Sprenzy Shopping Blog

Tivo is releasing a new 180-hour Tivo HD at the end of August. The new Tivo HD offers almost all the same features of the highly praised Tivo Series 3 HD (S3), but at a more affordable sub $300 price. For the lower price tag, you’ll have to sacrifice THX certification, a larger hard drive and a back-lit remote control. It’s not much to give up, considering you’ll save $300 over the S3 and will still be able to record high definition programming.

Here’s a review roundup on the Tivo HD…

• Tivo HD review from PC Magazine
• Tivo HD review by PC World
• A Review of the Tivo HD by Tivo Lovers

For less than $300, the 180-hour Tivo HD makes it really compelling to upgrade my series2 Tivo. The primary reason I’m hesitating is due to the monthly subscription fee, which is $13 to $17 depending on the commitment time frame. I think I’ll wait a little longer and hope Tivo offers a product lifetime service transfer to a new Tivo HD.

However, if you are currently paying a monthly Tivo fee, upgrading to a Tivo HD is a good deal to be able to record and watch high-definition programming.

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.