November 17, 2007 6:00 AM PST
4. Zune (second generation, 80GB, black)
Editors' rating: 8.3
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.
Read CNET's full review
Price range: $249-$250
Photo by CNET Networks
