Get a 4GB Zune player for $69.99 shipped
Need a slim, lightweight audio player for the gym, the bike trails, the kids, or whatever? Newegg has the refurbished 4GB Microsoft Zune (red) for $69.99 shipped. New units run $99.99, so this is definitely a solid deal.
And a solid player. Joke all you want about Microsoft's failure to put even a small dent in the iPod juggernaut; the Zune has a lot going for it.
For starters, it's thin and light enough to ride unobtrusively in a pocket when you're jogging. I know: I've done it. Granted, it's no clip-on iPod Shuffle, but the Shuffle doesn't have a 1.8-inch color screen (just large enough to watch a video without ruining your eyes forever), FM tuner, or Wi-Fi radio.
The Wi-Fi is for swapping tunes and photos with other Zune users and, more realistically, wirelessly syncing with your PC (which totally rocks).
Microsoft is also one of the few remaining companies that offers an all-you-can-eat music subscription: $15 a month buys you unlimited access to Zune Marketplace and the millions of tracks therein. Admittedly, 4GB isn't enough storage to really make the most of it, but it's nice to have the option if you want it. Marketplace also sells TV shows.
Much as I like this particular model, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that the Apple Store now has refurbished current-generation iPod Nanos with 8GB for just $99. You don't get the FM or Wi-Fi, but you do get twice the storage, a 2-inch screen, shake-to-shuffle, and a choice of colors.
Speaking of colors, if you don't like that gorgeous glossy red, the Zune is also available in black. So what do you think? Deal or no deal?
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
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- by Yggdrassilious April 21, 2009 11:10 AM PDT
- Until MS learn how to treat people of diverse backgrounds and music listening preferences with respect, and spend just 5 minutes of its day to put one Asian font file onto the Zune, I'd be happy to buy another. Right now I am too busy getting rid of my Zune 30 which displays all Japanese/Chinese/Korean characters as square boxes. If whoever is in charge of the Zune division is too ignorant and stupid to acknowledge the existence of different languages, I won't give Zune another chance.
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- by monkeyfun14 April 21, 2009 8:49 PM PDT
- Well considering Zune hasn't been released to Asian markets
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