Zune 80

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Zune 80

Zune 80
Manufacturer Microsoft
Type Portable media player
Release date November 13, 2007[1]
Connectivity Wi-Fi, USB
Retail availability Flag of the United States since November 13, 2007
Operating system Microsoft Windows
Input Zune Pad
Storage capacity 80 GB hard disk
Online services Zune Marketplace
Dimensions 4.26 x 2.41 x 0.51 in.
(108.2 x 61.1 x 12.9 mm)
Weight 4.5 oz.
Touchpad squircle-shaped Zune Pad
Predecessor Zune 30
Related articles Zune 4, Zune 8
Microsoft, Xbox 360

The Zune 80 is a portable media player developed by Microsoft in its Zune series of media players. It was announced on October 2, 2007 and was released on November 13, 2007.[1] It, along with the Zune 4 and 8, is part of the second generation of Zune devices. It features music, video, and podcast support, and comes with Wi-Fi and FM Radio.

Contents

[edit] Overview

Aiming to improve on the design of the original Zune, the Zune 80 is 3.6 millimeters thinner and 31 grams lighter. It also has a slightly larger screen (3.2 inch instead of 3.0) and better battery life (up to 30 hours for music, versus up to 14). The D-pad of the original has been replaced by the Zune pad, which supplements 5-way clicking with touch sensitivity similar to the iPod Click Wheel and only functioning to the human touch. The Zune 80 shipped with a newer firmware version than the original Zune shipped with, but a firmware update for the original restored parity. The Wi-Fi antenna can be used for wireless synchronization and to share photos, podcasts, and music with other Zunes, although shared songs may only be played three times on the receiving Zune.

[edit] Reception

The Zune 80 has been reviewed more positively that the Zune 30 and on par with the iPod classic, its primary competitor. CNet's review said, "The Zune has blossomed from an ugly duckling into a worthy iPod alternative."[2] Wired Magazine's head-to-head review said the Zune 80 edged out the iPod classic due to its screen, Wi-Fi, radio, and navigation.[3] However, some reviews have also been critical of the Marketplace, which lacks movies, and the lack of Mac support.

[edit] Availability

Most stores did not stock the player during its launch as they were delayed for 6 weeks. However, there were limited numbers of Zune 80s in some stores like Circuit City and Wal-Mart, and most were sold out as soon as they were available.[4] As of June 13th 2008 the Zune will be available in Canada at most major retailers including The Source, Best Buy, and Futureshop.

The 80 is currently available in Black and Red.

[edit] Durability

The Zune 80 has a scratch resistant screen, and the back can withstand scratches if dropped on the floor. The earphones are highly durable and magnetic so they can stay put instead of coiling around each other, preventing damages to the wire, although the earbud heads are weaker than others and may be pulled off if handled incorrectly.[citation needed]

[edit] See also

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