Take that, Bono: Microsoft will let you pimp your Zune
Artist Catalina Estrada's laser-etched creation on a new red Zune
(Credit: Microsoft)Like most news about Microsoft's oddly-named media player, it was leaked well in advance. But now it's official: consumers buying the new Zune devices, which are set to be released on Tuesday, will be able to customize them with laser-engraved text and select artwork.
Now that explains the tag line "you make it you."
Called "Zune Originals," the new Zunes will feature a selection of artwork by 18 artists and design studios: Colletivo Studios, Catalina Estrada, Laurent Fetis, Sam Flores, Klaus Haapaniemi, Pierre Marie, Kenzo Minami, Parskid, Mike Perry, Phunk Studios, Chisato Shinya, Skwak, Iosefatu Sua, Tado, Nobumasa Takahashi, Ramiro Torres, Darvin Vida, and Steve Wilson. 27 total designs will be offered.
In addition, creative Zune buyers can add up to three lines of text (or five lines in place of a design), or a selection of 20 "tattoos" that are independent of the "Artist Series." This will all be offered free of charge.
The Zunes, as previously announced, are going to be available in 4GB ($149.99), 8GB ($199.99), and 80GB ($249.99) versions.
Existing Zune owners will receive a free upgrade to the player's new firmware, which includes revamped search functions and a drag-and-drop organization interface.
Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos. E-mail Caroline. 
For something a bit more relevant in analogy, ask yourself this: Assuming a price difference of only $20, would you buy a single-color undecorated Razr, or a "pimped out" Nokia 6800?
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IOW, it's what's inside that counts when it comes to anything costing three digits or more.
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Besides, most portable music players live in... pockets. Jacket pockets, shirt pockets, jean pockets. Only poseurs (or idiots) walk around wearing gear like that in the open, where any fool can reach out and grab it.
/P
I applaud you Microsoft, and I would really like to see Hypple lose somewhere.
Apple controls the MP3 player market because it really is the best device on the market. Don't get me started on the underwhelming iPhone.
That is more then a subtle difference.
Who really wants to use pre-done artwork that much anyway?
I'm a big lost as to why I wouldn't want to get an $80GB iPod for
a comperable price as a mid-range Zune, why the clunky
interface still hasn't developed a competitor to the touchwheel,
why you would buy a 4GB Zune when the 4GB iPod Nano is
smaller and sleeker for the same price, etc. etc.
Oh, ladiesmanwc, Microsoft is dominating not because they're
evil or provide a good product, but because people settle for
what they know. Apple is dominating because the sell the best
MP3 player.
The iPod Nano's "smaller, sleeker" (aurguable) design comes at a great price: the screen is still in a 4:3 aspect ratio. That is a large downfall now that most if not all shows people watch are widescreen. That makes the show unwatchable. I have seen "Heroes" on the Nano's screen, and it's comprable to watching it on a screen about the size of a phone's SIM card. The iPod Classic has a similar problem because its screen is also 4:3, but the screen is large enough that you can still watch widescreen videos if you want to.
And are you trying to compare the Shuffle to the 4/8GB Zunes? Why wouldn't they go for the Zune or Nano (for $150/$200) if they want the screen? And why wouldn't they pay half the price for the Zen Stone? Or pay still a little less and get the 2GB, and even get a screen to see the name of the song and scroll to a specific spot.
And let's not forget that there are plenty of other MP3 players on the market. I mentioned the Stone, and my dad loves his. I currently have a Zen Jukebox Xtra and it has been great.
Microsoft again displays that it just doesn't get it.
That being said, I actually like the olive / army green Zune and the black one is definitely sharp and sexy.
The new iPods look like a bunch of easter eggs got drunk on pastel flavored vodka and threw up all over the iPod factory.
I love my 5g, but the new iPod shape and colors are lacking to me.
Zune, it could happen, that has been "pimped out". Would
MicroSoft sell it after and if it was repaired. Would there be a fee
for a warranty swap of a pimped Zune. You wouldn't want to get
"screwed" because you "pimped" your Zune.
I am just curious, I am not interested in buying a Zune. Well
maybe, if someone could unlock it so that it works with Plays for
Sure and iTunes.
This upgrade is only skin deep.
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/frankenreview/first-6-takes-on-zune-80-verdict-better-than-ipod-classic-321510.php
A cosmetic change means the POS looks slightly better but is still a POS.
Microsoft's response? Engraving the back of a brick.
Microsoft's only hope in this market is to try to hire
Apple's design team and start from scratch. They did create
a pretty good operating system though...Windows Vista!
Oh wait... That s**ks too!!!!
No, no, no. The brick belongs to apple; the ibrick. Besides, why should you even care? Zune sales represent only 5% of the mp3 market.
- give it a chance, I am
- by blrhead November 14, 2007 12:44 PM PST
- I love my iphone, but this actually looks like it can do good. Now, I
- Reply to this comment
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(29 Comments)am not saying it will replace the ipod, but it looks like it can at
least get a following and get new customers. Let the games
begin....