Critique: Microsoft Zune players, Zune 4.0 software, and ZunePass Music Service

If we were a commercial show, we’d sing something like “All we are saying is give Zune a chance.” Computer programmer (and rumored private detective) Matt Hard joins Tim for a discussion of the user experience of Microsoft’s Zune media players, Zune 4.0 software, and the Zune Pass music rental service. Born in ridicule, the Zune ecosystem has matured into something so good that Tim did not want to return Matt’s kindly lent Zune8GB and ZuneHD players. Intrigued? Read on…

* Both guys preferred the Zune flash player to their old iPod Nanos. Listen to find out why.

* The ZuneHD has a terrific screen and touch user interface that Matt likes, but that Tim isn’t so keen on. Listen to the reasons for their widely differing perspectives.

* The Zune 4.0 software is terrific for music, but stinks for podcasts. Hear how a dreadful installation experience almost made Tim give up on even trying the Zune.

* The Zune Pass service is more rent-to-own than rent, a great idea that was almost ruined by a terrible trial experience that Tim rants about.

You can find out more about the Zune at www.Zune.net. You can try the software for free to see what we’re oohing and ahhing about.

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