Best Reviewed
MP3 Players
- Best MP3 player Apple iPod touch *Est. $230
- Best iPod alternative Microsoft Zune HD *Est. $180
- Budget MP3 player SanDisk Sansa Clip+ *Est. $35
- Budget iPod iPod shuffle *Est. $50
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- Gorgeous touch screen
- HD radio
- Wi-Fi-capable
- Zune Pass subscription service
- Few mobile apps
- Web browser is slow
- Windows only
Reviewers are impressed with the new Zune HD, saying Microsoft finally has a worthy competitor to the iPod touch. Although more experts prefer the touch overall, the Microsoft Zune HD is a great alternative for those who don't want an iPod or to be tied to iTunes. The Zune HD includes a 3.3-inch OLED touch screen and sleek design, and reviewers say the display is gorgeous, although it is susceptible to glare and reflections. Most critics say the touch screen is more responsive than that on the iPod touch, and sound quality is comparable between the two. The Zune HD also gets high marks for its HD radio. Where the Zune HD lags behind the iPod touch is web browsing and apps -- Microsoft's mobile web browser is slow to load pages and the Zune HD has only a handful of apps, compared to the 75,000 available for the iPod touch.
Overall, critics say the Microsoft Zune HD is a big improvement over previous Zune players. The Zune HD also comes in a 16 GB model (*Est. $220), but Microsoft has discontinued all previous Zune models. You can use the Zune HD if you have a Mac, but only if you are running Windows on Boot Camp. If sound quality is your primary concern, experts say the Sony X Series Walkman (*Est. $380 for 32 GB) provides some of the best audio you can get in a MP3 player.
The Microsoft Zune HD has been tested by a number of credible reviewers, including CNET, PCMag.com, Laptop Magazine and ArsTechnica.com. Each of these sources thoroughly tests the Zune HD and provides detailed analysis and commentary. PC World, Wired and Electronista.com provide shorter reviews, and Amazon.com offers some owner-written feedback. Although the Zune HD has been on the market only a short time, it attracts dozens of initial user reviews.
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Our Sources
1. CNET
The Zune HD scores an "excellent" rating from CNET's Donald Bell. The OLED display, video quality and long battery life get high marks, and he says the Zune HD "delivers one of the best portable music and video experiences money can buy."
Review: Zune HD (32GB - platinum), Donald Bell, Sept. 18, 2009
Although he finds the interface a little frustrating and dislikes the on-screen volume adjustment, Nate Anderson at ArsTechnica.com says he thinks Microsoft has a winner in the new Zune HD. Overall, he calls it an "excellent media player."
Review: Third Time's a Charm: Ars Reviews the Zune HD, Nate Anderson, Sept. 16, 2009
PCMag.com prefers the iPod touch (it earns an Editors' Choice award), but the Zune HD gets an "excellent" rating. Tim Gideon says the Zune HD is the best alternative, if you don't want an iPod.
Review: Microsoft Zune HD, Tim Gideon, Sept. 15, 2009
4. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The Zune HD gets high marks for its stunning screen and HD radio, although K.T. Bradford says Microsoft has to offer more in the way of apps if it wants to truly compete with the iPod touch. Still, he says Microsoft is "back in the game."
Review: Zune HD, K.T. Bradford, Sept. 24, 2009
Sept. 15, 2009Ginny Mies says the Zune HD is a "huge step forward for Microsoft," and she praises the sexy design and video quality. However, she recommends choosing high-quality headphones for better sound quality.
Review: Microsoft Zune HD MP3 Player Overview, Ginny Mies
6. Wired
Like other reviewers, Wired is impressed by the OLED touchscreen and HD radio, but thinks the iPod touch is superior when it comes to apps and the user interface. Mark McClusky would also like to see Mac-compatible software.
Review: Microsoft Zune HD 32GB, Mark McClusky, Sept. 15, 2009
The Zune HD gets high marks at Electronista.com. Reviewer Jon Fingas says video looks great on the display, although direct sunlight creates some glare. He also thinks the web browser and apps could be improved.
Review: Review: Zune HD, Jon Fingas, Sept. 17, 2009
8. CNET
This article from CNET is a great comparison between the iPod touch and Zune HD. Three CNET editors rate the MP3 players on multiple criteria, although they conclude that the iPod touch is a "better product for most people."
Review: Prizefight: Apple iPod touch vs. Zune HD, Editors of CNET, Oct. 1, 2009
9. Amazon.com
More than 150 reviewers give the Zune HD extremely high ratings at Amazon.com. Many owners really like the Zune Pass music subscription service, and they say they think this MP3 player has come a long way from the first Zune players. Some critics say the interface is a letdown.
Review: Zune HD 32 GB Video MP3 Player (Platinum), Contributors to Amazon.com
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