RSSFlash-based Zunes get cheaper
By Tim Conneally | Published November 19, 2008, 11:49 AM
Microsoft's Zune 3.0 lineup, which was launched only two months ago, has received a price cut this week, knocking the 4 GB model below $100 for the holidays.
The still-new flash-based Zune 3.0 line was officially released on September 16, debuting the media player's fresh "Buy from FM" feature and wireless connectivity to Zune Marketplace. The launch was at about the same time the iPod refresh, which has become September protocol for Apple.
Similarly, last year's Zune price reduction also coincided with the iPod update, and at the time was remarked as a normal part of the product cycle. Though this reduction in Zune prices may be a bit early in the product's life cycle, it will nonetheless serve to attract consumers the device, which Microsoft has historically touted as having extremely high user satisfaction.
The reductions drive the flash-based Zune 4 GB down to $99.99, 8 GB to $139.99, and the 16 GB to $179.99. The HDD-based Zune 80 and Zune 120 retain their original $229 and $249 price tags.
Actually "fatty" the zune interface on your computer is fantastic. Very easy to use and real slick looking from an aesthetic point of view. I highly recommend. I have owned both the IPOD and Zune and I must say the zune is a better buy for your buck and now more affordable than ever. The only disadvantage is they don't have a wide range of accessories that the IPOD has killed the market with (Soundocks, cases, etc.). I think people will soon realize they don't have to follow apple propaganda like slaves. Fancy commercials just don't cut it anymore.
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|Make the Zune work with iPod direct connect docks and devices and I'll buy 5 of them. My 80GB iPod is to the point where you can't fast scroll A-Z no matter how fast you move around the wheel.
What a POS. It also took a full 27 minutes after the battery completely died to boot up after being plugged into the USB to charge. $300+ junk.
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|I guess they had to do something. No one is buying the Zune in any format...it is a total failure. Guess that is why Microsoft does not put their name on it.
Lousy hardware, and bloated, buggy software just can not compete with the finely tuned Apple iPod and iTunes.
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|"Lousy hardware, and bloated, buggy software just can not compete with the finely tuned Apple iPod and iTunes."
Now that's funny!!
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|Finely tuned itunes?? have you used itunes recently?
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|HAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAA, wow, man that was great. Finally tuned itunes. haa
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|Love my 80 gig. They released new firmware 3.1 today. Time for my favorite thing: updating!!
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|Luv my Zune 80, and glad to see iSheep converting to what is, at least currently, a better product.
Tomorrow might have a different story, but today Zune>iPod
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|In all ways but sales.
ooops...
LOL!
One wonders just who these folks are trying to convince? ...Those fanatically loyal to their lousy low fi device on the one hand, or those who feel compelled to justify their minority purchase on the other hand?
And more fundamentally, why do they feel the need to justify their actions and worry about that which they don't use?
Funny, why is this tact ignored as well by the majority who buy Windows!
Its hilarious to watch both sides employ the same rationale as the group they dismiss on differing product groups - Windows and OSX on the one hand, and the iPod and iPhone on the other.
How about folks just using the one they like and quit worrying what others are using.
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|I like my wife's Zune better than my ipod. The devices are roughly comparable, but the Zune software is light years ahead of itunes.
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|I agree. Zune has attracted so many Crapple iPod users which includes me too. Even their Zune software is much better than bloated Crapple iTunes. It's a Crapple iPod killer
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|"A Crappie iPod killer" indeed.
You might want to refine your wording a bit! LOL!
Evidently the market concurs.
LOL!
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|I love my Zune and plan on getting the 120 gig here soon but to be realistic, I have to agree with foxfyre on this, its not an "ipod" killer but if MS does promise to not abandon the product, eventually it could cause a dent.
Plus more sales does not mean better, otherwise Windows would be the greatest OS ever and we know its not.
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