Zune HD preorder

[xclite]

It would appear that Microsoft's newest music player is almost ready to be released.
After a supposed price leak reported at MaximumPC, I received an email about preordering. It seems to be available at Amazon, Bestbuy, Walmart, and the "Microsoft Store." The 16 GB version is $219.99, while the 32 GB version is $289.99. Maybe they'll actually advertise this time - the Zune has always been an excellent, feature-rich player.

Here is the preorder link!

The player is also apparently available from Newegg.

[Concerned Citizen]

Apple are going to decrease their pricing to $199/16GB, $299/32GB, $399/64GB a week before the Zune HD is released. The Zune HD's screen is definitely a selling point, but I doubt most people even know what OLED is.

[ua549]

I'm waiting for the zPhone.

[MrDigital]

"The Zune HD will come with a specially designed version of Internet Explorer Mobile."

Oh Jesus. I hope it's better than that horribly obsolete POS IE that comes with Windows Mobile.

Given the overwhelming app support or the iphone/itouch it's gonna take more than just a price savings to make me buy a Zune over an iTouch. And I am looking at a new music player to replace my Sansa.

After jailbreaking a few iPhones/iTouches I'm really impressed with the little things and how well they operate. The app support is 100x better than what I get with every other mobile platform I've ever used.

When Verizon gets around to cancelling my contract since I'm outside their territory I might look into getting an iPhone. Rogers might be the only telecom worse than AT&T though. Man I hate that Apple went with GSM.

[ua549]

If there was an app that replaced iTunes, I would consider the iPhone.

Several of my relative have iPhones, some of them have 2 in order to get through a day.
They like them except for the half day battery life.

[xclite]

I already ordered one - I love my 30 Gig and the Zune software is perfect. Although it has practically no plugin support, I much prefer it to the Itunes software. Flash memory is a nice touch, my 30 gig is a hard drive so I'm afraid to do anything that involves a lot of motion with it.

And yeah, definitely hope it's a better browser.

Also, does anybody know the point of HD video out? I mean the way I see it, if you are near a device capable of receiving this signal, you are likely near something that would output it without draining batteries. I'm thinking computer monitors (computer), TV screen (game console)? What's the point?

[mynameis]

I really like my Zune 30, I have owned a couple of the 2nd Gen zunes (an 8, a 16, an 80, and a 120), but I always thought the build quality of the 1st gens was so much better. I hope the HDs have that same quality feel like the 1st gens had. I'll probably get one on day one, doubt I will go to the trouble of pre-ordering.

[MrDigital]

$90 for the AV dock, lol....
http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft...oduct/D1386974

You might as well spend the extra $100 and get an Xbox 360 that will not only play 720p but 1080p as well!

I am curious what sort of integration Microsoft will have between the Zune HD and the 360. If it's cool it could tilt me towards the Zune.

[Timman_24]

My Zune 30 has been great as well. I bought it for 99 dollars when they were blowing them out around 1 year ago. I use it for my car and still haven't filled it up yet.

[PointlesS]

I would probably pick it up if it had some kind of app store. It looks awesome and I like the interface, but as far as I'm concerned I would only use it to play music. Otherwise I'd probably pick up an older zune for cheap.

[Nater]

I've been looking for a new media player, was thinking about an iPod Touch because I can't get an iPhone without canceling my current plan and getting another one. ATT sucks. But this, this looks better than the Touch. The screen appears to be a hell of a lot better than the one on Apple's device.

I don't care much about app support on a media player, if it were a phone, yes, but this isn't and I'm stuck with my Blackberry for another year. I just might get one of these.

[xclite]

I think it will probably have some kind of App support. Mr.Digital is absolutely correct, you will get raped on any addons you want to buy. There really aren't any third party addons like with the iPod, so you're at the mercy of Microsoft. I think the FM transmitter/charger is $60 as well. Of course, I think I'm about to wire an aux cable into my vehicle, so that would make that purchase a waste.

[Dark Sonic]

I sold my iPod to get a Zune. The software is a million times better than iTunes and I just generally prefer how the Zune works. If I had the money I'd buy the new HD version.

[MrDigital]

I don't care much about app support on a media player, if it were a phone, yes, but this isn't and I'm stuck with my Blackberry for another year. I just might get one of these.

Which is the opposite of me since the only reason I even like the iPhones/iTouches is because of the apps and games. I don't watch videos on little screens and for music I'd just as soon buy an ipod nano or something.

But all the things like peggle and nike+ and dozens of other neat little apps that I could see myself using on a regular basis. Every time I spend any time on the Apple app store I am totally impressed with what's available.

I _really_ would prefer to have it all integrated into a phone though, so I'm not carrying two separate items. Like UA I'd much rather have a zPhone.

[mynameis]

Apps would be nice, but given the choice between subscription music and apps, I go with the subscription.