Zune (second generation, 80GB, black) - MP3 Player

The good: The 80GB Microsoft Zune MP3 player features a 3.2-inch glass LCD; a user-friendly interface; exceptional navigation control; audio and video podcast support; a superlative FM radio with RBDS information; wireless syncing and sharing; high-quality earphones; revamped Zune Marketplace PC software; Zune Pass subscription music support; good audio quality; and a built-in composite-video output.

The bad: The Zune is a PC-only device that requires its own software and still does not support older WMA-DRM9 music files; Zune Marketplace does not offer TV or movie downloads; the USB connection is proprietary; no Wi-Fi music streaming; and the EQ feature has been removed.

The bottom line: The Zune has blossomed from an ugly duckling into a worthy iPod alternative.

Price range: $229.94 - $249.99

Design

The 80GB Zune cuts a much slimmer figure than its bricklike older brother. Measuring 4.3 inches high by 2.4 inches wide by 0.5 inch deep, Microsoft shaved some considerable bulk off the Zune's thickness, while nearly tripling its capacity. Beyond its more pocket-worthy form, the two major improvements to the Zune's hardware design are its screen and its navigation pad.

With a diagonal measurement of 3.2 inches, the 80GB Zune's luxuriously large LCD screen leaves the 2.5-inch screen of the iPod Classic in the dust. The screen size may seem like a marginal improvement from the first-generation Zune's 3-inch screen, but the 80GB Zune's use of an optical glass screen shield (instead of plastic) further distinguishes it from its older sibling, as well as the competition. The Zune's new glass screen not only affords the device a sophisticated feel, but it also provides a more scratch-resistant surface with less optical distortion than the ubiquitous plastic variety.

The second major improvement engineered into the new fleet of Zune MP3 players is a completely unique navigation control that Microsoft dubs the Zune Pad. You can think of the Zune Pad as a cross between a standard four-direction navigation pad and a laptop's touch pad. With the Zune Pad, users can navigate menus by either pressing or sliding their finger in four directions, and select items by clicking on the middle of the pad. We we're initially skeptical about the Zune Pad's usability compared with the tried-and-true click pad of the first-generation Zune, but after just a few minutes, we found the Zune's old interface to be positively archaic. Navigating lengthy song lists is a breeze, especially with an accelerated scroll kicking in when the pad is held down. The new Zune Pad interface also lets you skip through songs, photos, and radio stations with just a light brush of the finger. Buttons for play/pause and menu still flank each side of the Zune's control pad and behave exactly as they did in the first-generation Zune.

The most significant design change to the Zune is an overhauled graphic user interface that no longer looks like a rehash of the Portable Media Center operating system found on the Toshiba Gigabeat S. While the critically beloved "twist" interface of the first-generation Zune remains, the main menu screen has been replaced with stunning, oversized text that takes readability to the next level. This same main menu screen can be customized with a background image from your digital photo collection. Existing Zune loyalists will be very happy to know that Microsoft is offering the new Zune operating system as a free upgrade to all first-generation Zune owners.

The 80GB Zune has a handful of smaller cosmetic changes worth noting, as well. The back of the Zune is now covered with a matte-finished aluminum etched with the Zune logo (or custom-etched by Microsoft's ZuneOriginals.net). The top edge of the Zune now features an inch-long mirrored plastic window for its built-in Wi-Fi antenna. Lastly, the 80GB Zune includes a pair of high-quality, Zune-branded, sound-isolating earphones constructed with a cloth-braided cable.


Features

We admit the first-generation Zune certainly wasn't the coolest-looking MP3 player on the block, but its features were fairly advanced. With subscription music support, wide-screen video playback, Wi-Fi music sharing, high-quality photo viewer, RBDS-enabled FM radio, and composite video output, the original Zune looked like a serious iPod challenger on paper. The 80GB Zune maintains all of the original Zune's compelling features and ups the ante with tightly integrated audio and video podcast support, as well as the unique ability to automatically sync content over a home wireless network.

Ever since Apple rolled podcast support into its iPod and iTunes products back in 2005, no one has been able to match its seamless integration of audio and video podcast discovery, subscription, and management tools (although Creative's Zencast alternative gets close). With the latest refresh of the Zune PC software, first- and second-generation Zune owners can now enjoy audio and video podcasts with the same ease as their iPod contemporaries. Podcasts now have their own directory within the main menu of the Zune, which is subdivided between audio and video podcasts. The Zune PC software also includes a new podcast tab that allows users to browse through a growing library of podcasts. If your favorite podcast can't be found in the directory, links are provided to both recommend the podcast for inclusion, as well as add the podcast manually by copying and pasting its URL into the Zune software. In the end, podcast downloads, autosync preferences, and subscription management match that of iTunes. In fact, Microsoft takes podcast integration a step further by allowing users to unsubscribe from podcasts directly on their Zune--a great feature for podcast junkies who want to tidy up their podcast subscriptions on the go. (Editors' note: Microsoft removed the podcast unsubscribe feature from the Zune's initial firmware release due to instability. Microsoft plans to reintroduce the feature in its next firmware update.) We were also happy to see that the Zune includes a playback resume option for digesting long podcasts in sections.

The second major addition to the Zune's set of features is the ability to wirelessly sync content from your PC over your home Wi-Fi network. The feature requires a one-time setup to familiarize the Zune with your home network, after which it will remember to look for the network automatically each time it is plugged in for a recharge. If you're within range of your wireless network but don't feel like recharging your player to trigger the wireless sync, you can also initiate the sync manually by digging through the Zune's settings. Of course, you can always connect the Zune directly to your computer using the included proprietary USB cable, but the wireless option is a neat trick.

Software

Using the Zune also means using the Zune's PC-only software. The Zune software has seen a major overhaul from its days of looking like a hipster-skinned version of Windows Media Player. The new Zune software interface is shockingly clean and bright. New icons lining the bottom edge of the software make playlist creation and content syncing much more intuitive. Fans of Windows Media Player will definitely need some time to adjust to the new file and category organization, but we believe the new system is more intuitive.

As with iTunes, the main benefit of giving the Zune its own dedicated software is the ability to integrate an online music store (Zune Marketplace) alongside the users' own music library. The Zune Marketplace is also seeing a refresh, with added DRM-free download content, more attractive artist pages, better genre-based editorial content, a podcast directory, and more granular subcategories within genres. The Zune Marketplace is still missing the TV and movie content found through competitors such as iTunes, although it does offer music videos. Expect Microsoft to make another big push for its all-you-can-eat Zune Pass music subscription service.

Performance

The Achilles' heel of the Zune is its built-in Wi-Fi antenna. As any laptop owner knows, a Wi-Fi antenna sucks a lot of juice and can wreck battery performance. To optimize the Zune's battery life in spite of its Wi-Fi capabilities, Microsoft decided to ditch the built-in audio equalizer found on the first-generation Zune. While one can argue that EQ presets are simply a Band-Aid for poor quality earbuds, there's just no way to feel good about having a perfectly good feature ripped away from a product. Luckily, Microsoft includes a pair of high-quality dynamic driver earphones with the 80GB Zune to maximize the perceived audio quality out of the box. Listening on our full-size Ultrasone HFI-700 headphones, we were more than satisfied with the Zune's fidelity (especially considering its support for WMA Lossless). That said, bass addicts, control freaks, and people with partial hearing loss will certainly be disappointed with the Zune's lack of sound enhancement.

Video performance on the 80GB Zune is quite good. The Zune's 3.2-inch screen is a monster, bested only by the iPod Touch and full-fledged PVPs. The glass-covered 320x240 LCD presents excellent viewing angles, with above-average clarity and color. With the recent addition of podcast support, the 80GB Zune is unquestionably the high-capacity choice for video podcast fans. Support for Windows Media Center DVR content is just icing on the cake.

Unfortunately, the 80 GB Zune's battery life is only average when held up to a high-capacity competitor such as the iPod Classic. With the Wi-Fi feature turned off, Microsoft rates the Zune's battery life at 30 hours for audio, and 4 hours for video. Our CNET Labs found that the Microsoft Zune 80 is realistically capable of 22 hours of audio-only playback with the Wi-Fi feature turned off, or 18.5 hours with the Wi-Fi feature enabled. Compared with the 45 hours of audio-only playback our lab was able to squeeze from Apple's 80GB iPod Classic, the Zune 80's lackluster battery performance is a notable disadvantage. In the context of the first-generation Zune's 13 hours of audio playback, however, the Zune 80's 22 hours is a relative step forward. Our CNET Labs testing concluded that the Zune 80's video playback battery performance nearly matches Microsoft's 4-hour claim. During testing, the Zune 80 managed 3.8 hours of video playback with Wi-Fi off, and 3.7 hours with Wi-Fi active.

Final thoughts

We can spend pages listing the Zune's features, but when it comes down to it, Microsoft's biggest achievement will be overcoming the Zune stigma still lingering from last year's debut. With its beautiful screen, podcast integration, revamped interface, and wireless sync, we believe the latest crop of Zunes should finally take hold as a true iPod alternative.

Finis SwiMP3 v.2 Waterproof MP3 Music Player

Great swimming companion

Pros
It works! Music while swimming! "Good enough" sound.

Cons
Storage space, multi-function buttons.

The Bottom Line
Want music while swimming? This is the best alternative.

I love this product. It works great and the sound quality is sufficient to entertain me while I'm doing long swim workouts. An added bonus for me: with the bone conduction technology I can wear earplugs to keep water out of my ears. I bought a waterproof case for my I-Pod shuffle (which I love) and have used two other waterproof earphones (which I hated). I didn't want to have to buy another MP3 player, but am glad that I did with the purchase of this product.

It works, and is simple to use. You plug it into your computer USB port to charge, and although it only has 256MB of storage space it is really easy to update songs and podcasts when it's charging. It attaches (clips on easily) to my favorite goggles and rests comfortably on my cheek bones. Once it's turned on, especially in the shuffle mode, I never have to think about it again. It stays in place and gives me constant company lap to lap to lap.

My only complaint are the multi-function buttons which control both volume and track. You press and HOLD to raise or lower volume. If you don't hold the button long enough it skips or starts over the track I'm playing. I rarely have this problem any longer, once I became accustomed to the controls.

Finally, don't forget to use your computer's "safely remove hardwear" button before detaching it from the USB port. Otherwise you'll have to reset the device and reload all your music before it will work.

SanDisk Sansa Clip

The Sansa Clip is a bare bones audio player by SanDisk that continues the memory maker's tradition for releasing media players that compete in features and quality, but at a lower cost. This approach has made SanDisk the number two company, after Apple, in the media player industry. True to its namesake, the Sansa Clip comes with an integrated clip for attaching the player to your clothes. The small weight and size are intended to make the Clip less intrusive during a workout.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Very competitive price/storage ratio
•More features than Shuffle and Stone
•Good audio quality
•Remembers where you left off listening to music or an audiobook.

Cons:

•1GB only available in black
•Can only be recharged using the USB cable.

More information

Features

•1GB for $40, 2GB for $70
•4-line, 2-color OLED screen
•FM tuner with 40 channels
•Voice recording with built-in microphone
•92dB signal-to-noise ratio
•Formats: MP3, WMA (including protected), Audible
•Battery life: 15 hours

Despite its small size SanDisk has included a number of extra features that distinguish it from its main competition, the iPod Shuffle and Creative Zen Stone. Most notably is the inclusion of the 4-line OLED screen that lets you browse through your collection and toggle settings from the player itself. Alongside the radio functionality is the ability to record FM broadcasts, and record your voice through the integrated microphone. All recordings are saved in the WAV file format.

On the format side the standard formats are supported, but no support for some of the less popular such as Ogg Vorbis. Audible support for audio books, and protected WMA support are both notable features of the Clip. The Clip integrates with Rhapsody's subscription service and lets you mark songs so they are automatically purchased next time you sync the player with your computer.

http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Catalog(1363)-SanDisk_Sansa_Clip.aspx
Dimensions: 2.2" x 1.4" x 0.5"

Best MP3 Players

Apple iPod nano (8 GB, Around $200)

Best MP3 player overall. Although not everyone is a fan of the shorter and wider shape, the newest Apple iPod nano is the runaway choice among critics as the best MP3 player. Most say that the player is extremely easy to use (though it requires the latest version of iTunes, which might not be compatible with some older computers). Audio quality is first rate, and video playback looks great despite the small 2-inch screen size. The 8 GB nano (which can store about 2,000 songs or equivalent video) comes in a rainbow of colors. One complaint is that the nano -- and all new iPod MP3 players -- have been made incompatible with some third party video accessories that worked with earlier-generation players.

Creative Zen V Plus (4 GB, Around $100)

Best value. While critics say the iPod nano is the best MP3 player overall, reviewers say that the Creative Zen V Plus is a great budget alternative -- or a good pick for those who don't want to be tied to the iTunes music store. Sound quality and battery life are great, according to reports. The 1.5-inch OLED screen falls short compared to the display on the nano, but it's sufficient for viewing short video clips and photos. Unlike the nano, the Zen V Plus offers an FM radio. It uses a small navigation wheel for zipping through tracks, which a few reviews indicate may be too small for some users. All of Creative's current MP3 players are compatible with Windows Media Player 11, so they should have no trouble running on Vista.

iRiver Clix (8 GB, Around $240)

Most features. Like the Creative Zen V Plus, the iRiver Clix comes very close to the iPod nano in reviews, plus it has more features. The 2.5-ounce iRiver Clix is heavier than the 1.74-ounce nano, but it has a slightly larger, video-capable 2.2-inch color LCD touchscreen that doubles for navigation. Sound and video are given uniformly high marks, and there's a long list of extras: FM tuner, voice recorder, equalizer, Macromedia Flash Player, Flash games and an alarm clock. Reviews say the Windows-only Clix has a slick user interface and long battery life (20 hours).


Apple iPod Classic (80 GB, Around $245)

Best large-capacity MP3 player. The iPod dominates the market among hard-drive players. Experts agree that the iPod system by far offers the most fully integrated music experience, a seamless marriage between the iPod hardware and the iTunes software and song library. The latest iPod Classic MP3 players feature much larger hard drives, rivaling those on some laptop computers, and can hold up to 20,000 songs or equivalent video. Since Apple MP3 players use a proprietary music format called AAC, you are limited mainly to the iTunes music store for music downloads. A 160 GB version (*est. $345), which can hold 40,000 songs, is also available.


Microsoft Zune (80 GB, Around $250)

Alternative to iPod Classic. If you want a high-capacity MP3 player, the iPod Classic holds a small edge in reviews, but experts say the much improved second-generation Microsoft Zune is an excellent alternative for those who don't want to be married to Apple's AAC music format. The Zune's key unique feature is Wi-Fi -- it can sync wirelessly with your PC's music collection. The 3.2-inch video-capable display is much larger than the screen on the iPod Classic, yet overall, the Zune is about the same size. You also get an FM tuner (missing on the iPod). The Zune also comes with high-quality earphones that blow away the earbuds that come with the iPod.


Samsung YP-U3 (2 GB, Around $75)

Budget MP3 player. Reviews say there are a number of good sub-$100 MP3 players available, but this Samsung model gets a very slight edge because of its easy-to-use interface and better overall physical design. Sound quality is excellent, as is the built-in FM radio, though the lack of FM recording capabilities is a disappointment. A unique pop-out design protects the built-in USB connector and eliminates both the need for a cable and an easy-to-lose cap.