Microsoft MP3 Players

The Zune

With the official announcement of the Zune  in mid-September, Microsoft jumped head first into the portable media player market. Hype surrounding the Zune built up months before Microsoft uttered a word, and the Zune's capabilities spread quickly around the Internet. Does the player live up to the hype? Can Microsoft produce an iPod-beating brand and succeed where Creative, Toshiba,  Sony  and Archos  failed? It sounds as though it may have a shot. Priced at around $250, Zune may give Apple a run for their money. The Zune's physical specs are nearly identical to Apple's iPod Video,  but it boasts a slightly larger screen. It also comes with some cool features not found on most MP3 players, like the ability to wirelessly share files directly from another Zune, a Napster-like all-you-can-download option and the ability to browse by album artwork. Now that's cool.

The Specs

The Zune  models are stylish and featured some exciting capabilities. Check our these specs:

• 30GB hard drive.
• 802.11 wireless capabilities.
• Built-in FM tuner.
• Convergence with Microsoft's new music store.
• 3" video LCD.
• White, black, brown color options.
• TV output connectivity.
• PC Compatibility (no Mac client at launch).
• Horizontal and video orientation.

Accessories

The Zune debuted with several cool accessories. Having waited until the market cooled down to jump in the game has given Microsoft some insight into what kind of add-ons consumers might actually want. That said, the initial accessories list is pretty basic. Look for this list to expand with third-party developments in the coming months.

• Zune Home AV Pack : Contains a dock that allows you to port audio and video to any device with the proper input. It also comes with a control to operate the Zune remotely.
• Zune Car Pack : Includes an FM tuner and a charger that can use your car as a power source.
• Zune Travel Pack : The most accessory rich pack announced by Microsoft thus far. It comes with a Zune case and better headphones than are included with the model itself. It also includes an AC adapter, a sync cable and dual connect remote.