DailyTech - Zune HD Will Force All Other Zune Models to Retire

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Blog: Gadgets Zune HD Will Force All Other Zune Models to Retire
Shane McGlaun (Blog) - September 2, 2009 11:12 AM

11 comment(s) - last by scrapsma54.. on Sep 9 at 1:30 PM

Zune HD will have more color options after launch

Microsoft is trying to fight Apple and other makers of PMPs and MP3 players on more even footing and announced the slick looking Zune HD to do so. The device is very much like the iPod touch in many aspects.

WinSuperSite reports that once the Zune HD hits the market all other Zune models will be discontinued. That means every one of the current Zune 8GB, 16GB, 80GB, and 120GB PMPs will go the way of the dinosaur. Shoppers wanting on original Zune player can still grab one before supplies run out.

Another interesting tidbit on the Zune is that those pre-ordering the device are limited in color options depending on the storage capacity they purchase. Zune HD devices for pre-order only come in black for the 16GB and platinum for the 32GB version. However, those who wait until September 15 when the Zune HD officially launches can get either capacity in either color. Shoppers will also be able to order the Zune HD from the Zune Originals catalog for even more customization.

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No way...

By clovell on 9/2/2009 12:28:14 PM , Rating: 4

Nixing these models would be such a stupid move. I've been eyeing an 8GB or 16GB model for awhile to bring on workouts. Cannibalizing the 80GB and 120GB variants seems equally dumb.

I'll believe it when I see it, but if it does actually happen, it will be a sad day for the Zune community.

RE: No way...

By TomZ on 9/2/2009 1:06:33 PM , Rating: 4

I agree - they would be foolish especially to cancel the HDD versions (80GB, 120GB).

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RE: No way...

By invidious on 9/2/2009 2:09:09 PM , Rating: 3

I don't sagree, most people dont need 80GB+ of storage for a portable media player. At that size range you are selling a portable hard drive that happens to have a/v out. Solid state storage is very much preferable for portable media devices and large SSDs are not at a price point to support the market.

Besides it is not that much of an inconvience to only bring the media you need vs your entire collection. The iPod/iPhone is going in the same direction of using SSDs over HDDs and it is working out fine.

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RE: No way...

By 91TTZ on 9/2/2009 2:49:11 PM , Rating: 2

quote:
Solid state storage is very much preferable for portable media devices and large SSDs are not at a price point to support the market.

Yes, but hard drives have been used reliably in portable devices (such as the iPod and older Zunes) for quite a while. For the price of a SSD you can get a much larger hard drive.

Especially on these newer models, with the ability to store and play videos, hard drive space gets used up quickly. It doesn't seem like SSD's are ready to replace hard drives just yet for this purpose, and Microsoft retired the hard drive Zune models too soon.

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RE: No way...

By TomZ on 9/2/2009 3:14:13 PM , Rating: 2

quote:
I don't sagree, most people dont need 80GB+ of storage for a portable media player.

You do if you are going to store video on it, especially HD video.

For example, I could envision going on a trip and copying a dozen DVDs worth of movies on such a device. Then I could watch them in the airport, on the plane, hotel room, etc.

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RE: No way...

By clovell on 9/2/2009 4:51:53 PM , Rating: 2

Yeah - video takes up a lot of space - ripped DVDs easily take up over 1 GB each.

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RE: No way...

By Omega215D on 9/4/2009 6:03:02 PM , Rating: 2

An SDHC slot would have been a nice addition considering many other PMPs out there come with one. Imagine, 32GB on the player and another 32GB or larger on an SD card. D'oh someone should've pitched this to them.

Also an HDD model will increase thickness and decrease battery life and possibly durability (the thickness is not the HDD itself but the impact protectors surrounding it).

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RE: No way...

By HaZaRd2K6 on 9/3/2009 11:08:57 PM , Rating: 2

I think the whole story has been misinterpreted.

It makes more sense that they're stopping production on the old units to introduce new ones alongside the Zune HD. Having a single product in the entire lineup doesn't sound like the best business decision.

Though I'd love to see a Zune HD with a hard drive in it. 120GB of 720p movies would help pass a lot of time...

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RE: No way...

By scrapsma54 on 9/9/2009 1:30:08 PM , Rating: 2

Misinterpret it or not, it doesn't seem like a bad idea that they are drowning the smaller ones since it was basically the same thing as the nano with a poor wifi connection.
Competing with the dominant Nano market is such a large undertaking that it shouldn't be considered just yet.

I use wifi sync on my 30GB zune, but since the range was pathetically limited on the device, there was no point to think twice about using the cable.

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sorry to see them go

By MrUniq on 9/4/2009 10:22:08 AM , Rating: 2

Unfortunate that their hard drive based units will be gone. But luckily these might create opportunities to pick one up via discount. I understand the move to flash based storage, but a large capacity Zune could be convenient for storing most people's entire media collection.