Microsoft Zune 120GB

alaTest has collected and analyzed 2540 reviews from magazines and websites. People really like the sound and design. The memory and usability also get good feedback, but there are some negative comments about the linux support and portability. Reviews are divided on the battery.

storage, usability, memory, design, sound

connectivity, portability, linux support

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other MP3 Players the Microsoft Zune 120GB is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 89/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 2540 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (51% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (22% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (7% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (7% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews   (12% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

Storage
  Show positive (44%)Show negative (3%)(Show all)
Usability
  Show positive (69%)Show negative (3%)(Show all)
Memory
  Show positive (23%)Show negative (7%)(Show all)
Design
  Show positive (70%)Show negative (5%)(Show all)
Battery
  Show positive (23%)Show negative (25%)(Show all)
Sound
  Show positive (58%)Show negative (5%)(Show all)
Value for money
  Show positive (35%)Show negative (13%)(Show all)
Size
  Show positive (36%)Show negative (9%)(Show all)
Portability
  Show positive (26%)Show negative (20%)(Show all)
Connectivity
  Show positive (33%)Show negative (14%)(Show all)
More features

Showing 2519 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 2519 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (23)

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT

Expert review by:

Microsoft Zune 120GB

 

Microsoft's fabled Zune line has done a lot of growing up over the years. From the first-gen 30GB player that we scorned back in 2006 to the 8GB model we warmed up to in 2007, Microsoft has continually been fine tuning its line of media players to deal...

Capacity; screen size; tight software integration; interface; built in FM radio ; Wi-Fi

Still not as polished as an iPod; requires monthly fee to make the most of its features

As a piece of hardware, it's easy to dismiss the Zune as yet another iPod wannabe...

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Expert review by:

Microsoft's Competitive Zune120 MP3 Player

 

Microsoft's newest Zune has an innovative twist on music discovery, and it's a worthy alternative to the 120GB iPod Classic. Staff Writer Ginny Mies takes a look.

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Editor's Choice!

Expert review by:

Microsoft Zune (120GB)

 

The Zune is not only a formidable iPod classic alternative, it's a better option for music lovers.

Wireless sync, sharing, and purchase ; Excellent music discovery features ; Attractive interface ; Vivid screen

Mediocre battery life ; Dumb points-based payment system for à la carte downloads ; Video content selection still lags behind iTunes

The new Zune can’t beat the iPod classic’s battery life or game support, but it does have a better screen, useful music-discovery features, and wireless. Ultimately, the 120GB Microsoft Zune is an excellent iPod classic alternative and gives you...

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Expert review by:

Zune 120 GB

 

Diminutive flash-based MP3 players may have a physical advantage, but they don't address the needs of users who prefer to carry their entire music and media library on one device. Microsoft's latest hard-drive-based Zune player, the Zune 120GB, targets...

Intuitive interface and controls Wireless browsing, FM tuner

Most new features require subscription Plastic front prone to scratches

For anyone looking to exit Apple's ecosystem, the Zune 120GB stands as an attractive option. For the same price as you'd pay for the iPod, you get the same amount of storage plus the bonus of FM radio and a larger screen. And if you don't mind paying...

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Editor's Choice!

Expert review by:

Microsoft Zune 120GB

 

Question: What's the difference between last year's Zune 80GB, loaded with Microsoft's new free firmware, and this year's Zune 120GB? Answer: 40 gigabytes. Oh, and a glossy-black finish. Otherwise, the "new" $249.99 Zune is identical to its older...

Wirelessly syncs to your PC. You can buy music wirelessly and purchase tunes you hear on the radio. Increased capacity. Large display. Touchpad is still excellent. User interface is good-looking and easy to navigate.

Too many steps required to play a song. Requires a $14.99-per-month subscription or prepaid MS points for wireless streaming and downloading.

Still the best hard drive-based portable media player on the marketthe feature-barren iPod classic can't compete with the Zune's top-notch navigation and added wireless abilities.

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Expert review by:

Microsoft Microsoft Zune 16GB

 

When PC World reviewed Microsoft's previous Zune flash player last fall, we questioned whether support for wireless and for video was overkill on a device that holds only 8GB of content. This fall, Microsoft addressed the storage limitations by adding...

Wireless browsing, FM tuner ; Intuitive interface and controls

Bulky compared to other flash players ; New firmware not preinstalled

Despite new features and a capacity upgrade, Zune needs a redesign to keep up with other flash players on the market.

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Expert review by:

Microsoft Zune 16GB

 

Calling the Zune 16GB a new product is a bit of a stretch. With no real hardware changes, and the ability to load the new software onto any of the older models, we're basically looking at the same old player with a paint job, a capacity upgrade, and...

Touchpad is still excellent. Improved user interface is less jumpy. Wirelessly syncs to your PC. You can buy music wirelessly and purchase tunes you hear on the radio. Unlimited radio presets.

Requires the $14.99 monthly Zune Pass or pre-purchased MS Points to download music straight to the player over Wi-Fi. No change in design, display size, or screen resolution from older models.

Calling the Zune 16GB a new product is a bit of a stretch. With no real hardware changes, and the ability to load the new software onto any of the older models, we're basically looking at the same old player with a paint job, a capacity upgrade, and...

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Expert review by:

Microsoft Zune 120GB (third generation, glossy black)

 

Editors' note, August 18, 2009 : Microsoft will begin sales of a new model of the Zune (the Zune HD ) on September 15. If you're considering the purchase of a Zune, we advise that you wait until Microsoft's September 15th release date in order to...

The 120GB Microsoft Zune MP3 player has expanded the usefulness of its Wi-Fi and social music-discovery features, added support for games and audiobooks, and maintained enviable features, such as a 3.2-inch glass LCD, friendly interface, exceptional...

Battery life isn't great; high-quality earbuds are no longer included; the glossy plastic front is more prone to scratches and smudges; and using many of the new features without a Zune Pass music subscription can be disappointing.

The Zune 120, with a unique focus on music discovery, is a fierce competitor to the iPod Classic. The Zune's substantial storage capacity combined with its Zune Pass music subscription makes it an ideal solution for restless music fans with large...

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Expert review by:

Microsoft Zune 80GB Media Player (Black)

 

Though the old 30GB Zune didn't go over too well, Microsoft's kept at it and managed to produce an impressive pair of players in its second-generation Zunes. The $250 80GB hard-drive model I tested would make a capable alternative to an 80GB iPod...

Wireless syncing ; Intuitive controls and interface

Comparatively low-res screen

An FM tuner and wireless syncing make this second-generation Zune a capable iPod alternative.

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Expert review by:

Microsoft Zune (second generation, 80GB, black)

 

Editors' note: Microsoft provides a free firmware update for this older Zune model that adds many new features to the device. To learn about these new features, read our review of the third-generation Zune .

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...

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...

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

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Product Specifications

Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. The Zune experience centers around connection - connection to your library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices. Zune, is not simply a portable device, it's a new platform that helps bring artists closer to their audiences and helps people find new music and develop new social connections. The Zune device features wireless technology, a built-in FM tuner and a bright, 3-inch screen that allows users to not only show off music, pictures and video, but also to customize the experience with personal pictures or themes to truly make the device their own. Every Zune device creates an opportunity for connection. Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing lets consumers spontaneously share full-length sample tracks of select songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures with friends between Zune devices. Listen to the full track of any song you receive up to three times over three days. If you like a song you hear and want to buy it, you can flag it right on your device and easily purchase it from the Zune Marketplace. Zune makes it easy to find music you love - whether it's songs in your existing library or new music from the Zune Marketplace. Easily import your existing music, pictures and videos in many popular formats and browse millions of songs on Zune Marketplace, where you can choose to purchase tracks individually or to buy a Zune Pass subscription to download as many songs as you want for a flat fee. This product comes with coupon for the free SkinIt protective vinyl skin.

Audio Input

Type: None

Audio System

Digital Photo Playback: Yes
Digital Player Functions:Photo playback / Radio / Video playback
Digital Player Type:Hard drive based
Digital Video Playback: Yes
Functions (KB):Digital player / Radio
Sound Output Mode:Stereo
Subcategory (KB):MP3 players (flash, CD, HDD)
Type:Digital player / radio

Battery

Run Time (Up To):30hour(s)

Cassette System

Type: None

CD System

Type: None

Digital Player (Recorder)

Supported Digital Audio Standards:AAC / Audible / MP3 / WMA / WMAPro

Digital Storage

Capacity:120GB

Digital Storage Media

Capacity:120GB
Type:Hard disk drive

Dimensions & Weight

Depth:0.5in
Height:4.3in
Weight:4.5oz
Width:2.4in

Equalizer

Equalizer: Yes

Header

Compatibility:PC
Manufacturer:Microsoft
Model:"Gears of War 2" Special Edition/"Gears of War 2" Special Edition / Gears of War 2 Special Edition
Packaged Quantity:1
Product Line:Microsoft Zune

MD System

Type: None

Miscellaneous

Color:Black/Red/Red / Silver

Radio

Tuner Bands:FM

Remote Control

Type: None
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