Microsoft Zune 2nd Generation

2589 reviews

Dec, 2024

Positive
usability (1489)
design (486)
sound (352)
price (326)
performance (321)

Negative
reliability (130)
connectivity (10)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 2589 reviews of Microsoft Zune 2nd Generation. The average rating for this product is 3.8/5, compared to an average rating of 3.9/5 for other products in the same category for all reviews. Comments about the sound and price are overall positive. The performance and design are also appreciated. Opinions are divided on the reliability, and some have doubts about the connectivity.

usability, design, performance, price, sound

connectivity

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other products in the same category the Microsoft Zune 2nd Generation is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 85/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 2589 reviews)

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Review Ratings

(47% of reviews)
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Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Microsoft Zune 2nd Generation

alaTest has collected and analyzed 2413 user reviews of Microsoft Zune 2nd Generation from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 3.7/5, compared to an average user rating of 3.8/5 for other products in the same category on Amazon.com. People really like the sound and performance. The price and design also get good reviews, but some have doubts about the connectivity. Reviews are divided on the reliability.

usability, design, price, performance, sound

connectivity

75% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Dec, 2024

Expert review by (engadget.com)

Mossberg's new Zune review sounds familiar

Mr. Mossberg just handed down his verdict on the latest series of Microsoft Zunes. Those of you who shout him down with your flaccid cries of "fanboi" will want to turn away... now. Walt considers the new Zunes a "vast improvement" over Microsoft's ...

Nov, 2007

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Expert review by (pcmag.com)

Microsoft Zune 80GB

With a large screen, wireless syncing, and better features than the iPod classic, Microsoft finally gets portable digital music right.

Large screen. Easy to navigate. Syncs wirelessly. Wireless player-to-player file sharing. Zune Marketplace is vastly improved. Customizable body

Low resolution for a large screen. Earbuds have microphonic issues. Zune Marketplace offers a limited video selection. Full wireless syncing capability will be added in a firmware update ; Watch the Zune 8GB and 80GB Video Review

The new Zune is trimmer, has a larger screen and increased capacity. Add its wireless abilities to the equation and you've got a player that (gasp!) trumps Apple's iPod classic.

Nov, 2007

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Michael Brown (maximumpc.com)

Microsoft Zune 8GB

Microsoft, seeing the futility in polishing turds, went back to the drawing board to design the second rev of the Zune. (If only they'd do the same for Vista!) Fortunately for early adopters, many of the new features and desktop software will be made...

Better controls; wireless auto-sync; Zune Marketplace greatly improved

Still tied to Zune Marketplace; wireless sharing still mostly useless

The Zune 8GB sounds every bit as good as the first Zune, and Microsoft has added support for tracks encoded in WMA Lossless. The 1.8-inch glass screen looks very sharp, but it’s also very small—especially when you’re watching videos—and the flash...

Jan, 2008

Partner Source

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Expert review by : Jon Fingas (electronista.com)

Review: Zune 80 and Zune 2.5 software

The Zune 80 is the most capable model but shoehorned between iPods.

Very large screen ; Best non-clickwheel, non-touch control scheme yet ; Zune 2.5 adds much-needed smart playlist, video, gapless audio support ; In-canal earbuds included in the box

Bigger than iPod, but screen isn't any sharper ; Sub-par battery life ; Wi-Fi still significantly underused ; Zune software still a half-measure: no new formats ; No Zune Marketplace for Canadians on launch ; Premium Headphones are simply adequate

In the past several months since the second generation of Zunes went on sale, Microsoft has been busy addressing longstanding complaints about the Zune and its software: version 2.5 adds auto playlists, gapless playback, and other features that the i

Jun, 2008

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Expert review by : Michael Kwan (futurelooks)

Microsoft Zune 80GB Digital Media Player

We've already been told that it's coming "Zune" to Canada, but how does Microsoft's sophomore entry into the MP3 player market compare against the iPods of the world? I had ...

With the noted exception of the integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (and all the associated functionality), this feature set is pretty much in line with the iPod Classic 80GB. Where the Zune wins, in this regard, is the fact that it has a much larger...

Apr, 2008

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Expert review by : Claire Strodtbeck (the-gadgeteer.com)

Zune 8GB

Great firmware interface, Touchpad not required for navigation, Beautiful 240x320 QVGA display, Good color selection for hardware, Wireless syncing, Great iPod alternative, Great firmware interface, Touchpad not required for navigation, Beautiful...

Software is terrible, Vendor lock-in with hardware & software, Proprietary dock connector, Not compatible with Windows Media DRM, Few accessories available, Software is terrible, Vendor lock-in with hardware & software, Proprietary dock connector, Not...

Mar, 2008

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Expert review by : Farhan Ahmad (bonafidereviews.com)

Zune 2 80GB MP3 Player

Jan, 2008

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Expert review by : Eric Dahl (goodgearguide.com.au)

Microsoft Zune 80GB Media Player (Black)

Intuitive controls and interface, wireless syncing

Comparatively low screen dpi

All in all, the 80GB Zune is a decent choice as an 80GB MP3 player. It sounds great, its interface isn't a hindrance, and its pricing is right in line with the competition. Accessories and features such as premium headphones and an FM tuner give it at...

Nov, 2007

Partner Source

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Expert review by : David Haskin, Computerworld (techadvisor.co.uk)

8GB second-generation Microsoft Zune

The first-generation Zune media player that Microsoft released last year was a so-so product with a few nice touches. So the question with the new, second-generation Zune is whether Microsoft is ready to surpass its competition, most notably Apple and...

While Microsoft has made solid progress with the Zune, the device still isn't compellingly more attractive than its competitors. It's not out in the UK as yet, but at $149 for the 4GB version and $199 for the 8GB version, in the US it's priced...

Dec, 2007

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Expert review by : IDG staff (techadvisor.co.uk)

Microsoft Zune 80GB Media Player

Wireless synching, good sound quality, and a nice touch control finally make Microsoft's affordable player a good choice. Indeed, for some users the wireless synching will make the 80GB Zune a better bet than the iPod classic.

The 80GB Zune is a decent choice as an 80GB MP3 player. It sounds great, its interface isn't a hindrance, and its pricing is right in line with the competition. Accessories and features such as premium headphones and an FM tuner give it at least one...

Nov, 2007

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