Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player (Red)

I absolutely love my zune. Once I figured out how to manage the various programs, I put everything I could on it. I carry it everywhere and proudly use it to show off my pictures. Best of all, are the playlists. I can listen to hours of my favorite music based on how I categorized them.

couldn't be happier with the red zune 80 after i washed my poor zune 4 in the laundry. the software interface is only going to get better since today (hopefully) the zune software 3.0 update comes out, adding to the functionality of the zune hardware itself.

I use third party earbuds with both the Zune and an iPod Touch, and even without the equalizer, the sound is so much better on the Zune. Even the songs that Zune software found from my iTunes collection sound better on my Zune! The only advantage I notice in the iPod is more resolution for pics/videos, however I use the device more for songs than video files. I find myself using my Zune more than my iPod Touch...even with the touchscreen, the iPod now just seems overpriced.

There are reviews that claim the Zune has abysmal battery life...it does if you do not shut it off completely (pressing the play/pause button puts the device in "sleep mode" using some power when not in use). Hold the back button and down on the touch pad for a few seconds to shut off all power and preserve battery life. Even after a cold start up, the Zune powers up faster than my iPod touch.

Simply, the Zune 80 gig is a great product and Amazon a great supplier. The first unit I received was damaged during shipping. I received the replacement in 3 days.
The Zune software is easy to use. Buy your mp3's through Amazon - none of the tagging itunes uses to control what you've paid for. Put the files on your computer, if you break your mp3 player 10 times you can copy the file onto the new ones 10 times.
The large screen makes it easy to see album art and navigate. The 80 gig is big enough to hold all your favorite music, but not too big. You'll use up the space fast if you rip at a high bit rate, so don't buy a small player that you'll regret buying later.

I have owned this product for 6 months and have had no issues....I just wnted to point out that you can delete ong off the zune effectly by using the 'stupid' rating system. When you rate a song with a broken heart on the zune, the next time you sync your zune the song will be removed.