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Zune on early sale at BestBuy
flx-tech.net — By coincidence i got my hands early on an Microsoft Zune, bought as a regular customer at BestBuy in Union City Landing shopping centre. They dont seem to care that the release day is next tuesday.
flxfxp- 906 diggs
- digg it
- greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -5/+33please post more pics and upload the player software.
- masgrada, on 10/12/2007, -43/+39Yea more pics... And wtf is "welcome to the social?" That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of. "Welcome to the... um, stupid!" Sheesh.
- jonathantneal, on 10/12/2007, -11/+37@masgrada
It's called Zune Speak, I wrote about it below. Just take a sentence and remove the last. For instance, Zune Speak kicks. You should use. Isn't it often called. Don't click. I am. Look at the reflective. You are feeling. Welcome to the social. - JHawk24821, on 10/12/2007, -24/+31Zune speak is. (dumb)
- zeiben, on 10/12/2007, -9/+65Does that mean the Zune cuts off the last bit of every song?
- drathosX3, on 10/12/2007, -28/+10...maybe if the Xbox guys designed the Zune, it might be a success?
- nixfu, on 10/12/2007, -30/+26If by "sucess" you mean loosing millions and still not making a profit after all these years, then yeah I guess.
- theone3, on 10/12/2007, -8/+33"...maybe if the Xbox guys designed the Zune, it might be a success?"
Erm... they did. - cbiz, on 10/12/2007, -6/+33I did not see the "I love the man sticker" that was to ship with all Zunes.
- estvir, on 10/12/2007, -12/+5Okay, anyone else find the 'Firmware' folder quite interesting ? I've been going through the bin files and that and I'm wondering if MS made it intentionally easy to modify.
Time to go back to 'exploring' and I really need a Zune to test some things out. - NicP, on 10/12/2007, -11/+23A social is another name for a gathering or party.
So "Welcome to the social" is like saying "Welcome to the party".
It's a pity that the target demographic of the zune doesn't use the word "social" in that context anymore. - alwaysmc2, on 10/12/2007, -12/+18@ jonathantneal
What are you talking about? "Welcome to the social." is a full sentence. "Social" is both an adjective and a noun, so that phrase is the same as saying, "Welcome to the gathering." It's not Zune speak; it's English. - 23r17i05o42n, on 10/12/2007, -23/+13Welcome to the giant turd brick.
Horrible DRM
***** brown
fake click wheel
payoff to Universal
points system scheme designed to trick and confuse
big clunky rubberize crap
this player already failed as the Toshiba Gigabeat - jjpertusch, on 10/12/2007, -14/+8i hate the fake click wheel argument. the first hd mp3 player i had (Archos 6000) had a round thing in the shape of a wheel that was really 4 buttons. Sure they probably made it round to look like "the" click wheel, but 4 buttons still works. better even, i think. some people may choose it
- Herkimer56, on 10/12/2007, -7/+37It failed to install right out of the box. This is typical Microsoft engineering. I can't understand why anyone would want one.
- HalfNakedPappy, on 10/12/2007, -11/+31I can't wait to pick up my brown turd looking paper weight.
- Quix, on 10/12/2007, -4/+31Money quote: "The Zune already drawn its first blood; me. I cant install it for some reason, and i tried everything."
Heh. - Ireland, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9"It's called Zune Speak, I wrote about it below. Just take a sentence and remove the last. For instance, Zune Speak kicks. You should use. Isn't it often called. Don't click. I am. Look at the reflective. You are feeling. Welcome to the social."
I think the point that that 'Masgrada' guy or gal was making is that when I company brings out a product and they want it to appear cool, which they definitely do (if they want it to sell they would), anyway it shouldn't take a team of people to figure out what they main slogan for that product means, or if indeed it does or doesn't make sense. I agree that it's a stupid slogan. My 11 year old nephew summed up the Zune best when I had a big image of it up on my computer screen the other day: "Eww what's that?" Enough said. Maybe "Hi I'm Zune" or "Let's share" or something that is understandable by all age groups. - quasipalm, on 10/12/2007, -4/+42"They dont seem to care that the release day is next tuesday."
Funny... neither do I. - 4NDr01D, on 10/12/2007, -6/+12Seattle ?!
Microsoft is in Redmond !! - brainspout, on 10/12/2007, -4/+6Amazing that anyone cares about the Zune at all. It is so choked-full of DRM goodness that it is completely worthless. I'm not exaggerating at all, it is truly worthless.
- bocaJWho, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9I am amused that behind the "Installation Error" is a woman in screaming in what looks like pain.
- quiksliver, on 10/12/2007, -6/+6mind giving us an early mini-review?
- jonathantneal, on 10/12/2007, -12/+16Yes, "Welcome to the functionally" - that's Zune-Speak for 'functionally still in progress' - see, with Zune, it looks like there should be another, but it works without as a sentence still - another example "Zune makes me feel"
- splintax, on 10/12/2007, -7/+39Review? He couldn't get the thing to work.
- JustinPM, on 10/12/2007, -27/+12He couldn't get the software to install, not couldn't get the Zune to work. Geez, the sensationalism of the Macophytes astounds me.
- flag564, on 10/12/2007, -16/+16Im sure that the fankids will point to that last picture as proof positive that the Zune will be a total failure.
Totally ignoring all the trouble they have with Itunes 7.0 - alwaysmc2, on 10/12/2007, -15/+4My guess about the install error is that the software knows that it's not supposed to be installed yet.
Sneaky Microsoft! ^_^
edit:
Ick! iTunes 7. *cringe* - AngryBoy, on 10/12/2007, -4/+18@JustinPM
Um... the Zune can't be used as an external hard drive. You have to use Microsoft's Zune loader software to get anything on it. So, in effect, by not being able to install the software, he couldn't get the Zune to work. - devoinregress, on 10/12/2007, -5/+5To get some music on it he could find someone else with a Zune and get some Zunespeak music
oh wait... no one else has a Zune. - Chesh, on 10/12/2007, -13/+2@AngryBoy
You can't use an iPod without iTunes either... - iigloo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6@Chesh. Eh, Yeah you can.
For example:
http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/ - Chesh, on 10/12/2007, -7/+4I knew I should have mentioned anapod, or any of the other 3rd party things, I just knew some smart ass was going to completely miss the point and start harping on that.
- iigloo, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5Miss what point? You said you couldn't use the iPod without iTunes, and that's wrong. Though there will probably be some 3rd party software for the Zune too if it gets popular.
- Chesh, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1There, you just answered your own question as to why you missed the point.
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -4/+13I posted a few more pictures and i'm going to work on a mini review
Btw, i cant post the player software since the duplication of the cd is illegal- greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -13/+6are you sure you can't just highlight the CD, hit explore, and copy the installer to your desktop so that you can upload it. That's not really duplicating the CD.
All I want is the program, not the installer for the actual device - fkr2, on 10/12/2007, -10/+5That screen looks really good
- Herkimer56, on 10/12/2007, -8/+14@fkr2
It's the same resolution as the iPod but on a bigger screen. It's not going to look so good when you try to watch a movie or TV show.
- greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -13/+6are you sure you can't just highlight the CD, hit explore, and copy the installer to your desktop so that you can upload it. That's not really duplicating the CD.
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -5/+27The installation program is great. Not.
Crashed on first attempt.
screenshots: http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=99059998%40N00&q=installation&m=tags
watch from 1 to 6- greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -4/+11that's not good
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+33Ok, now i really have a problem, it really wont install. I restarting my pc and it still wont work. I mean, im not an idiot, i have a Cisco CCNA/CNAP degree ffs! And the installer wont give any options. It just crashes at 87%
Owned by Zune already? Btw, it comes preloaded with music, videos and pictures. That is something i do like :-) - drlog, on 10/12/2007, -2/+16yeah, I thought it may be considered offensive to have 2 people making out like that.
NOTE: Does not offend me at all :D - MioTheGreat, on 10/12/2007, -4/+19The installer says that the internet connection needs to be active, right? Maybe it's failing because Microsoft hasn't launched the Zune stuff yet, and the installer can't pull some info it needs?
- Raider007, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12i don't think that girl is in pain...maybe she's making out too ;)
- flag564, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5"i don't think that girl is in pain...maybe she's making out too ;)"
The Zune will break all sales records for that picture alone. - tarjan, on 10/12/2007, -5/+18
Raider: She is using the zune in vibrate mode.
fixfxp: CCNA/CCNP have no bearing on intelligence, only a knowledge of the cisco product line. Sorry. - mybrainhurts, on 10/12/2007, -4/+7"I mean, im not an idiot, i have a Cisco CCNA/CNAP degree ffs!"
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Classic - SixSence, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1The Cisco course includes very detailed theory about networking and data flow in general, as well as network device hardware and software, computer hardware and software, and even the principles of electricity. It has hardly anything to do with the Cisco "product line."
If he has not only completed the course, but gotten the certification, I'm sure he's proven his point that he's at least smart and knowledgeable enough to install wizard-driven software onto a computer.
Hey, let's all act like we know everything about something that we have never actually experienced or dealt with first hand. (such as the Zune)
- greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -7/+5can you post the installer so I can try it out? I mean it's free software, it's just not out yet, posting it wouldn't be a bad thing.
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -11/+9Whatever. Here you go buddy: http://www.box.net/public/79e5zr2i98
New photos online.- MrLunar, on 10/12/2007, -4/+14That page crashed my FireFox. :(
- timusca, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6It messes up Safari too...
- yeahbuddy, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Had to force-quit while using Firefox. Browser freaked out, locked up. Boxes everywhere. Beware of link (if you are using FF).
- grammarpolice, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Works with my Opera 9 :D
- greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -4/+2thanks, hopefully i can get this working
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3i hope so, let me know :-)
- greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5Got it!
1. go into packages->ZUNE
2. Run "Zune-x86-ENU.exe"
If you don't mind, can I upload the installer to my site?
- greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5Got it!
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Sure, i dont mind. I already tried "Zune-x86-ENU.exe" a while ago. It gives me this error msg: "Zune Installer should not be executed from outside ZuneSetup.exe"
- pinokio, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4thanks for zune soft.Best buy leak it before nov 14.
- pinokio, on 10/12/2007, -4/+1 flxfxp you need to run setup file
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3I did i run the "Zune-x86-ENU.exe" setup file. I get a regular installer, not such a fancy one if you use ZuneSetup.exe
but still, when "Zune-x86-ENU.exe" is loading it gives me this error msg: "Zune Installer should not be executed from outside ZuneSetup.exe"
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3I did i run the "Zune-x86-ENU.exe" setup file. I get a regular installer, not such a fancy one if you use ZuneSetup.exe
- greekgoat91, on 10/12/2007, -20/+4you're missing out man
ZUNECORPS.COM - pinokio, on 10/12/2007, -9/+1i just run zune setup file and it works.
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5here are the error screenshots of what happens when i run "Zune-x86-ENU.exe" from Packages/ZUNE
http://www.flickr.com/photos/-flx-/tags/error/- devoinregress, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Call MS tech support? I wonder what they would say.
- pinokio, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2flxfxp can you tell me if you connect it but without running zune software Windows will recognize it or not
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2Nope, it cant. I already tried. I also cleared all caches and removed all registry keys regarding to Zune before reinstalling the software.
- pinokio, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1do you have SP2?
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -3/+4Yep, Windows XP Pro SP2 legal
- asdfer, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12"Yep, Windows XP Pro SP2 legal"
Just curiuos, does it ask you to validate Windows?
- pinokio, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1how come soft you uploaded working for me. Ok one more do you have windows media 11 i know you do not have to have just asking
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Also, yes. I have the official version (/w WGA) downloaded for Microsoft and installed.
- pinokio, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2OK so do i.I saw couple of icons on right side of your monitor winamp etc.When i install zune nothing should run on background.
some kind of social nightmare :) fortunately not for me- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4Nope still not working. :-(
Damn, i guess ill have to contact MS monday - theone3, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Set the date on your computer to Wednesday and disconnect from the net. Maybe it's not allowing installs before the release?
- devoinregress, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2If you can record the phone call please do. I want to hear the reaction when they find out you have a Zune already.
- mightycbu, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"Nope still not working. :-(
Damn, i guess ill have to contact MS monday"
or you could just go back and buy an iPod instead :)
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4Nope still not working. :-(
- pinokio, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5monday :) wow player supposedly in stores on Tuesday and calls to ms tech support day before.This is sad.
- pinokio, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3You must be signed in to Zune Marketplace to play explicit content. :(
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13Woot! featured on engadget! http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/12/stores-selling-zunes-early/
- sinner0423, on 10/12/2007, -35/+17Not even released yet and it's already a piece of *****.
Microsoft hardware FTW!
I'd say sorry for your loss, but Apple was here first, my friend.- carapi, on 10/12/2007, -64/+71. Go to MySpace. That is where 12 yea olds post inane acronyms like LOL, ROTFL and FTW.
2. Isolated incidents by morons who can't get theirs to work is not a problem with the produt. Since someone else got theirs to work it is CLEARLY a user problem, not a product flaw.
I am sure when people talked about their problems with Apple you were red in the fae hw it was an isolated incidnet and the man's whose semen you swallowed would never release a faulty product.
You are a ***** hyprocite and no onwe will ever care what you have to say...about anything. Ever. In your entire life.
Which is why you still think it is clever to use ***** like FTW! - TheZorch, on 10/12/2007, -24/+13@carapi you are Dugg down for being an ***** and a Microsoft fanboy.
- FullHazard, on 10/12/2007, -8/+29Go back to myspace. That is where 12 year olds post terrible mispellings like 'yea' instead of 'year', 'produt' instead of 'product', and 'you were red in the fae hw it was an isolated incidnet' for 'Whatever the hell 'you were red in the fae hw it was an isolated incidnet' means in english'.
Oh, and implying that someone is a homosexual male or heterosexual female because they like apple? That's what I call 'Teh Intarnets = Lawlz!'
Remember, you should never mispel when you're trying to correct someone for being an idiot.
K, THX, BBL, LAWL! - Hindu_Wardrobe, on 10/12/2007, -9/+15Aw, crap. I dugg your comment and THEN read "I'd say sorry for your loss, but Apple was here first, my friend."
Digg needs an un-digg comment feature. :( - TonyCubed, on 10/12/2007, -4/+23Why don't you all stop being fanboys?
- sinner0423, on 10/12/2007, -15/+4haha, how the ***** am I a microsoft or apple fanboy? i'm neither. i don't pay for any microsoft products, nor do i own any apple products.
you buy something from the store, it doesn't work, it's a piece of *****. something wrong with that?
i'm sorry, but i can't see what everyone is jumping over the Zune about. it's a ***** media player with DRM all over it, WOWEE WOWOW OWOW. color me unimpressed.
oh, and @ carapi, you need to learn2spell. - kafitz22, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4lol Fullhazard mispelled mispell ftw.
- carapi, on 10/12/2007, -64/+71. Go to MySpace. That is where 12 yea olds post inane acronyms like LOL, ROTFL and FTW.
- flxfxp, on 10/12/2007, -3/+23Well, honestly i have used 3 generations of ipods (2G, 3G and 4G) and i think its refreshing. Its alot more different than a ipod. I will get it working eventually (do i sound like Gates?)
- carapi, on 10/12/2007, -64/+3If others can get it working, and you can't, the problem is OBVIOUSLY with you.
And since you think that ALOT is one word, that is more of an indication of your supreme ignorance.
I really wouldn't expect someone who hasn't mastered 2nd grade selling to be able to install something on their computer. - lonnieh, on 10/12/2007, -2/+18carapi: No point in being an *****.
@flxfxp: Have you disabled any services that may have interfered with the installation? - g4n0n, on 10/12/2007, -3/+15carapi: What the hell?
Program installations screw up all the time, even the most experience computer users get stumped when something goes wrong without explanation, especially in windows.
Why the insanely hostile response?
@flxfxp: have you tried looking at the system or application logs within event viewer to check if any errors are being thrown by the installation? - RobSaint, on 10/12/2007, -2/+34by carapi "I really wouldn't expect someone who hasn't mastered 2nd grade selling to be able to install something on their computer."
Don't you mean spelling?! ;) - hander, on 10/12/2007, -3/+29I specifically logged in to digg you down, carapi.
You need some anger management, boy. - StarManta, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12Actually, the problem really IS with the software. That error message is as unhelpful as it could possibly be.
- TonyCubed, on 10/12/2007, -6/+5Could be the actual CD which is the problem, dodgy burning, anyone getting free Ubuntu CD's will know what I mean.
- carapi, on 10/12/2007, -64/+3If others can get it working, and you can't, the problem is OBVIOUSLY with you.
- CamperBob, on 10/12/2007, -4/+11WTF is with the chick lying the ground, grimacing, in the "Installation Error" screen shot? Looks like a screencap from "Lost," not a trendy new consumer-electronics product.
- Jeifurie, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5Uhh..its a installation ERROR hence the grimacing to represent it, its not like they use that background for every screen. Notice how when it says 'welcome to the social party' it has a picture of a social gathering...the picture represents the message. I agree though, it is a weird picture.
- CamperBob, on 10/12/2007, -3/+15@Jeifurie: I don't think that image is specific to an installation-failure condition. I think they were aiming at "hipster ecstasy" but hit "car-crash victim."
- cleverboy, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2I'm really wondering if they're blocking early installation attempts. Who knows. Hearing that people have already been installing it for testing, and early reviews, that would be stupid of MS though. Eh. The Zune has too many "deal breaker" issues for me to get it with anything other than "burn" money.
- bubba9999, on 10/12/2007, -2/+16I think she was making the sexy-time. High five...
- auto_exec, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Hahaha... Also, I thought it was funny that for the "installation error" screen, there were two people on top of each other next to the grimacing chick... kind of makes you wonder what was... uhh.. being "installed" incorrectly... ahahaha...
- roadkillkid, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1If that's the installation error screen background, I can't wait to see what pops up when you get the damn thing installed successfully. The money shot, perhaps?
- zhulien, on 10/12/2007, -8/+11Vista, Zune, which Amiga-related name are M$ going to steal next?
- gamedigger, on 10/12/2007, -4/+17Sweet! Now we can play all of this Plays For Sure content!
Er, wait, the Zune currently doesn't support Microsoft's own "Plays for Sure" DRM branding scheme...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony
On a serious note, if MS doesn't alter course and support Plays for Sure, it's going to be a bad day in DRM-Press-Land.
On another serious note, I have never even met anyone that uses Play For Sure, and I'm not exaggerating, so I don't even know if the 7 people in the U.S. that actually do use it are going to care.
On a final serious note, Dear MS, take the attendee list out of Outlook for whatever brainstorming session resulted in the creation of the brand name "Plays For Sure", find those people, and send them to work at a competitor, because they are short-sighted fools.- Herkimer56, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2I don't believe that the competitors would have them.
- brindon, on 10/12/2007, -12/+2Ahh the Canajun stores released a product early (again). If I had a nickel for each time the Canadian branch ****ed up a release...I'd have a lot of nickels.
- narkee, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12uhh...the store was in California...
make sure you do your research before you attempt to flame.
- narkee, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12uhh...the store was in California...
- exsst, on 10/12/2007, -8/+26Hahaha classic, it's *****.
- TonyCubed, on 10/12/2007, -12/+9Jumping the gun there aren't you?
- websyndicate, on 10/12/2007, -20/+6I dont think it will work with MAC so I problay wont get one
- Hindu_Wardrobe, on 10/12/2007, -3/+19One question: why do some people feel the need to write "Mac" in all caps?
I'm not flaming or anything, it's a serious question. - redfox2600, on 10/12/2007, -2/+19People are probably used to it from MAC addressing.
- Hindu_Wardrobe, on 10/12/2007, -3/+19One question: why do some people feel the need to write "Mac" in all caps?
- TheZorch, on 10/12/2007, -18/+31I knew the Zune was going to be a major flop when I first heard about it. Why?
1. MS is going up against the iPod, a player that just works with very few hassles and works seamlessly with iTunes on both Mac and Winidows. Apple as had more time to perfect the digital music delivery system and the iPod both, and they are not intent on price gouging their customers on downloadable media.
2. The impending release of the Zune is yet another stab in the back of more Microsoft business partners. This is not the first time this has happeed. It happened with WordPerfect and Lotus when MS released Office, its happening with Norton and Symantec wih Vista, and now its happening with every company who jumped onto the PlaysForSure bandwagon. When will these companies learn that if you get in he bed with the devil you're going to get burned.
3. There are still some sticky legal issues to cover over the Zune's ADVERTISED ability to import iTunes files. In order to do this the Zune software would have to strip off Apple's DRM which violates the DMCA. What's that smell? Oh, that? Its a law suite on the horizon.
4. The Zune itself is both a brick compared to the sleek and tiny iPod but its also a previously failed product. Basically the Microsoft Zune is a failed Toshiba MP3 player from Japan that's been rebranded and slightly modified to support a new DRM scheme. At CompUSA where I work Apple has iPods on display that perspective buyers can actually try out, but the Zune display has NON-WORKING display models. You can even try out Sandisk's offerings so there is no excuse why Microsoft can't do the same. This sure doesn't install any sense of confidence in the product if you can't try it out before buying it.- monger68, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4But it's just so gosh darn shiny!
- coolspray, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7The law suite. Yay!
- flag564, on 10/12/2007, -7/+5"1. MS is going up against the iPod, a player that just works with very few hassles and works seamlessly with iTunes on both Mac and Winidows. Apple as had more time to perfect the digital music delivery system and the iPod both, and they are not intent on price gouging their customers on downloadable media."
"The ipod is perfect, says I" Talking point.
"2. The impending release of the Zune is yet another stab in the back of more Microsoft business partners. This is not the first time this has happeed. It happened with WordPerfect and Lotus when MS released Office, its happening with Norton and Symantec wih Vista, and now its happening with every company who jumped onto the PlaysForSure bandwagon. When will these companies learn that if you get in he bed with the devil you're going to get burned."
The "I lament for those MS partners" talking point.
3. There are still some sticky legal issues to cover over the Zune's ADVERTISED ability to import iTunes files. In order to do this the Zune software would have to strip off Apple's DRM which violates the DMCA. What's that smell? Oh, that? Its a law suite on the horizon.
The "Apples gonna sue you if you allow people to import their songs to Zune" threat/ talking point. You better not entice our cult members or we'll so so your A$$.
Is Apple now the new Mormons?
Wait, are you saying that Apples "happy DRM" restricts you to only Apple devices? isn't that the same thing some of you criticizes MS for with the Zune?
"4. The Zune itself is both a brick compared to the sleek and tiny iPod but its also a previou.....Blah blah blah."
The "Zune is a $hit brick" talking point. Old and worn out, but still trotted out for effect.
And I see "NON_WORKING" pod models at places like Targetand Sam's Club all the time. Does that mean that Apple "doesn't install any sense of confidence in the product if you can't try it out before buying it."? - Phyltre, on 10/12/2007, -5/+6Seeing the iPod and Zune side by side, I'm curious how people are calling it a "brick". It's not much larger than the iPod. Maybe you're thinking of Archos or something?
- Herkimer56, on 10/12/2007, -6/+6"The ipod is perfect, says I" Talking point."
All he's saying is that the iPod just works right out of the box. No one is saying it's perfect and that's why Apple keeps updating it. Besides, the guy writing the article couldn't even get it to install right out of the box.
"The "I lament for those MS partners" talking point."
It's a fact that Microsoft has screwed over almost every company that has partnered with them beginning with Apple and there is no end in sight for their predatory business practices.
"The "Apples gonna sue you if you allow people to import their songs to Zune" threat/ talking point."
Apple isn't going to sue anyone for stripping the DRM from songs purchased through the iTunes store. The RIAA will be the ones doing the suing if you get caught.
"The "Zune is a $hit brick" talking point."
Just look at the thing. This one is so obvious that it doesn't deserve comment.
You act as if there's some kind of organized campaign to embarrass Microsoft over the Zune. There isn't because there doesn't need to be one. Microsoft has embarrassed themselves by trying to foist another sub-standard product on the public while talking about how innovative they are. - Quix, on 10/12/2007, -4/+7"Is Apple now the new Mormons?" = flag564
Way to go flag, not only are you a rabid troll, but a bigot too. Nice work!
You're so desperate for the success of the Zune, I fear your universe will implode if it fails. Yet you still have the nerve to call other people "fanboys." Hilarious. And sad. - flag564, on 10/12/2007, -8/+3"You act as if there's some kind of organized campaign to embarrass Microsoft over the Zune. "
No. Just a rabid group of Anti-Everything Microsoft Apple fanboys who have attacked this device since it was first announced months ago.
$hit brick, Turd colored, Huge and chunky. After about the 1000000000000^23 fanboy uses it in a post as if it's original, it just becomes retarded.
We have all pretty much caught on to ALL the recycled talking points that you guys use. the fact that you insist on posting them over and over again just makes you look pathetic. - Quix, on 10/12/2007, -4/+9"Just a rabid group of Anti-Everything Microsoft Apple fanboys who have attacked this device since it was first announced months ago." - flag564
Let's run this through the flag translator, shall we?
"Anyone who has any negative feedback whatsoever on the Zune is a fanboy with an anti-Microsoft agenda."
Life must be interesting in your universe, flag. Journalists who say the Zune isn't as good as the iPod are biased and obvious shills for Apple. Any journalist who gives the Zune good marks is objective and intelligent. Check.
The reviews I've read so far range from "bad" to "decent." Nothing "stellar," "revolutionary," or "a must buy." In other words, it won't be good enough to pose a serious challenge to the iPod. That's just the harsh reality you'll have to learn to live with, flag. - Herkimer56, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8Are you one of Ballmer's kids or heavily invested in Microsoft or what? You make the assumption that because I have serious doubts about the Zune that I'm an Apple fanboy. I work with both platforms every day and I see the strengths and weaknesses in both. If this makes me an Apple fanboy in your eyes then you're just delusional. You've done nothing but attack anyone here that even so much as asks a question that you don't like. If you don't want to hear and criticism of Microsoft you had better lock yourself in a room without TV, telephone or internet access because out in the world there are a lot of people that are seriously pissed off at Microsoft for mediocre products and predatory business practices. If you can't stand to hear the occasional dig at Microsoft then you had better stay away from anyone that knows anything about computers. No product or company is perfect and Microsoft is the best example of that truth that you're going to find.
- phantom_mullet, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2I am always cautious about condemning a piece of hardware before I've seen it in action. Remember when the iPod was introduced?
Here's an old forum post on MacRumors from when the iPod was first released; look at how many people were miffed at Apple releasing such an "non-revolutionary" product. People were saying it would get killed off like the Cube.
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=500
Sure it's Microsoft, but I've never been one to judge a product by its brand name. I'd much rather wait to see how easy the product is to interact with and how well it optimizes what I want to do with my digital media. - biotique, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1A major fiasco in the making indeed. It's going to be so much fun to watch it!
You didn't mention the crippled WiFi which is nothing short of a joke. You can't connect to your home WiFi network/comp but only to other Zunes (critical mass issue?). And, most importantly, songs transferred to other Zunes (even your own creations) disappear after 3 days (and cannot be forwarded to a 3rd Zune, btw). So, when you consider that the networking feature is their biggest and almost only sales pitch...
Sit down, crack open a beer and watch it crash and burn like the Hindenburg.
- blankartist, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Can somebody confirm the wireless sharing capabilities? I've heard the 3 day/3 play restrictions, but does this apply to non DRM music as well? Cause if not, you'd better believe a lot of song sharing going on during classes in a school near you.
That is of course, if anybody can actually get the software installed.- TheZorch, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6It does, I had to go through training on the Zune for my job. The 3 Day or 3 Plays DRM applies to everything shared from another Zune whether its Zune Marketplace music or a free Podcast.
- beaunewcomb, on 10/12/2007, -5/+6oh I'm sure the second a song is placed on that sucker, it's DRM'i'fied
- devoinregress, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3how long until the hacked firmware comes out?
- DelMonte, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1how long until the hacked firmware with a virus comes out?
- StarManta, on 10/12/2007, -5/+13"Hello from Seattle" is probably a reference to Apple's "Designed by Apple in Cupertino".
- karter01, on 10/12/2007, -10/+3RE: ...Designed by Apple in Cupertino".
I think you mean "..in California". - NerveBand, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Cupertino is in California.
- flag564, on 10/12/2007, -6/+7Apple should be saying: "Greetings from secert sweatshop #15335676 deep in the heart of China."
- Herkimer56, on 10/12/2007, -3/+12@flag564
Yes, of course Microsoft will use only highly paid American Union workers to build the Zune. And Bill Gates will come to the home of everyone that purchases a Zune to give them a foot massage.
- karter01, on 10/12/2007, -10/+3RE: ...Designed by Apple in Cupertino".
- DarkJedi375, on 10/12/2007, -6/+3LAWL B3ST BUY AR TEH FAiLZz!!!!11one
Best Buy can't seem to do things the way they're supposed to. Granted, this happens to be a good mistake...but it's still a mistake.
That's why I still hate Best Buy. - dignon, on 10/12/2007, -11/+17This thread is probably the best advertisement for iPods that I've ever seen. I mean, I'd like to see SOME competition for iPod as much as the next guy, but if all you pro-Microsoft geeks are having this much trouble getting a Zune working, what chance does any normal human have? That, right there, is the number one reason that the iPod has been able to maintain a stranglehold on over 75% of the mp3 market... its simple and it just works. Welcome to the party, Microsoft. Seriously... but you'll need to do much better than this.
- JustinPM, on 10/12/2007, -9/+6"All" equals one person. Yup, all of us are having problems. You should try falling on knives, it's REALLY fun.
- DaffyDuck, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8But we aren't just talking about some random Zune owner. This is the first person to buy one and post about it AFAIK.
- flag564, on 10/12/2007, -7/+1Hopefully it is just a issue of it not being the 14th, and the software not being able to connect to the Zune store which may not be up. It WAS silly for Best Buy to sell one before the release date, even the OP was surprised that they did that. But then again, it's Best Buy.
If other people have that problem on or after the 14th then they should post about it, unlike Apple fanatics who would rather sweep things like this under a rug and attack the person reporting the problem as a whiner. If it happens on release day, then raise heck.
I know a concept totally alien to Apple fanboys.
- bigvics, on 10/12/2007, -9/+10The Zune software you just uploaded, installed perfectly on my XP SP2 machine. Dude u gotta be doing something wrong??
- abxy, on 10/12/2007, -4/+11I'm sorry that the software isn't installing for you mate. It installed just fine here, so I'd assume you're having some sort of Windows' setting or PC hardware issue rather than it just being something wrong with the Zune and its bundled software.
- abxy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3Oh, and for anyone questioning whether it's worth the time and effort to download and install, just know that the Zune software basically _is_ Windows Media Player 11, only with a different player skin. Aside from that, they just got rid of the music stores and made the only choice Zune Marketplace.
It did import my iTunes playlists though, so that was sort of nice.- TheZorch, on 10/12/2007, -12/+1@abxy
"It did import my iTunes playlists though, so that was sort of nice."
And also very illegal. To play FairPlay protected music the Zune has to circumvent the DRM which violates the Recording Industry's beloved DMCA. Microsoft is so breaking the law with this feature. - JustinPM, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7It won't play it chief, it just imported a playlist. That is not illegal.
- qpid, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5He said playlist not music
- Fipe, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Also, I can only assume that not all music in iTunes is under Fairplay. Not everyone buys all their music at the iTMS. I sure as hell don't, at least partially because of the DRMing and inability to work with any non-iPod MP3 player. I like to keep my options open.
- Escamillo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1It's not illegal at all.
When you install iTunes, it (optionally) imports WMP's music library (not just the playlist, but actually converting wma and mp3 to aac), but not the DRM'ed tracks. I assume the same occurs for Zune wrt iTunes tracks (except, maybe it just uses playlists instead of converting tracks), in that it doesn't play the iTunes DRM'ed tracks.
- TheZorch, on 10/12/2007, -12/+1@abxy
- mrjeffery, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3flxfxp, how old is your windows install?
- narkee, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1Is it possible that everyone here is getting the install to work properly simply because they don't actually have the hardware?
I didn't check the installation, but maybe he has his Zune jacked in when it's not supposed to be. - timjbart, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5http://static.flickr.com/103/294929001_b67b0b5225.jpg
She looks like she's being attacked- TonyCubed, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3The photo looks like the girl jumped on to them or something.. It doesn't look like they are making out ?
- victimofkratina, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1or raped.
- volcompimp, on 10/12/2007, -4/+4WTF he got it at the store that's closest to my house!?!? If anyone read my comment on a Borat post about after seeing it, I found out someone slashed my tires... It's next door to this Best Buy.
- jcact, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8"They dont seem to care that the release day is next tuesday"
That's funny neither do I. - JustinPM, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3flxfxp, here's an idea. Clear out everything in the temp directory, as something uncompressed badly could screw the whole thing up. I would try to install it again, and if it doesn't work, I would try to use Memtest86 to check your RAM and see if you have any bad DIMMs. I know I was having problems with Battlefield 2142 and it turned out I had a bad stick of RAM. I took it out, and tried it again. The uncompression didn't lead to any errors afterwards.
http://www.memtest86.com/#download0 - Arkonnan, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1I'm not sure if you have any of the kinks worked out yet or if you've had a chance to play with the player itself, but could you give us an idea of the startup time on the player?
- JustinPM, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1I got the software installed on my computer with relatively no pain. I say no pain, because yet again, Microsoft creates a product that does not like my APO address. Sigh, I guess I'll not be buying any music from them. Still, I'm going to try and get one on Tuesday.
Oh, and it shares playlists with WMP. Not sure if that's news or not. - DrunkMonk, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7Sweet, but I strongly advise you to take that picture off that shows the SN on the back.
- Impetouse, on 10/12/2007, -8/+10I saw Zune's for sale at my local target. I played with the demo Zune and I didnt like it that much. Its not an iPod for sure.
- qpid, on 10/12/2007, -9/+6A Zune is not an ipod!??!?!?!
Quick alert the media! - JustinPM, on 10/12/2007, -10/+4Is that you David Pogue?
- Phyltre, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2There are plenty other cool mp3 players out there. I don't see that fact that the Zune isn't an iPod as a detractor. I mean, I own a iPod Video 80gb, but that doesn't somehow bias me against other product lines like so many people seem to be.
- qpid, on 10/12/2007, -9/+6A Zune is not an ipod!??!?!?!
- Cooperjones, on 10/12/2007, -13/+9OMG.
That Zune is unintentionally retro; looks like some Eames era idea of bad SciFi with all that brown and fake chrome.
It's actually the color of cr*p and looks like it works like same.
Sorry M$, but zune is done before it begun.- flag564, on 10/12/2007, -8/+9"It's actually the color of cr*p and looks like it works like same."
And the iPod is the color of splooge. And it looks and works the same.
See how easy it is to come up with something as dumb as what you have? - DaffyDuck, on 10/12/2007, -6/+7flag, are you saying the iPod is the result of ecstasy while the Zune is the result of constipation?
You're right, it is easy! - flag564, on 10/12/2007, -8/+4No. Im saying that people that try to compare a product to a bodily function are retarded.
- flag564, on 10/12/2007, -8/+9"It's actually the color of cr*p and looks like it works like same."
- JustinPM, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5I just tried the store myself, it seems they use 192Kbps. It sounds good, but I'm not an audiophile so I can't really speak to specifics. Here is some interesting stuff when it comes to what they call "Media Usage Rights". Here's a screenshot.
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/697/mediausagerightsfp6.jpg- MadMan459, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Yeah I remember reading something about those usage rights... Seems you can back up the songs, BUT NOT THE RIGHTS TO PLAY IT. If your computer gets hosed, your ability to play your (purchased from MS) music goes up in smoke, even if you have full backups.
Nice huh? - igyigyigy, on 10/12/2007, -2/+2"The media usage rights for this file cannot be backed up"
What does that mean if you have a total/partial hard drive failure/move/reinstall?
Is "your" music gone?
[Edit] Beaten to it by madman [/edit] - DaffyDuck, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1That's what it sounds like. From what I have heard, you can redownload music you have purchased up to 5 times though.
Apple doesn't have an official policy for redownloading music, but in the past, they have allowed me to do that after sending them an email.
- MadMan459, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Yeah I remember reading something about those usage rights... Seems you can back up the songs, BUT NOT THE RIGHTS TO PLAY IT. If your computer gets hosed, your ability to play your (purchased from MS) music goes up in smoke, even if you have full backups.
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