Daily Archives: November 14, 2006

Grab Bag

Zune is out today…

The Microsoft Zune media player is out today. I really think I would like to get on the bandwagon and pick one up. I know I can fill it with tons of great music. But It can also play MP4 video and that is something that my video camera takes. So I can keep some great videos on the ZUNE as well. I didn’t go for iPod or Itunes or than but I am a loyal Windows fan and the Zune is for me.

As you can see they are comparably priced.

Here are the technical specs on the ZUNE

Size: 4.4 in. x 2.4 in. x 0.6 in. (h x w x d)

Weight: 5.6 ounces

Battery: rechargable [2]

Music, up to 14 hours (wireless off), up to 13 hours (wireless on); pictures, up to 4 hours; video, up to 4 hours

Charge Time: 3 hours; 2 hours to 90%

Display

Size: 3.0 inches

Orientation: Vertical and Horizontal

Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels

Audio

Windows Media® Audio Standard (.wma): Up to 320 Kbps, CBR and VBR, up to 48-kHz sample rate

MP3 (.mp3): Up to 320 Kbps, CBR and VBR, up to 48-kHz sample rate

AAC (.mp4, .m4a, .m4b, .mov): Up to 320 Kbps, Low Complexity (LC), up to 48-kHz sample rate

Pictures

JPEG (.jpg): All resolutions (desktop software will automatically convert to 640×480 at sync time)

Video

Windows Media Video (.wmv): Main Profile, CBR or VBR, up to 1.5 Mbps peak video bitrate, 320 x 240 pixels, 30 frames per sec., with Windows Media Audio up to 192 Kbps, 44.1 kHz, stereo audio; Simple Profile, CBR, up to 736 Kbps video bitrate, 320 x 240 pixels, 30 frames per sec., with Windows Media Audio up to 192 Kbps, 44.1 kHz, stereo audio.

Wireless

Connectivity: 802.11 b/g

Range: Up to 30 feet

Language

English

[1] The Zune to Zune sharing feature may not be available for all audio files on your device, and works only between Zune devices within wireless range of each other. This feature allows recipients to play full-length sample tracks up to 3 times in 3 days. Recipients cannot re-send music that they have received via the sharing feature.

[2] Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually hold less charge. Battery life and the number of charge cycles vary by use and settings.

[3] Zune software can import audio files in unprotected .WMA, MP3, AAC; photos in JPEG; and videos in .WMV, MPEG-4, H.264.

Technology

I want a ZUNE?

Zune is the latest offering from Microsoft. It has been created and released to compete with the iPod. I am not a fan of Apple. I just am not. I like Microsoft and their products. I have been a windows fan since 93 and will continue to be so. This has caused tension in the family as we have some staunch Apple supporters.

Anyway I think I want to get a Zune.

But to be fair I will list a link to the Apple iPod as well.

The more I have researched this the more I am actually leaning towards an iPod and that is because for just a $100.00 more I can get 50GB more of space. iTunes is a preferred method of getting new music as well as podcasts. I guess I may have to become an Apple supporter and get an iPod.