For those of you that have been interested in a Zune HD, I picked one up yesterday. It is an amazing media player, and if you have parallels installed with windows, it is very usable. I started windows 7 on the MBA with parallels, then downloaded and installed the Zune software. Once the Zune was connected, the software automatically updated the Zune firmware and all was good. The only thing I could not get to work was wireless syncing. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice to have this working. I also tried connecting the Zune without windows running, but the MBA never saw it, nor did iTunes. I expected it would be seen as a removable drive and allow manually moving video and music to, but no go. It is also setup out-of-the-box to be unusable, like an ipod, until it is connected for the first time. So without a windows installation, it is useless. Although it is an extremely nice unit, I decided to return it today due to it being so limited without windows. But I must say, the following were appealing:
1. It is a stunning design. Very industrial, and much lighter then the ipod touch. Has an executive look and feel.
2. Multi touch was VERY fast and fluid.
3. The accelerometer was VERY responsive.
4. It just fits your hand better then an ipod Touch. Small, thin and very comfortable to use.
5. The web browser is very nice. Pinch zoom was fast, and panning with a finger was very nice. Very "ipod touch like".
6. The HD radio was very nice. My first experience with HD radio.
7. Video on that screen is stunning.
8. Build quality is very high. Feels light, but tight.
Things I did not like:
1. No bluetooth. Very disappointing. This was a deal killer for me. Being able to use with bluetooth external stereo speakers/headphones should be standard by now for a high-end player like this. Plus I wanted to be able to use PAN to connect to my cell for web access on the go (like with my Nokia N810 and MBA).
2. I could not get wireless sync working, not a big deal since I would have to start windows every time I wanted to use it anyway, but still disappointing. Probably a setup issue on my machine, not MS fault.
3. No email capability. Maybe this will come with more apps, but out-of-box, nothing.
All in all, it was a nice experience. Unboxing was very "Apple like". The player was wrapped in the same plastic covering as a new MBA. There was a pull tab to remove it from the box (like the MBA), and the box was laid out in an Apple sort of way. MS is obviously mimicking Apple more then ever. It is almost shameful to some extent. But I am sure we all know the old saying...
1. It is a stunning design. Very industrial, and much lighter then the ipod touch. Has an executive look and feel.
2. Multi touch was VERY fast and fluid.
3. The accelerometer was VERY responsive.
4. It just fits your hand better then an ipod Touch. Small, thin and very comfortable to use.
5. The web browser is very nice. Pinch zoom was fast, and panning with a finger was very nice. Very "ipod touch like".
6. The HD radio was very nice. My first experience with HD radio.
7. Video on that screen is stunning.
8. Build quality is very high. Feels light, but tight.
Things I did not like:
1. No bluetooth. Very disappointing. This was a deal killer for me. Being able to use with bluetooth external stereo speakers/headphones should be standard by now for a high-end player like this. Plus I wanted to be able to use PAN to connect to my cell for web access on the go (like with my Nokia N810 and MBA).
2. I could not get wireless sync working, not a big deal since I would have to start windows every time I wanted to use it anyway, but still disappointing. Probably a setup issue on my machine, not MS fault.
3. No email capability. Maybe this will come with more apps, but out-of-box, nothing.
All in all, it was a nice experience. Unboxing was very "Apple like". The player was wrapped in the same plastic covering as a new MBA. There was a pull tab to remove it from the box (like the MBA), and the box was laid out in an Apple sort of way. MS is obviously mimicking Apple more then ever. It is almost shameful to some extent. But I am sure we all know the old saying...
