My Gigabeat recently (as in last night) died. It came out from under warranty last week, and I don't have a receipt to turn in for warranty anyway. Thus, I am looking for a new MP3 player that is not an iPod (I can't stand the clickwheel), and 30gb+ storage is more or less required. This in mind, I looked to the Zune because they seem like solid players to me.

I'm thinking Zune first gen because it's cheaper, but Zune 2 seems much nicer. The thing that'll be make-or-break on this, however, is going to be can I use my Zune as a storage device like you can with iPods? If so, I'll undoubtedly go Zune 2 because that would be like buying a small portable hard drive that can also play media on the go. If not, it'll be Zune first gen.

None of my friends own a Zune (freaking iPods..) and googling didn't turn up any answers (unless I suck really, really bad at google). So I turn to Massassi, where undoubtedly SOMEONE owns a Zune.

I don't.

I have a Zune 2 (80GB)

I really love it. However, a few caveats to be aware of...

1. It cannot easily be used as a portable hard drive (neither original Zune or new Zune can). You do need to run a hack program on it to give that functionality. It's a software hack too, not a hardware, so you'd need to run the hack on any machine you plan on using it as an external for.

2. Video does most likely need to be converted before put on. I suppose that's the same with all players though

All in all though, I really love my Zune2. Software is aight (if you wish, there is also a hack program that makes the Zune able to use WMP11, Winamp, or iTunes. Called zAlternator), and the interface / screen is really really awesome, I must say. Artwork is a must with it

All right, thanks.

1. It cannot easily be used as a portable hard drive (neither original Zune or new Zune can). You do need to run a hack program on it to give that functionality. It's a software hack too, not a hardware, so you'd need to run the hack on any machine you plan on using it as an external for.

I should clarify this. It's a registry entry, and it does NOT work like a typical USB drive even after the hack. To transfer files after installing the hack, you have to be "syncing" the zune.

Frankly, I find it a royal pain in the *** and never use it for that function anymore. If it's absolutely necessary for you to have that functionality you won't want a Zune.

Zune does require converted video, but the new Zune software converts almost all types for you now, it's rather well done.

Yeah, I did a quick read on the hack. Since it'd basically be used for back up anyway, doesn't seem too bad to do.

Meh, I still might go 30gb anyway. $100 for that extra seems a bit much.

I got a 30gig on Ebay just last week, waiting for it to arrive.

I still remember how to manually do the HD hack...

lulz zune.

If you're a PC user, I'd definitely recommend the Zune2 over an iPod, as it seems like a nice little device. This coming from a guy who owns two iPods and an iPhone (and still loves them dearly.)

Look at the newest Zen's--they have a 32gb flash player for 300 bucks.

I'd be more interested Yoshi, but $250 for a Zune 2 is pushing it as is. I'll look at it though.

I want a Zune, but don't listen to music enough to justify having it... only time I listen to music is in my room or in my car.... both of which have better sound systems in them than a set of headphones could bring to the table.

if using it as a portable HD is a must look at the iaudio players