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There has been so much interest lately in one
particular product that just hit the market, that the results since its
release is not only a good sign at finally seeing a product that will do
well competing against what seems the
impossible, but one that apparently was unexpected by the manufacturer
itself. I'm talking about the next generation Zune HD portable media
player from Microsoft. With a breathtaking new exterior design,
excellent new user interface and powered by NVIDIA Tegra within, this new
PMP has it all and is nothing like the somewhat unimpressive models the
company has released. It is, according to a majority, in a level of
its own in comparison to all options on the market today.
Packaging & Contents
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Like some of their previous models, you can tell some thought goes into its
packaging and the one on the Zune HD is no exception. The player ships with plenty of
documentation, a USB interface cable and cheap earbuds that include some
pretty damn colorful foam covers.
Design
Its physical design is nothing like its predecessors and one to behold.
It is that breathtaking and one that has even been desired over the
appealing, unmistakable options from its main competitor.
Before I even get to the pics and cover its impressive design in detail, I
would like to importantly cover not only the models currently available, but
make a few comments regarding Microsoft's horrible marketing approach
regarding their availability.
Rather than keeping it simple by releasing a black and silver model in both
capacities, Microsoft chose to release their 16GB model in black and their
32GB model in silver. Personally, I think it should have at least been
the opposite and if you have done enough research, you'll find many will
agree with me. This basically means that you only have these options
if you decide to purchase one from any local store and mostly all online
shops. However, like their previous models, you do have one other
option and that is Zune Originals. From this website, you can highly
customize your player at no extra charge and also acquire one in a
different color. The problem though? Microsoft took a
rather idiotic approach here, all of which I will elaborate on in my final
thoughts.
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Upon first glance, you'll be amazed by its size. It actually looks
larger in pictures and hard to depict just how small it really is. The
Zune HD measures in at 52.7 mm x 102.1 mm x 8.9 mm and is incredibly
light as well (just 2.6 ounces). However, it is solidly built,
sporting an aluminum housing and high quality finish. The front is
where you'll find the spectacular 3.3-inch 16:9 OLED color display that
sports
480 x 272 pixels. The glass, according to the official specs, is
scratch-resistant but I would still recommend a screen protector for it. The display dominates the front and there is only
one button located directly below it. Now, one interesting comment I'd
like to make regarding the back housing is that if you purchase it from Zune
Originals, it will not have the Zune logo etched on it. It's just a
solid, un-etched housing, unless you customize it with text and/or art of course!
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You'll only find one button on the side of the player as well. This is
the volume control that is located on the left hand side. The middle
section of each side is also grooved for some minor grip support.
Microsoft just had to throw in some cheesy text on the side as well, reading
"hello from seattle". Also interesting to note is that this device has
a very personal meaning to the company and it is actually dedicated to
someone. For those that like to take gadgets apart, you'll actually
find this dedication engraved inside in memory of someone in their team who
did unfortunately pass away. I personally think that was extremely
kind of them and most certainly a nice gesture.
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On
the top is where you'll find the power button located right on the center.
On the bottom is where you'll find the proprietary interface connector and a
standard 3.5mm headphone jack.
Overall, its design is highly impressive and I'm sure you'll agree the
second you hold it in your hands.
Specifications
Below are the specs for the specific model featured here...
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