Finally. An ipod killer (for real) (no joke)
Pros:
-Big screen
-Touch Pad
-Radio, Videos
-Wireless capability
-Thinner than 1stGen
-User friendly interface
-Sexy
Cons:
-Battery life not as good as it could be.
-Still a tiny Thicker than ipod
The Bottom Line:
Best player out there. All of the features of the ipod, plus many more. Does it better too.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Plenty of PMPs (personal media players) have been dubbed "ipod killer". Even the first generation Zunes carried that label. But they still had flaws.
The second generation Zune is a good improvement from the first. And its sexier!
The first and most noticeable difference, and improvement, is the touch pad, or "squircicle". The pad is very similar to the Creative Zen Vision:M in which you slide your finger up and down (or in the zune's case from left to right)on the pad to scroll the menus, songs etc. To select an item just tap the center of the touch pad. I found the pad to be extremely responsive and easy to use. I'd even prefer it to the ZVM's. For those that don't like the touch pad, all you have to click the edges of the "squircicle" to brows the songs and menus. Overall the Zune2.0's touchpad is the best navigation system of all PMPs.
The second improvement is the screen size. The zune screen is absolutely gorgeous. 3.2 inches (even larger than the first gen) On most screens (i.e. ipod)watching movies is a real strain on your eyes. Not with the Zune. I watched two movies consecutively without sore eyes. Also the orientation of the zune with videos (horizontally (wide screen)) is a very nice feature. The screen is superior.
It is also capable of syncing to your computer via wi-fi. Not a big deal imho.(Some experts think it is a big deal). As well the Zune "trademark" zune to zune wireless sharing. Which is not all that great(received songs are only able to be played 3 times).
Zune2.0's firmware is different than the previous (new firmware is also available for Zune Gen 1) and includes podcast support. It only improves on the already user friendly interface. The new player almost matches the insanely thin ipod, which is a huge plus. The battery life is only slightly better than its predecessor. Battery life is its only downfall.
The Zune 2.0 is a true ipod killer (believe me). Bigger screen, easier navigation, bigger screen, radio, wireless sharing/syncing. Sexy tooo.
