Zune 30 GB Review - Performance
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The Zune and its software seem to perform well together. The user can rip CDs into the Zune software program at up to 192 kbps. Putting music into the Zune from the computer takes about an average amount of time. It will be nice to see how fast this works when Microsoft implements WiFi capability into the process.
Navigation through the menu system is very snappy and responsive. The processor inside the Zune seems to work quite quickly, which is nice. This makes start-up times for the Zune very quick, with only a slight hesitation.
The sound quality of the Zune is excellent, and comparable to its best competitors. The included earbud headphones produce a nice range of highs and lows, and can get quite loud with minimal distortion. The power that the Zune produces can easily accommodate larger headphones, if necessary.
The video playback is as impressive as the sound quality. Videos are smooth and relatively detailed, and the three inch screen means that you are not straining your eyes to watch the video.
The Zune is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery, which performs at par. The manufacturer estimated battery life is 14 hours, but with the WiFi turned on this number falls a bit. Video playback is rated at about four hours. The somewhat low battery life is not a surprise considering the large three inch LCD screen and the WiFi feature, which both suck a lot of power out of the battery.
Summary
The 30 GB Zune is quite an impressive player. I love the design and color choices available, as well as the easy to use interface that is stylish and fun. The sound quality is tough to beat at the $200 price level. The coolest part of this player is the WiFi sharing capabilities, but it is pretty much useless unless you know someone else with a Zune with whom you can share files.
Overall, I like the Zune a lot, but I would like to see some improvements in the future. I would like to see the WiFi capability expanded, a wider selection of formats which are compatible, and the ability to use the Zune to transfer a wide range of files to the computer, much like a flash drive. I believe that Microsoft is addressing these issues, and when they do, the Zune will be tough to beat by any competitor, even the almighty iPod!
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