Zune HD Originals Starting to Arrive

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archives/2009/09/zune-hd-originals-are-arriving.php' target='_blank'>http://www.anythingbutipod.com/arch...re-arriving.php</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"FedEx is starting to drop off the long awaited (read: delayed) customized Zune Originals direct from Microsoft's factories in China. Those who ordered a Zune Original as an express order got a little treat for their patience in putting up with the delay- $15 credit to be spent in the Zune Marketplace."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/zt/auto/1254265388.usr1.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>Finally, someone with some photography skills gets their hands on a Zune Originals device! You can always count on Grahm Skee from anythingbutipod to know how to take a good picture. Check out the gallery for all the pics - it's amazing how the blue looks so different depending on the angle. I haven't ordered a Zune Originals yet because I'm worried I won't like the colours...I know I already don't like any of the art designs. Honestly, I'm pretty disappointed with the Originals this time around - I can't understand why the Zune team would change what was such a successful collection of colours and designs from last time. I think I'm going to stick with the 16 GB black Zune HD for now and wait for a 64 GB model in better colours and designs. I know, it might be a long wait...</p>

[Ricardo Dawkins]

Honestly, I'm pretty disappointed with the Originals this time around - I can't understand why the Zune team would change what was such a successful collection of colours and designs from last time.
They are losing money since Zune HD is sold at loss. They removed a lot of the niceties about the originals (No poster, no pouch, no premium earphones) expecting to lower the huge money loss by getting rid of these.


I think I'm going to stick with the 16 GB black Zune HD for now and wait for a 64 GB model in better colours and designs. I know, it might be a long wait...
I think if you wait too long all Zune HD will be gone making your only option the 64GB IPod Touch.

[David Tucker]

I hope you're wrong Ricardo :(

[mrozema]

I dig the blue, but like Jason I'll wait for a 64GB model to appear first.

[The Yaz]

I've made my pitch to my wife to get me the 16gb Zune HD as my Cristmas present. When the kids got my wife a 16gb Nano for her Birthday, it was my job to reorganize her music collection since she currently had 27gb used on the old Picture iPod.

What I realized is that 16gb is reasonable if you breakdown your selections into manged playlists and change them as needed. I wouldn't mind the 32gb, but another $100 would put it outside of the limit my wife and I determine for gifts to each other...

I'm not sure that Microsoft even sees the need for a larger Zune, so I would not hold my breath for one :confused:

Steve

[David Tucker]

No need for one? Strongly disagree...I have a subscription so I have access to a lot of music. May of us can't even fit our collections on 32GB devices with only music, let alone video. Its far too much work to try and decide what I want with me today (and essentially decide in the morning or the night before what I'll be listening to at work)

Music i need in the moment.

[Jason Dunn]

They are losing money since Zune HD is sold at loss.

That's an interesting statement. How do you know that for a fact?

[mrozema]

No need for one? Strongly disagree...I have a subscription so I have access to a lot of music. May of us can't even fit our collections on 32GB devices with only music, let alone video. Its far too much work to try and decide what I want with me today (and essentially decide in the morning or the night before what I'll be listening to at work)

Music i need in the moment.
Same here. I don't have the subscription (I live in Canada), but I do have a large collection of music that I like to take with me. Large enough that I needed to upgrade from the Zune 30 to 80.
I don't care to pick and choose. I've been in that boat and I was always missing something I wanted to listen to. A Zune HD 64GB will make a lot of people happy.

[c_rex]

Got my blue 32 today. Was pleasantly surprised that the blue was of the 'stormy' variety rather than a 'candy' color. Gave it a charge, synced it, dropped it in a ziploc baggy and hit the road for a 50 mile bike ride. When I got home I found my Ghost Armor in the mailbox, another pleasant surprise.

While the UI had me a bit baffled as a first time Zuner (Zunie?) the sound quality was amazing compared to my iPod. Also, the Zune software has the iTunes software beat in a no contest way, imho. Once I conquer the learning curve I'll be able to hand off my iPods to my 7 y.o. and 3 y.o. to keep them happy on longer trips. :p

The Ghost Armor is... well we'll just have to wait and see. I've read that it can take a day or two to 'cure'. There were no bubbles on install but I can see quite a few marks that look like glue smears on the underside of the display cover. Also- the long, thin button cover on the face was so stuck to the paper it was sent on that I had to dig at it with what little finger nails I have. As a result I tweeked one end of it. And I followed their instruction as to not using the spray on the small buttons. That was a mistake- use the spray. Mine went on crooked and looks like Han Solo smiling at Princess Leia. Wutevah. I give it a 3 of 5 so far.