Great product...for the patient person
Pros:
It's easy to use and has a more than imaginable amount of storage!
Cons:
I had to purchase additional software to allow DVD's to be loaded on the Zune.
The Bottom Line:
I highly recommend the Zune if you do a lot of traveling and want to have the ability to watch videos, listen to music or look at pictures.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
My husband travels a lot and I wanted to purchase a MP3 Player for his birthday. After doing much research, I decided on the Microsoft Zune 80GB. The big day finally came when it arrived in the mail! My husband was able to set-up, download the Zune software and load his music and pictures on it without any issues. It was when I went to load TV shows from Windows Media Center and DVD's there were issues. I was able to find a customer service number for Zune and I thought all my problems were over.
The customer service rep was very hard to understand, and all that came out of the 35 minute phone call was that I needed to purchase Windows Vista Premium if I wanted to be able to load DVD's and TV shows on the Zune. I was about ready to give up and tell my husband I was going to return the Zune and he would just have to settle for a cheaper MP3 player for his music and pictures. However, I REALLY wanted this to work, and I knew there had to be a way to find a way around the situation that wasn't going to cost an arm and a leg!
I was able to search the internet and find a software program that would convert DVD's and other videos to an acceptable file attachment that Zune would accept. It's called "Cucusoft Zune Video Converter + DVD to Zune Suite". After doing a trial run with the free trail version, I purchased the downloadable software for $39.95. I am happy to report I have now transferred two DVD's to the Zune, and it was a fairly painless process. It just took a lot of patience and understanding of file types and computer software.
I was also able to download (for free) the "best of youtube" under the Podcasts. The FM tuner also works great, and the stations come across clear.
As far as accessories go, I was a little disappointed that for the price I paid, the Zune came with only the USB cable and some earphones, (which my husband says the earphones are great and he is pretty pick about headphones). I was able to find a Zune combo set for $29.95 + $5.99 S&H. It included a black silicone Cover w/ armband, a Rapid car charger, a Travel charger, and an AV cable. In case you're interested I found it at "BestPriceCenter.com".
When all was said and done, I am happy with the end product. If I had to do this experience over, I would do it again. My husband is extremely happy with his new "toy" and even though $249 seems like a lot to purchase an MP3 player, my husband is definitely worth every penny :^)
