pricy; can be hard to find
>"Bulky": much thicker than an iPod (I like this, but it is hard to make it disappear into one's pocket)

Overall, I would not recommend the Zune to someone already familiar and happy with the iPod. However, I would recommend the Zune to someone who is unsure and new to high-end mp3 players. The Zune is solid, sturdy, durable, easy to use, and its numerous features work very well.

I have no problem with my Zune. Must of the complains are coming from things that can be solved, but the user don't know how to do It. If you turn off your Zune, and the next time you turn It on, and you want to continue playing the last playlist and the last song, you only have to use and push the "play" button 2 times. It begins where you left It.
I have a very good organization of my folders, I connect It to my TV (even though the quality of the video is not the best for TV), etc....
I am happy with my Zune....

This player is awesome . It was able to fit my entire library of music picture, and about 15 DVD's and still has room . I did upgrade to a better set of ear buds though . It's wireless link is easy to set up and the compatability with the XBOX 360 is a great fit for me . Highly recommend over IPOD .

I ordered the brown 30gb zune while stationed in Iraq. It came through the military mail system without a hitch, I believe largly in part to the label on the shipping container that said "computer parts". Very thoughtfull of the seller, if it had said MP3 player I would have never recieved it lol.
I loaded it up from my laptop with video clips, picture slide shows and thousands of songs, arranged playlist, the works. Used it everyday for hours, and even accidently closed it in an armored Hmmwv door resulting in a dent, not a crack. I destroyed the headphones it shipped with but no biggie.
The battery life is very good, 8-10 hours maybe off and on, charge time from my laptop usb port was super fast. No problems with the software or any user interface complexities. Now I'm home and lost the usb cord to it but ordered a new one and a bunch of other accesories, I use my zune daily at work while running around the site.