After a short time with the Zune, I wanted to post my initial impression before they get out of my head. (I have alot of things I am looking at this week) <ul> <li>Packaging - Superb, one of the coolest boxes around. Looking good so far huh?</li> <li>Included in the box</li> <ul> <li>The Headphones are decent. They are as decent as those that came with the iPod and the Dell DJ. </li> <li>Documentation is good.</li> <li>CD - Haven't installed application yet.</li> <li>14 Day trial - seems cool, but will check it out when I install software.</li> <li>Little Carrying pouch - who cares? It's ok though.</li></ul> <li>The Zune</li> <ul> <li>The looks. Well, this doesn't impress me much. The pictures made it look better, but the translucent outer shell doesn't make it "sexy". To me, and many others I am sure, it doesn't matter as long as it works and the screen is nice.</li> <li>Construction - Time will tell, but it feels somewhat cheap feeling. </li> <li>Design - The look of the iPod Scroll Wheel is not needed. Since they are buttons anyhow, there was no need to make it look like a Scroll Wheel. The layout works. The buttons are all easily reached one-handing the Zune. The buttons on the left and right of the Scroll Wheel look-a-like have a raised circle around it to help find your place in the dark I guess. The Black version is the nicest looking so far. I do not like the white versions contrasting black buttons. The lines where the upper and lower housings come together on the sides has a seam you can feel. One thing I do like about the iPod is its solid feel.</li> <li>The Screen - This is where my money is. The screen is fantastic. Bright, Large, and I just like it!!!</li> <li>Performance - whatever they got in there is running this big screen quite nicely. As Gizmodo says, "It scrolls like Butter".</li> <li>Sound - Perfect with the <a href="http://www.mobilitysite.com/articles/link.php?id=335" target="_blank">Xtrememac FS1 Ear Monitors</a>, the Sony $89.00 headphones I have, and the <a href="http://www.ultimateears.com/superfi/superfi-5-Pro-white.htm" target="_blank">Ultimate Ears</a> I got at Mobius.</li></ul></ul> <strong>What is left?<br></strong>What is left to say? Time will tell on its use. So far, I am ready to jump on board, but it still depends on some variables. I need to see how this works with theZune Marketplace and other services, as wellas how it does with myOriginal MP3 library (most of which came fromactual CDs) Battery life needs tested. Does it slow down considerably when packed full of media? Either way, I give the Zune an initial C+ on efforts of its own merit. I will bump that to B- since it'snot an iPod
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