Sprenzy Shopping Blog

Are you thinking about getting the Microsoft Zune? There’s been a lot of buzz about the Zune over the last couple of months. Now that it’s released, here’s a hands-on review roundup.

• Ars Technica: Microsoft Zune - “The Zune is quite a compelling product, but it shows a strange schizophrenia of spirit. The detail work on the device is elegant and illustrates the thoughtful care lavished on the product, but basic functionality is crippled or poorly implemented.

  When a device promises “the social” but drastically limits file-sharing, can’t swap video clips, and only works with identical devices, it’s a tough sell in a world dominated by iPods. All Apple has to do is release a model with WiFi and Microsoft’s major advantage is wiped out. And because that “advantage” isn’t used well, the Zune will face an uphill path to broader market adoption.”

• i64x.com: My Zune Comparison: Zune vs. 5G iPod Video - “After using the Zune for a few hours I posted my iPod for sale online to cover most of the cost of the Zune and haven’t really looked back. Aside from the issue with the front USB ports I’ve had no problems with my Zune. The unit is rock stable, and the software - a bit slow at times - is still easy to use and with manual sync turned OFF is very drag and drop oriented and power user friendly.”

• Engadget: Zune Review - “The Zune is a player riddled with a lot of small issues – death by a thousand cuts. Do we think any particular one is a deal breaker? Well, even given our nightmarish software issues, not really. Do we think they should have worked out the kinks and sat out this holiday season? Probably, yeah. Do we think there’s potential for betterment of the platform and especially the player through software updates? Given enough time, absolutely. Would we recommend the product for purchase, like, right now? Not a chance.”

• Gizmodo: Zune: First Full Review - “Overall, this seems pretty promising. I can’t find any mis-steps or anything where I have to ask “wait, this is dumb, why did you do this?” in both the player and the software. The Zune itself is very sexy, and feels nice to the touch—not too heavy. We can’t wait to do another hands on as the launch date approaches.”

• WSJ.com: Microsoft’s Zune Challenges iPod - ”Overall, the iPod and iTunes are still the champs. Still, I expect the Zune to attract some converts and to get better with time. And this kind of competition from a big company with deep pockets and lots of talent is good for consumers in the long run.”

I found the Ars Technica review the most informative and entertaining to read. i64x.com’s review is also very good with a great rant on DRM and debunking of some Zune complaints/rumors.

I’m intrigued by the Zune’s UI and WiFi capability. The ability to navigate by artist, playlist, album, etc. without having to back-out a level is an improvement over the iPod’s UI. Even though the Zune WiFi implementation is limited, the potential is there. The ability to wirelessly synch an MP3 player with a PC would be killer feature.

Before passing judgment on the Zune, I’ll need to play around with one first. However, based on the first round of reviews, the Zune appears to be a viable alternative to the iPod and could get better with future software updates. If you know of other good Zune reviews, please share it with us.

The good folks at CNET published this top 5 must-have gadgets video a few weeks ago. CNET’s top 5 must-have gadgets are:

1. Motorola Q Smartphone

2. Toshiba Gigabeat S MP3 Player

3. Sony MDR-EX71SL/WK Earbuds

4. Sling Media Slingbox

5. Creative Zen V Plus MP3 Player

I agree with some of the items on this list, but if you’ll indulge me, here’s my top 5 must-have tech toys.

1. Sling Media Slingbox

2. Tivo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder

3. Motorola Q Smartphone

4. Garmin Edge 305 GPS Cycling Computer 

5. Apple iPod Shuffle Second Generation MP3 Player

I would move the Slingbox to the top of the must-have list. If you aren’t familiar with the Slingbox, take a look at Slingbox Review - Are you slinging? Last week, Sling Media released a couple of new Slingboxes. The new models supposedly offer a 300% improvement in performance over the current Slingbox. Still, the limiting factor in remote video quality is your high speed internet (HSI) upload speed. If you plan on remotely watching low-action video (regular TV shows), then the current Slingbox maybe a good value as the price continues to drop. However, if you mainly watch high-action/sports programming, the Slingbox Pro and upgrading your HSI upload speed is the way to go.

The next item on the list is for high definition (HD) fanatics. The Tivo Series3 (S3) can now record HD programming. As you can see in this entry, Tivo Series3 - Is it worth $800?, I’m waiting for the price to come down but the S3 is an HD lovers dream come true.

I really like the Motorola Q as seen in my Moto Q post. However, it doesn’t belong on the top of the must-have list because it’s only offered by Verizon. Other providers will be offering competing products, such as the Samsung SGH-i607 thru Cingular shortly.

Number four on my list is a niche product for avid cyclist. The Garmin Edge 305 offers GPS, a heart rate monitor, an altimeter, a cadence sensor, a customizable display and a personal trainer (pace yourself with a pre-loaded route or a previously ridden one). Here is an excellent, in-depth Garmin Edge 305 review from pocketgpsworld.com. The Edge 305 is a great training tool, which can turn that everyday ride exciting again, as you race yourself on your route.

If I’m going to put an MP3 player on the must-have list, then it has to be the new iPod Shuffle (the old shuffle image may still appear). When my 1st generation shuffle died on me, I wrote iPod Shuffle Why Have You Forsaken Me? I’m extremely happy that the 2nd Gen Shuffle is coming out on October 31st. I have already pre-ordered it. If you want a display on your MP3 player, then you are going to hate the iPod Shuffle. However, if you want the smallest, almost weightless (0.55 oz) MP3 player that will be used in shuffle mode while exercising, this is the perfect player. And it costs less than $80. It shouldn’t be your primary MP3 player, but your workout companion!

So that’s my top 5 must-have gadgets, what’s yours?

My iPod Shuffle died on me last month. Of the four iPods I own (1st generation Mini, 60 GB Video, 4 GB Nano and a 1 GB Shuffle) the Shuffle was my favorite iPod.

I used it all the time in the gym, running and riding my road bike. Note: You shouldn’t ride your bike wearing earphones… my public service message. After my Shuffle died, I was searching for ways to fix it and then thinking about buying a new one.

I discovered that there is a defect with the iPod Shuffle. PC World wrote about the issue last month. If your iPod Shuffle flashes green and amber lights, it could be in trouble. It appears that the issue occurs more often than the normal iPod defect rate. There’s even a blog devoted to the defect at Shufflers Unite.

After reading about all the troubles, I guess I’ve been fortunate that my Shuffle lasted 15 months trouble free. I did have a glitch 6 months after I bought it but was able to recover it. It also turns out that my Shuffle died due to a dead battery and not the orange/green light issue. So it’s now a USB flash drive.

Despite the defect, I’m still considering purchasing another Shuffle. I’ve been using my Nano running and cycling but I still prefer the Shuffle. Some people have complained about no display screen on the Shuffle but it’s not necessary when you are exercising. If I wanted to skip a song, it was easy to reach into my rear jersey pocket and push the skip button. Whereas with the Nano, it’s not as easy using the click wheel and lack of tactile feel to the buttons. Additionally, the Nano is usually locked to prevent accidental click wheel changes.

I also love the size and weight or lack there of with the Shuffle. I used to stick the Shuffle in my pocket of my running shorts and never noticed it there. The Nano definitely bounces in my pocket. I didn’t think 0.72 oz would make a difference but it does.

If the 1 GB Shuffle total price drops below $75, I will probably get another one despite the defect. Call me a sucker but it gets me through long climbs up Mt. Tam on my bike. Any product that motivates you to work-out harder or longer is priceless.