Zune Stress Test
For Christmas I was fortunate enough to get everyone in the family a Zune, including myself. I got one of the 2nd Gen 80GB Zunes, and I have to say it is an awesome device.
No doubt you already have your personal preferences about media players. Some, like the convenience and ease of use, not to mention the all encompassing "i" of the iPod. Other's prefer the flexibility of being able to choose their own sync software, or use the "Plays for Sure" ecosystem with Windows Media Player.
This post isn't to compare devices, or even give my feelings about why I personally think the Zune is quite literally the best music player on the market at the moment. (Yes including the iTouch)
Rather, this trip saw me use the Zune in "anger" for the first time. i.e. It was the first time that I had the opportunity to need long term battery life, a pocketable device, and one which will meet all my media needs (music, sharing pictures, keeping up-to-date with podcasts, and video) for a couple of weeks.
The first stress test of course is battery life. Could I get from Sydney to Seattle (12hr40 + 5hr + 2hr) without needing a recharge?
The short answer is a resounding "Yes!!"
For the flight, I didn't use the Qantas media system at all. Mainly because the "on demand" system wasn't working, and secondly because I wanted to listen to my music and catch-up on other interests (writing a letter, preparing work etc).
So for the long haul, I started listening to the Zune from 20 mins after take-off, and stopped 20 mins before landing. Some 6 hours of that was light classical music through the noise cancellers to help me sleep.
To be honest I didn't use the Zune at all whilst in San Francisco. I'd mislaid my Zune headphones at home, and didn't want to sit in an airport with the noise cancellers on.
On the Seattle flight I watched most of "Hot Fuzz."
So, er, that's 2 hours of video after 12 hours of audio.
So if you have a need for a great, pocketably small music device, with a sweet interface, easy syncing, and amazing battery life; you won't go wrong with the 80GB Zune II.
R42
