Zune - First Impressions
July 24, 2008 | 9:40 pm
Yesterday I finally got my Zune Kit from Matchstick. I was excited to be one of 300 people in Canada to receive the Zune, even though some in the blogging community haven’t been too happy with Matchstick lately.
The kit came with a 8gb Black Zune model, an AC adapter and a premium headphones. The packaging is fairly neutral in colour combining earthy browns with some pink accent colours. I found it fairly trendy. Like the Apple iPod, the Zune comes with the standard headphones and a USB cord to connect it your PC.
Now I work with an Apple, and as such the Zune doesn’t support a Mac. I have to run my Windows XP on a virtual computer to access the software which will activate the Zune and allow me to upload my music, video and photo files.
There were a few problems I found when trying to install the software. First it asks you to log in using your Windows ID account, if you have Hotmail or MSN you should be fine, otherwise you have to create one. Secondly after you finish with that, you are asked to create a “Zune Tag” name. I tried to enter my name alone, but it wanted me to add something “funky” before it, so I settled for “WateryGusF”. After this it actually allowed me to download the Zune software. The installation took between 30-40 minutes, which I thought was too much to install software on your computer. You are then required to reboot, but once I did that, my virtual machine froze and I had to reinstall Windows XP all over again and go through the process. Please note, if you do not have the Windows XP Service Pack 3, you will not be able to download the Zune Software and activate your Zune.
After finally installing and activating the Zune I became a happy man.
I uploaded a couple of CD’s and the process wasn’t too bad, but you do have to “sync” your Zune afterwards. Granted I haven’t read any manuals, so I’m going with the flow - so to speak.
The screen is fairly bright and offers a great experience. The centre “wheel” looks similar to an iPod, on that note, the Zune reminds me of an iPod Nano 1st and 2nd generation, with the USB and headphone connections located at the bottom of the unit. The upper side has the “hold” button.
I haven’t fully tested everything out yet, I have tested the Music, Video and Photos, all of which look great on the screen. I have tested the Radio and listened to our man Buzz Bishop from 95Crave on my way home today and was impressed to see the Zune showing the artist and song that was being played. I’m looking forward to testing out the “Social” feature and share some music with other Zune owners.
Overall I’m enjoying the unit, but keep comparing it to the iPod, which I’m sure we all will.
Hopefully I’ll update with more information as I see fit.
Update: I forgot to say that I am participating on ChatThreads, so please help me by filing out their survey
Ya, I got mine last week (thereabouts) too... Haven't had
Tanya (aka NetChick) | July 25, 2008 | 10:54 amYa, I got mine last week (thereabouts) too… Haven’t had time with all going on right now to play with it. I’ve shown it to people, though. We’ll have to try the sharing thing when I see ya next.