I bought a Microsoft Zune 30 gb (Brown) on Black Friday for $99, couldn't pass up the great deal, especially because I wanted an Mp3 player recently. Anyone have any experiences with these? I'd like to hear from Zune owners about if they like/dislike the Zune, functionality, etc. Haven't used it yet because I've been too busy lately, once I start I'll be loading songs on it for awhile so I want to have the time to do it right, Anyway, I'd like to hear what everyone thinks, What I don't want is "Ipod is better, Zune Sux, LOL NooB!" I bought a Zune, just like to get some input on experiences with it

The 1st gen Zune (just like the original xbox) was Microsoft's entrance into digital media players. I thought it was extremely promising, but the reviews showed me otherwise. Firstly, the player is very bulky. It's not something that'll fit in your pocket easily like many other mp3 players do. Secondly, the video feature is weak; the quality is below average and it can't player protected content. Thirdly, the would-be useful wi-fi feature doesn't do any but send your songs temporarily (3 days) to another Zune. It would be nice if you could sync, stream or even buy music with that thing. On the plus side, it has a FM radio (big plus) and the audio quality is supposedly very very good.
I made another thread of the 2nd gen Zune, which corrected nearly all the mistakes the original Zune had. It has a glass screen and aluminum backside, so it's scratch-proof all around. It also has a huge 3.2" screen, an improved control scheme and navigation software, and good use of the wi-fi ability. The msrp is $250, which I think is pretty good for an 80gb player, but I've seen it for around $238 shipped.

You'll like your new 1st gen Zune, but I think you'll buy another mp3 player within a year.

Thanks for the input, I can't comment on most of that because I haven't used it but I don't find it that bulky, perhaps that is just because I've never had an Ipod to compare it to. It's small enough for me put in my pocket and listen if I wanted and I like the way it looks a lot, very stylish was my first impression. I doubt I get another Mp3 player until another 3 years honestly. If I do, it would probably be the Iphone which would serve more than one purpose. Not sure about the video feature, I bought it mainly for playing music but it'll be something I probably will experiment with, I won't be too dissappointed if it isn't great quality I just look at it like a bonus that it does play video. Like I said, for $99 I couldn't pass it up, but for the original $250 I wouldn't get it, even at the recent $170-$200 price ranges I've seen I was holding off but $99 is a steal for a 30 gb media player like the Zune. Thanks for the comments.

Ipod is better, Zune Sux, LOL NooB!

shouldn't this be in technical support?

at this time of night does it really matter?

Anarchy Rulz the Night!

Mine works fine. My only gripe is with it's battery life - 12-15 hours usually. Better at video than the iPods.

Just a tip, which isn't in the manual - to truely turn the unit off, hold in down and back for a few seconds. Holding in pause only puts the unit in standby.

Zune will be mentioned in the same breath as iPod in another generation or two.