Want to Win a Black Zune? Post a Message

[Jason Dunn]

<img alt="" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/zt/2006/dec7th-win-a-zune.jpg" /><br /><br />That, ladies and gentlemen, is the black Zune that I'm going to give away to one lucky Zune Thoughts reader. I opened the box in Seattle, where I bought it, just to make sure it wasn't defective, booted up OK, and updated it with the latest firmware. It's brand new and never been used, and I'm going to give it to one of you. <br /><br /><strong>Here's how you can win it: simply post a message in this thread telling me one thing you like about the Zune.</strong> Any feature you like, any benefit you think the Zune will give you. One post per person, and one week from now on Thursday the 14th I'll do a random drawing at 12 noon my time (Mountain). That person will win the Zune - I'll ship it to them, along with a swanky Zune Thoughts micro light (yet to be unveiled officially), and possibly a couple of other goodies...<br /><br /><strong>Please note that we're manually authenticating everyone's first post on this site</strong>, so if you don't see your post appear right away, <em>don't try to post another one</em>. We'll try to check and approve all the posts as quickly as possible, but please wait eight hours before trying to post again. If you've already posted on the site, your post will appear right away.<br /><br /><strong>UPDATE:</strong> Yes, I'll ship anywhere in the world, at my cost. So if you're an international user, please enter the contest! The Zune Pass music subscription won't work for you, and you'll need to buy Xbox Live points from a USA retail store, but the Zune software itself works fine, and the Zune will get firmware updates no matter where you are in the world.

[echoreader]

I like many things about the Zune, but if I had to choose just one, it would be its beautiful user interface. I have purchased 5 iPods and am an avid Apple fan, so complimenting the Zune's interface says a lot about Microsoft's first try - and it's a great one. Microsoft recognizes that it's all about the total experience. With its rich UI, it immerses the user even more. Great job, Zune team!

[zippyd00]

Zune has the best interface of any MP3 player I've seen yet. Very easy to use and extremely intuitive.

[greekgoat91]

What I like about the Zune, and what I think makes it unique its double shot. I haven't seen this done with any other device and I think that it makes it stand out.

[Cortezo]

I upgraded to a Zune from an Archos GMini 400. I have to say that I like that the Zune is incredibly quick with the viewing of and scrolling through music and pictures. The Archos was extremely slow when trying to give a small slideshow, but the Zune is incredibly quick.

[LPD]

The large easy to read screen is my favorite feature.

[Looks like Jason is back from vacation and starting back up with a big splash - a great give-a-way. Three cheers for Jason]

[robshobs]

I am looking forward to the "larger" screen for viewing movies and videos.

Rob

[DrMobo]

Firstly, for better or worse I ripped my entire (maybe 200) CD collection in the wma format several years ago. No ipod for me, I now have too many kids to allow the time to re-rip in another format. The twist navigation makes a lot of sense to me and I like public radio. I think the price I paid (one is on order, black) was a darn good deal for a 30 gig player. Microsoft's deep pockets can sometimes benefit us, when they are hungry to beat someone.

[idawgik]

I absolutely love the interface on the Zune. I hated the iPod interface and compared to the Zune I've seen in person, the Creative Zen Vision:M I have just looks, well, archaic.

I've been wanting a Zune since before they were released, just haven't had the money so far, would love to win one :)

[ucfgrad93]

For me, the interface is way better than the iPod's.

[andre]

~ i like the large album art and the fact that it has only 3 buttons whereas my dell dj had 5 ~ i like the twist menu system as i don't have to drill down that much to view my content.
~ it plays WMA files
~ its much simpler than the vision:M


and lastly...it's not an iPod!

[DrHunter]

I am one who is looking to make the switch from iPod. I have been carefully reviewing most all of the plays-for-sure players for quite some time. I wanted the best mix in screen size, user interface, extra features, and capacity. Many months ago, I eventually settled on the Toshiba Gigabeat 60GB player. Then the rumors began to surface about a Microsoft mp3 player made by Toshiba. So, I put my Gigabeat plans on hold. While the popular press has been rough on the Zune, I think I am glad I waited for it. I do not own one yet; however, I absolutely love the user interface that is beautifully complimented by that huge screen! As soon as a 60+ Gb version is released, I am definitely in!;)

[enemes]

I'm a geek, so... It's hackable. It has enough power under the hood. Rockbox will be out soon. Great potential!









8<----------------------------------------------------------------------------

OTHER Things I like about Zune:

1. UI -- it's just gorgeous.
2. Zune Marketplace. Yes, I really like it for two reasons:
- great selection of music that is otherwise not available in other on-line stores
- subscription plan that iTunes does not have.
3. Wifi, even the way it's implemented now has definite value. I'd like to be able to explore what others are listening to and with subscription plan getting this music is a snap.

[sboots]

Everyone else is going on about the interface and I have to agree that it is excellent. I like that I can easily navigate and that I can read the text on the screen for navigation. I love the album art display. Pictures and video look awesome on the screen, too.
Battery life is excellent for my needs, too.
And I also have to say that the Zune "feels" good in the hand! :cool:
-steve

[gasusan2006]

It's got FM radio :) among other things.....

and it is user-friendly...... and my children (i-pod owners) are now zune-wanna-be-owners!:D


Susan

[rob]

I was an early fan of the Zune. However, it debuted as an early adopter device. Still, I'd love to win this offer. I enjoy reading this site's RSS feed a lot. Thanks for all the hard work.

rob

[praxis]

Three things really excite me about the Zune. The first is the wireless. I know people have issues with it right now but it's only going to get better! Besides seeing the way the Xbox 360 guys add new features with every update I'm sure the next release will let you do a lot more. The second thing I love about the Zune is the radio. Sometimes I just don't feel like listening to the same tunes again and again or I want to hear the news to find out what's going on. Can't do that without a radio. The third thing I love about the Zune is the interface. Whoever made this should give Apple some design lessons. It's fun, fast and as a photographer I love being able to customize the theme with my own pics! Keep on rocking Zune! :)

[blazingwolf]

I like the screen. Nice to have such alarge screen on a device like this. :)

[jfattizzi]

There are a lot of things I like about the Zune, here are my top three:

1. I like the wide screen format. Great for movies
2. I like that it is from Microsoft and works with WMedia Player
3. I like the cool accessories that are already available

P.S. If I win, I like the fact that it was free.:)

[rom]

A run-down on the Zune features that I like:

Screen
Bright, larger screen. The resolution is just the same as iPod's yet the way it was designed made it look big.

Wireless Features
The wireless features opens up potential features for this device like future:
over-the-air downloads of songs, videos and images and wireless updates through your wifi-capable PC's and laptops

Function and Interface
Wallpaper customization, Larger album art. Smooth transitions.

Some noted that Zune's click-wheel made accessing menu's easier and faster. since you can access the device even without looking because you can now anticipate how many clicks it would take to go from one menu to another.

Less-Scratchy
The Zune's coating is that of a matte finish which makes is less scratchy than other PMP players and that double-shot colors that impresses me most. It just stands out form the rest ;)

FM Radio
Yey! An added bonus to an already great device.

[chrhamil]

I love the large screen of the Zune!

Chris

[rom]

A run-down on the Zune features that I like:

Screen
Bright and large screen.

Wireless Features
The wireless features opens up potential features for this device like future:
over-the-air downloads of songs, videos and images and wireless updates through your wifi-capable PC's and laptops

Function and Interface
Wallpaper customization, Larger album art. Smooth transitions.

Some noted that Zune's click-wheel made accessing menu's easier and faster. since you can access the device even without looking because you can now anticipate how many clicks it would take to go from one menu to another.

Less-Scratchy
The Zune's coating is that of a matte finish which makes is less scratchy than other PMP players and that double-shot colors that impresses me most. It just stands out form the rest ;)

FM Radio
Yey! An added bonus to an already great device.

[Jerry]

If I can only mention one thing I like about the Zune it would be the Big not-easily-scratched-screen surrounded by a finger print-free good-looking-case providing great sound quality for all my Zune-Tunes.

[jerboa]

Given that I'm in Canada and that I haven't had the chance to play with one yet, I'm most intrigued with the Wi-Fi capabilities (especially if MS builds them up in future firmware releases).

The fact that it seems so easy to hack is also a plus! ;)

[Duano]

I really like the surface of the Zune. Scratch resistent and fingerprint-free goodness! My iPod always looked like one gigantic smudge and I was always trying to clean it off by rubbing on my pants or shirt which inevitably led to scratches in the surface.

[Paul Martin]

FM Radio, naturally. :) I got to play with one in the store and liked the interface as well.

[spoirier]

The best feature for me is the large display. When I use my treadmill to stay in shape I would like to watch various video podcasts.

[fgarcia10]

The user interface is my favorite thing. I like that it display a large album art, it is easier for me to see what is playing while driving, I have so many songs that I have not listened for so long that I forget whos song it is or how much I liked.

[snap]

I like the UI plus the ability to display data from the FM broadcasts. Snap

[nook]

the best feature BY FAR is that it's not made by crApple. :0)

[cjhp]

My initial favorite feature was the large screen. Then I played with a demo unit at a store and fell in love with the interface. However, I will stick with the screen as my favorite. This will be my first mp3 player and was planning to ask for one for my birthday 12/14. So if I am lucky on my birthday maybe Jason will be the one giving it to me...:) Love all the thoughts sites. Keep up the great work.

[canux]

Th integrated FM radio and the user interface / screen are the most intriguing features for me.

[KTamas]

My vote goes for the UI too.

[iclark]

There are three things I love about the Zune

1. The screen
2. The screen
3. The screen

Ian
Melbourne, Australia.

[bleeman]

I'm looking forward to the fact that I can go back to wma format and dump the mp3/aac format that more than doubled the amount of disk space I used up on my server. I only bought an iPod as I'm not a big headset wearer and with the proliferation of accessories for it compared to other players on the market at the time it was easy to find a set of speakers to create a "boom box" for my desk. But I wasn't prepared to see my 6gb of WMA files become 15gb when I let iTunes create a converted set in AAC format. I'm also looking forward to removing iTunes from my system when I switch to the Zune as well.

[timmy]

Definitely th WiFi capabilities and the (as far as I have read) full integration to WMP11

[Raithlin]

Do I really need to go on? It's a Zune - that's the really great feature (besides the screen, UI, etc.) :D. I've been waiting for months along with everyone else for one of these babies.:cool:

[Sami]

I love the way the Zune feels.
It really treats your sense of touch.

[Kevin Jackson]

Just one thing? I would have to say a combo of the screen and UI. The UI is great and is a wonderful complement to the screen (both size and resolution). I am looking forward to getting my hands on one of these!

[RussK]

The best feature is the large screen, but the UI is a close second.

[smthng]

Here's how you can win it: simply post a message in this thread telling me one thing you like about the Zune.

Durability! Every review I've seen (and a bit of hands on time with display models) has said that the thing is pretty much scratch proof unless you really abuse the snot out of it. My Zen Vision:M (stolen:( )managed to get regular small scratches all over it, even though I've tried several different cases in order to protect it. My wife's iPod has a few nice ones as well, and she always keeps it in a felt/velvet slider case. The Zune looks to be pretty much the first video device that was built of something other than the softest clear plastic known to man!

[programcsharp]

I love the interface... very rich and graphically pleasing, as well as intuitive and usable.

[David Tucker]

Only one thing that I like? Well, then I have to go with the screen. Its big & bright. Perfect for a portable media player.

[the_rapture]

I can't wait to see where the Zune leads, with the relation to support for the XBOX and (future) Vista. I believe we are looking at a new way to carry our entertainment and to share it. Next version will have games and I bet your gamercard (Live ID) will be able to be compared to someone elses across your Vista and XBOX games. See your favorite kind of music.... There's just so may ways this could go.

Got to go and hope I'm selected as the winner!!!

[aPEX]

I love the Zune interface but couldnt afford one right yet. Based on things I've read I think if they can boost the wi-fi range and or allow it to link to access points in cafe's and somehow incorporate msn messenger into it, it would be great.

I know Cell phones has msn or aim, but c'mon why pay when you can do it free.

[prprush1]

The best thing I like about the zune is the case and the Hi-light colour. The brown colour is great im so tired with all the standerd black and white. :cool:

[Timothy Huber]

The best feature for me is the handling of album art - the support for embedded art and the use of the full screen rather than a tiny thumbnail.

Timothy

[Chris Gohlke]

I like the big screen compared to the iPod.

[Jon Childs]

The screen looks really nice

[velvet elvis]

here are a few things i like about the zune... navigation, screen, integration with 360, the promise of future updates, album art while playing, i have one (never owned and ipod). on the downside, i dont know anybody else who has one, yet. so, no song sharing.

one more thing i like, the community that finds hack and helps others, thanks guys...

just my "thoughts" on what i like about the zune...

[Dyvim]

I like the big screen and the nice looking UI.

[MarxMarvelous]

I like that the case is made out of a fingerprint and scratch resistant material :)

[shillua]

I really lilke the idea of the subscription music service and the nice, big screen!

[marvi1]

That lovely LARGE screen!;)

[Camjpn]

I tried the Zune at BestBuy, and love how nice it feels in your hands, and the big screen is also a huge plus :)

[DesertLarry]

I love the casing of the zune. It's so soft and smooth. :)

[anonymous]

My favorate feature is that not a penny of my hard earned money will go to arrogant Steve Jobs.

A close second is the easy to use interface.

-Anon

[egads]

I really like the construction of the Zune. It's tough and feels nice to hold.
The short time that I played with one I knew I would be getting one some day...

[lt8x7]

The number ONE reason I like the Zune is because it is not made by Apple.

The number ONE reason why I would like to win this Zune giveaway is that I would like to be the first person in my country to have a Zune.

[ale_ers]

Accessories. Not being in the ipod camp may mean that I can still get a great player, but I have always been jealous of their accessories. I know the Zune only has a fraction of the accessories that the ipod has, but out of the gate, it already has more than my wife's Creative player and my sensa combined.

[David]

Has to be the cool interface. :)

[donc36]

For me, my favorite part of the zune is the screen. Being on the other side of the age of 40, its becoming more important to me with each passing year! :D

[disast1ckup]

I most like the twist navigation feature

[yoda16]

I like the bigger screen to watch video.

[bandersnatch]

I just like the way it felt in my hand at Best Buy. I also liked the user interface. Didn't think I would, but I did.

[jltuv]

I also enjoy easy of transfering podcast to it.;)

[Adam Krebs]

I love the extra screen space for the twist interface. the morphs and glides between menus (and the ability to tap the back button on the home screen to get back to now playing) are incredible, and make iPod owners jealous/want to get one.

[Saint_Jouten]

The Zune is my mp3/video player of choice for many reasons. But if I had to only choose just one reason as my favorite, it would be:

User Interface.

Meaning, I can choose how I want to find songs/videos/pictures, but I can also customize my background as well.

Whenever I let other people check out my Zune, they love the 'double shot' effect but the first thing they notice is my customized background and how they wished their iPod could do that. Then they navigate through the UI and state how they love the simplicity and how fast and efficient the interface is. Then they look at pictures, videos (and compliment the screen size), they also love the radio and it's 'ID' features. When they check out the music, they then ask me why they never heard of this product before? The most common comment I get is, "It's very nice and if I didn't have an iPod, I would have chosen this Zune."

Microsoft has done very well in my opinion with their first effort into the mp3/video player market. It is very nice to have a viable, if not better, option then the iPod now.

If I win this Zune, I will give this gift from you to a friend or family member. I couldn't think of a better gift to spread a little joy this holiday season and help spread the Zune's reputation and capabilities as a mp3/video player at the same time.

Thank you

[shawnj]

There are a couple things I like about the Zune

1. Large screens are sexy, it makes it much easier to browse through a large number of songs.

2. The control scheme style works great.

3. The Zune business strategy is designed for the long haul, and looks like it's a clone of the xbox business strategy. I expect there to be support for a long time, with a stream of accessory products to make the Zune better :)

[Dr. X]

The combination of the interface and that big, beautiful screen

[anthonysimilion]

I'm still running on a Sony Walkman (with built in cassette player!). It has the FM Radio, which is very important to me - so the Zune's built in FM radio is excellent.

[jeffgrado]

I like the durable plastic they used for the body.

[Rushmore72]

By far the best features of the Zune are the screen and durablility. The user interface is also much better than any other I have seen. I have had 3 iPods so far and have been very happy with the 1G Zune. :)

[Caracarn]

For me the user interface is also the thing I like most about the zune. The larger screen makes this even better.

[rw6828]

The feature I like the most with the Zune is the ability to stream music to other Zune's and the Xbox 360.

[Blitzkrieg]

So what's the best feature? I'd say the radio... I listen to as much radio as I listen to my mp3 collection. And sure the WiFi features has plenty of possibilities, just give the community enough time to unlock them all :D . We already have the registry hack to use it as a portable hard drive, so lets transfer videos and music directly from your computer wirelessly :D

So my best feature is Radio, followed by WiFi.

[mtnman2888]

While the large screen is definitely a major plus, the ability to wirelessly share songs is what excites me the most. I know that it is limited right now, but the potential is there to reshape the whole landscape in my opinion.

While they definitely didn't come out of the gates batting 1.00, i think microsoft has really come out with a quality player that does the majority of things better than the ipod and they seem to have all their ducks in a row.

[mtnman2888]

While the large screen is definitely a major plus, the ability to wirelessly share songs is what really gets me excited. I know that as of right now it is quite limited, but the potential is there to change the landscape or portable music players in my opinion.

Microsoft seems to have it's ducks in a row and is ready to give ipod a serious fight.....

[Robert]

Without a doubt it would have to be the scratch resistant casing; no need to spend money on a case!

[adrian]

I especially like the ability to share music.

[alenzini]

The user interface.

[fablex]

The reason I want a Zune is because of its good interface and integration with Xbox 360. The larger screen is also very nice to have.

Would love to win, since the Zune isn't coming here until at least end of next year, and I really want one :D

[Super King]

My favorite aspect of the Zune is the nice interface, particularly the ability to set a custom wallpaper. My friend got a brown Zune and it was quite fun just messing around with the background pic :)

[Emz]

For me the fact that the Zune is built on the same evolving software platform as the Xbox 360, makes it a winner in my book. The inclusion of Wi-Fi is really inovative, and u just cant beat the fact that I can hook it up to my Xbox 360 :D

I have looked at DMPs before and this is the first one that holds my intrest I mean they even remebered the FM radio .... sweet !!

[Faulkner]

It's has an FM tuner! The radio isn't dead and microsoft knows this which is great!

[Covert]

I like the (nearly) full-screen album art.

(It's not too late to enter, is it?)

[Chain Gang Soldier]

My favorite part of the zune is probably the 3 inch screen, so i can watch movies better than iPod video.

[asianrapper]

I really want the zune, but Idon't have the money. I'll be willing to do anything for the zune. I used to have an ipod video, but it broke and now I don't have anything, so if you really want to part with that zune please give it to me. Thanks:)

[asianrapper]

The zune has to be the best portable media player out there besides the big clunky ones. And the screen is awesome.:)

[jdmountford]

We are only asked for one thing, but there really are so many things that I like about the Zune. The biggest things are the interface and the screen size, but I also really like the housing and the buttons. It is just easy to use and works well. Lastly I like that there is a chance though admittedly small, that I could win one from my favorite (and nearly only) source of Zune info.

[Sage]

My favourite feature is the subscription-based music service. :)

[PeeVee]

The best things about the Zune are its screen size and its durabtilty. The iPod is very easily scratched and the Zune sounds like its made of diamond next to it! :)

[fone_fanatci]

these giveaways are always fun! too bad i misspelt my desired username... oh well fanatci... (fan at shee? maybe) haha

I really like how MS implemented Wifi, definately, would like to see what the hacker community will be able to do with that.

[SuperRR]

My favorite part about the zune is that you can see album art in almost FULL screen. Also its see-thought outer case looks sweet...:D

[take2]

The user interface is sweet as butter.

I have really been enjoying the Zune Pass. I can't get enough of it

[Darin]

I have to agree with the general sentiment that the UI is superior. However, the best thing the Zune has going for it is the community (no I don't mean "Welcome to the social"). The group of users/developers that historically support MS products are of a different mindset. Apple users believe that Apple has created the best product possible so why change perfection? MS users tend to be of the attitude "thats great but..." so change is required. I think that third party hacks/apps/uses for the Zune will come faster and in greater quantity then they did for the iPod.

[LHunter]

I love the big, bright screen. You can't beat it!

[SwankyHanky]

I love the Zune because it will let me squirt songs to my friends :)

[chivespa1]

I like the Zune because it includes an FM radio and 802.11 connectivity. I'm wondering if it could be used to play internet radio on my home stereo. I don't think it's currently setup to allow this but I think an app could be written to allow for that. Anyhow, I like the Zune design and hope to one day own one, particularly a free one.

[lostsubtleties]

for me, one simple reason is definitely the LARGE BRIGHT 3 INCH SCREEN. The feature not only differentiates it from the iPod and it complements the visual aspects of whatever u put into your Zune ! ( Never mind the same resolution people have always argued about! ) :)

[onlydarksets]

Watching TV shows and movies on the train!

[tal]

My top feature is the very nice user interface. And if the screen is really that sturdy - that would be great, too!

Not really a feature: I really hope Microsoft can bring back some competition to this market.

[williamc]

My favorite feature isn't necessarily revolutionary, but it does seem essential and remains surprisingly absent from the stock iPod: FM Radio.

In 2001, I was working at a construction site in downtown Chicago. When the September attacks occurred, the entire crew had only NPR to keep us informed of the morning's events. Finding a radio, however, took us about a half-hour. I don't think I'll ever forget Robert Siegel's voice describing the events, and now I try to keep a portable radio with me on the daily commute as much as is possible.

This pretty heavy story aside, I currently carry around two mp3 players: a scratched-up 20GB iPod, and a flash--based Rio Cali (which includes FM). It seems silly not to see more players integrating stylish presentation with the ultimate 'social' of radio; the Zune seems a perfect mix.

So that's my story, and my take on one of the things about the Zune that makes it hard to say no to.

[tmL]

I hope I get this Zune! My friend has the brown one and it's so nice. Some things I like about it:
1) The feel. I prefer it to the ipod. It may be bigger but its not as dense and feels...just better somehow. The size of it doesn't bother me at all (again, I think I prefer it to the ipod). I wish I knew what material they used to make it. It's smooth, but not shiny (I don't really like the 'shiny' look) and the double shot makes it look even better.
2) The 3 inch screen. I watch movies. A lot. I've tried watching some on my brother's Ipod video but my eyes hurt halfway through the movie, which sucks. I borrowed my friend's Zune during a track meet and watch a full movie without my eyes getting irritated at all. The .5 inch makes a big difference to me.
3) Customization. This is a great idea by Microsoft. I love the fact that I can set a background. That simple thing makes it so much cooler!
4) The D-Pad. I honestly hate the ipods scroll wheel. When I use my brother's ipod, I always have to scroll down, then scroll back up, then down again since I apparently scrolled 'too fast' and it shot past the menu I wanted. The d-pad is much easier to use and just as fast as the clickwheel, but more accurate.
5) Last but not least, the wifi. I know some people say it's useless, but they aren't thinking about the future. Sure, for NOW it may be useless, but if Microsoft makes this thing work (which I think they will), then someday it may be as common as the ipod (or at lesat hold 50% of the market share). Once this day comes, the wifi will be a valuable tool for people. Also, my friend already has a Zune and another one of mine is getting one for Christmas. That means I can actually USE the wifi. The restrictions on songs do suck, but I'll mainly be using the wifi to send pictures, which would otherwise have to be sent online and synced if not for the wifi. I think this has great potential.

I really, really, really love the Zune and I'm hoping to get one soon, hopefully for free ;)
Good luck to everyone else too.

[manywhere]

The large screen is something I like to see. If it is as good as it looks on photo, then I'll probably like it even more for viewing videos and TV shows. '

:)

[ProzacMessiah]

My favorite feature is the improved sound quality over the iPod.

[Lime]

Since hearing about Argo, and then Zune being confirmed sometime in August, I've been constantly updating myself with the Zune. Unforunately enough, I do not own one yet, but I'm confident that I can give a pretty good insight on some of the features that I personally like (and am hoping to take advantage of! :D) and those that I'm sure will be beneficial to the general consumers.

First off, probably my favorite part of the Zune is the 3" screen. For an MP3/PMP player, this is a heck of a screen. I've seen some of my friends holding their irivers and their iPod videos, but I've tried to hold myself back from purchasing these, as I knew that there will be bigger screens coming out. If there aren't huge size differences, why not make the screen a bit bigger? It is proven that if we look into smaller screens, our sights will go bad. I'm extremely thankful of Microsoft for actually increasing that screen size. 3" is great, considering how the Zune probably fits in your pocket (once again, I cannot confirm on this one, since Zune isn't sold outside of US. :().

The custom backgrounds are also just pure awesome. iriver and Samsung have address this issue. Apple, I haven't seen one done yet. Creative, I don't know anyone with it, so I can't comment. But I can't stress how important custom backgrounds are. Custom backgrounds give a unique personality to the Zune, even if you don't own a Vaja customized case for your Zune. It gives your Zune that little magical touch that other Zunes won't have. This custom background feature just has to come real close on being my favorite, along with the 3" screen.

Something that I'm not too sure about, but am pretty sure from reading the Zune Thoughts thoughts :P, is the Wifi feature. I believe that the Wifi feature can be updated too? :eek: That is just amazing in my opinion. I'm not too sure about if the Wifi feature will be able to support a further wireless connection with the upgrades to the firmwares, but just the fact that it even exists, catches my attention. Now, I won't have to connect my player to the PC, and then connect my friends player to the PC for him/her to receive the song. I like Microsoft's efficiency here! ;)

Last but not least, the UI. This is something that many people have already mentioned, but I'd like to mention it once again, since it is just purely awesome. :) I've seen some clips of Zune users scrolling their listing styles sideways. Where above the album list, you can actually move sideways so that you're actually viewing the songs now. This is original. Consumers like myself want something original. What's better is this is original, yet simple and easy to adapt to (once again, not my experience on the adapting part here). I can't wait to get hold of a Zune sometime to check it out.

The Zune will probably catch my attention further when their updates, not the tweaks, come early 2007.

It's about time that a new kid on the block puts some serious pressure on the iPod, eh? :P

Thanks!

[trezun]

The features that I like about the zune is the audio and video quality, This would help me on my twice a day one hour comute!

[michael]

I have been holding out on a dedicated music player, limping along with my Axim X50v and plain old CDs. So, getting a free Zune would propel me into the present and give me a reason to check the "Copy CD when inserted" and "Eject CD when copying completed" options in Windows Media Player.

As far as features go, the main advantage over my X50v is a great big hard drive that will hold my entire library at present. Maybe the audio will be better too. ;)

[The Yaz]

My favorite feature in the Zune is the large screen area. I have The Lord of the Rings reduced to 240x320 and it will look a lot better on the Zune than on the 5g iPod.

Thanks for the opportunity to compete for the newest iPod beater!

Steve :cool:

[3suark]

Im a longtime gadgeteer, loving to be a firsttime user of something .... back in the past starting with os/2 before it was even released :)
For windows experience it started for me back with windows 95, over to win me and other landing for some time at windows 2000.....

Beside that i love new hardware. Starting with Mobiles, that look like a brick, over to handhelds and older mp3 player.

Maybe a Zune come in :) for may gadgetheard .......


blessings, 3suark

[Kicks]

The one thing I like about the Zune the most is just how well the navigation is laid out. It is so simple to set a playlist to shuffle mode that it's not even funny. The iPod required several steps and had to be set globally (unless they've changed that) whereas the Zune gives you the option with the tap of a button.

[Nickc]

Hey Mate,
My Name is Nick Chaplin im 17 and im from Australia, i have been given and bought alot of mp3 players in the past few years. All have unsuccessfully met my standards. All the screens were far to small for watching videos on my long trips to school and back. Now finally the Zune is perfect for what i need. My Previous iPod was ridicules i couldnt see anything on the screen. Even though the Zunes Screen is only 1/2 an inch bigger i think it will be a great help for watching videos.

[Crystal3]

The beautiful interface, the great sound, the sturdy body!!!

[wwwcoder]

Simple, for the new cool gadget factor. Something to break out during a conversation and say "hey look at what I got".

Also being a Redmond fanboy, I just want it.

[desemondez]

Favourite feature for me is DEFINATELY the album art :) That feature alone is enough to make a guy like me drool :p

[squirrelking]

The is user interface is my favorite thing about the Zune. It puts my Ipod to shame!

[wills]

It has to be the wifi feature of the zune that's the killer for me - what new things are round the corner that will be added to the zune hardwaree...

[izune]

What i like about Zune is built in radio and WiFi. This is what's the most exciting about Microsofts device ;)

[Jason Dunn]

Ok gang, thread over and done with - I'm doing the drawing now. And the winner is...[check the front page]

[SwankyHanky]

I dont see it anywhere.

[gab0]

there's one thing i love about zune: sound quality. never heard any DAP that blow my head with bass as zune did. also, i miss my stolen zune. 5 guys took mine and ran with it :(.. anyway, zune rocked my days till then :(

[r4lph]

I really enjoy the HUGE and BRILLIANT screen to watch LOST series in my way to work

[carbonfree314]

I was a little skeptical of the Zune at first, namely because of my track record with Microsoft's other products, but when a friend of mine bought one, I had to see what it did. Quite honestly, the interface blows the iPod's out of the water. It was incredibly easy to navigate and way more intuitive.

[Jason Dunn]

People, people...the contest is long over. ;)