So while the Zune 2 launch seems to be humming right along, we've noticed that the big daddy Zune 80 doesn't seem to be available anywhere -- and that it's oddly listed as "not available in stores" on a couple retailer websites. That's pretty strange, especially since we've spotted a number of floor displays for the Zune line that include the Zune 80, but damned if anyone has actually seen the thing -- and we're hearing that Best Buy employees can't even order them for in-store customers. As of right now, Target and Best Buy are both displaying no-store-sales messages on their sites, Circuit City just has the 80 as out of stock and Wal-Mart doesn't even have it listed. We've been told by sources that while the Zune 80 is in short supply, it will eventually be on store shelves, but when that'll happen is still the big question -- and if anyone has actually seen one for sale, let us know in comments.
You do care Mike, you just don't realize it now. You took time to read and respond. Don't be shy Mike, we know you want Zune 80 too. We swear we want call you a loser.
Amazon.com had them in stock, and sent them to those that pre-ordered, but I'm not sure if all that pre-ordered got them. I personally canceled my pre-order the night of the 12th as I'm going to wait until the Zune 80 Originals come out.
If you look on Amazon.com there are customer images of people who I'm assuming got them on amazon.com
I've noticed this too. I'm in the UK, and I'm trying to order one in, and it seems there's only one seller that'll ship to the UK, and he's selling it for quite a bit.
Hopefully I'll be able to get one before Christmas.
Off topic, but you should check out the show Top Gear - they did a crash test of the Smart Car, and it holds up to a near head on collision @ 60mph into a concrete barrier incredibly well :)
Got the last 80GB from my Circuit City. I'm guessing a couple stores either didn't get them, or they sold out too quickly of them. I called my Target, and they didn't have any 80GB, but they had a spot for them...
Circuit City showed them in stock at my local store yesterday. I went to order one this morning and store pickup was still available, then midway through checkout my cart suddenly "timed out" and I had to restart the process, but now it shows out of stock.
I saw the 80 and the 8 for sale last night at Circuit City in Atlanta. They were not "activated" so every button you pushed gave you a "please activate" screen. I was able to use the squircle controller and it was not bad. The device was MUCH better than the old Zune, but it is still not even close to an iPod. I held both the iPod Classic and the Zune 80 at the same time, and the fit and finish on the iPod was much better. The Zunes were on display, but I do not know if they had any available for purchase.
"The device was MUCH better than the old Zune, but it is still not even close to an iPod."
Uh oh, look out Mike - the Zune Brigade is going to descend on you in a fury. Prepare for a barrage of "Apple fanboy," "Apple shill," or "iSheep" comments.
Seriously? I can understand that you're an Ipod fan but you're blind if you think the small plastic screen on the classic Ipod looks better than the glass screen of the Zune. Also if you compare feature to feature of the Zune 80 vs. the Ipod Classic 80gb it's no contest. The FM radio with the station identifier info alone makes the Zune a better buy. Throw in a bigger screen, wifi syncing, and sharing music and pics and it's not even fair.
I am constantly baffled by people who care what a device that is going to be in your pocket 90% of the time looks like. Function over form for me any day of the week.
The post was really about the fact that the Zune is available in stores, but if people want to compare the two, there is no doubt that the Zune is just a iPod replica. The part that I think is interesting is that Microsoft is selling a cheap replica of an iPod at the same price points as the iPod. They would be much better off selling the Zune 80 for $199 and trying to "buy" some of iPod fans. Who would buy an inferior product at the the same price and at the same store as the market leading product? I truly think that the only people they are appealing to are the anti-Apple crowd. I own stock in Microsoft (and have for years) and I am surprised that they are putting forth such a weak effort.
Mike, you have to be kidding. The Zune is about as much of an iPod replica as a Corvette is to a Viper. They are both relatively similar products, but in no way is Microsoft making a "replica." Look to the Chinese (no offence) for that one.
As far as an inferior product? The iPod Classic takes the cake on that- what with the sound quality (or lack thereof) and the same old shoddy Apply iPod construction. Yes, the face plate might not scratch up like the iPods of the last generations, but your a fool to not thing that the screen will. That being said, the Zune wins that department with it's larger *glass* screen (which I would assume is tempered) that *won't* scratch or "fog" up.
For the same price, the Zune 80 is the better buy, by a longshot. If you want, I can go over it for you. Equal storage, better UI, better controls, better sound quality (if its similar to the old, which I would assume it would be), better construction, larger glass scratch-resistant screen, wifi song/picture sharing, and wireless syncing- lets not forget the better software, and the FM radio AND station identification, which would be a 50 dollar add on for any iPod, and probably doesn't have SI.
lOL MIKE. my corvette is a replica of the ford mustang, because it has 4 wheels. but hey I guess youre right,the zune is a replica, but nonetheless a replica with more and better features for the same money. if you buy an ipod classic is because you dont know better, you want to look like every one else, or youre a fanboy. and how come every fanboy uses the 'i own stock in microsoft'?
This has got to be a joke. Does anyone really believe that the Zune will have any significant sales compared to the iPod? It is truly a blunder and the subject of ridicule. It is the iPod's cousin that wears a helmet and rides the short bus.
Ok. I'll bite. comparisons are generally useless... but i have to disagree with what you said.
Let's see: "Equal storage" - fair enough, all though it would have been smart if Microsoft made a 160GB model as well. "better UI" - VERY dependent on the end user. You can't claim that. "better controls" - again, very dependent on whoever is using it. There is nothing wrong with the iPod controls. Also, whats the point of the redundant d-pad under the touch interface? "better sound quality (if its similar to the old, which I would assume it would be)" - Maybe if you were listening to lossless music and using expensive headphones this would matter... 128 kbps? not so much. "better construction" - can't really comment on this seeing as the Zune is only on sale in select countries and I have yet to see one never mind touch it. As far as my iPod goes, I find no fault in its quality. at all. "larger glass scratch-resistant screen" - I agree, fact that it is glass, VERY nice. pity that they did not take advantage of the larger real estate to add some more resolution. "wifi song/picture sharing" - hmmm. Even if my iPod had this functionality, to share songs, I would have maybe tried it once to see how it works. Honestly, I know a fair bit of people with iPods, but rarely have I met a friend and we both had our iPods on us and wished we could share some music. There are far easier, albeit illegal, methods to do this. "wireless syncing" - I would use this feature a lot, very nice. "lets not forget the better software" - From what I hear, I would rather forget it, thanks. Besides, said software only works on Windows, which is not the only OS in the world. "FM radio" - I don't get why people want this at all? Huh? You are probably carrying around thousands of songs of your own choosing and yet you want to listen to the radio? If you really need to... you can pick up a stand alone fm radio for dirt cheap at any gadget/gift shop, plus it would be lighter to wear than a HDD player. So odd.
Blegh, anyway I don't really care much for the Zune, just wanted to highlight the fact that your opinion isn't fact. If I had the money to buy a new 80GB player now, I would only have one real choice anyway, until Microsoft released some software for Macintosh. It just doesn't offer any deal breakers, besides what you claim.
Now get over it. If you think the Zune is better, that's just peachy. Enjoy it. But don't claim your fanboy facts.
It may not make more sales, mainly because the ipod is seen as 'cool' and has a lot of good advertising going for it, you can't deny that. However, on paper, the zune comes out on top, and for those not concerned much about doing the 'in' thing it also comes out as the better choice.
I like your comments. But that is because I believe the iPod Touch to be "the one player to rule them all". It is really no contest. Shit I have NES and GBA on my iPoT. LOVE IT! LOVE THE KEYBOARD "FAST". LOVE THE BROWSER! LOVE MY MAIL PROGRAM! LOVE THE LOOKS! SHIT< EVEN THE CLOCK ROCKS!......SORRY TO BE RIGHT, BUT IT IS NO CONTEST! Yes this can be compared, because it is officially a DAP.
How can you say the Classic is better than the Zune 80? The Classic has nothing on the Zune 80. Screen size is smaller, sound quality is worse than the Zune, and the interface on Zune is much better.
ZuneOriginals.net lists the Zune 80 as being available "Early December". I think MS pushed the Zune launch for the upcoming sales and in doing so short-supplied the Zune 80. That is pure speculation though...
In America, we love to gossip about huge train wrecks. Britney Spears' nervous breakdown and the ensuing YouTube hilarity, the US government mishandling of anything, and rightfully, the Zune.
How can Americans NOT give a crap-ton of press to a multi-million dollar product launch that flops around like a dying fish on dry land?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
LiqwidZero @ Nov 14th 2007 2:24PM
My local Wal-Mart had all of the new Zunes in. I saw them yesterday.
Mike @ Nov 14th 2007 3:11PM
I found them online at www.whocares.com and www.getanipodyouloser.com
I.P.Freely @ Nov 14th 2007 3:14PM
They also had them at www.lol@yourblackturtleneck.com
heavenlysword @ Nov 14th 2007 3:37PM
You do care Mike, you just don't realize it now.
You took time to read and respond.
Don't be shy Mike, we know you want Zune 80 too.
We swear we want call you a loser.
Ty @ Nov 14th 2007 3:37PM
pwnt
Gene @ Nov 14th 2007 3:44PM
@Mike
www.whocares.com is a floral website. Those would be some pretty interesting iPods
Lol
GR
West Hubbard @ Nov 14th 2007 4:00PM
Amazon.com had them in stock, and sent them to those that pre-ordered, but I'm not sure if all that pre-ordered got them. I personally canceled my pre-order the night of the 12th as I'm going to wait until the Zune 80 Originals come out.
If you look on Amazon.com there are customer images of people who I'm assuming got them on amazon.com
akasan @ Nov 14th 2007 9:35PM
Where the damn custom eq? They went from eq presets to NO eq at all. Whats up with that?
Kasi Viswanath @ Nov 14th 2007 4:22PM
@Mike, U r right! Losers get an iPod. Zune is not for losers. Period.
Constable Odo @ Nov 14th 2007 4:29PM
SOLD OUT!!!. Now and forever, amen.
ravi chittilla @ Nov 14th 2007 5:50PM
Yeah i saw a zune 80 locally at sams club but i didnt see the the other ones but i did see the 80 there
Chris @ Nov 14th 2007 2:26PM
I've noticed this too. I'm in the UK, and I'm trying to order one in, and it seems there's only one seller that'll ship to the UK, and he's selling it for quite a bit.
Hopefully I'll be able to get one before Christmas.
Bullitt @ Nov 14th 2007 3:29PM
At least you can get the zune. Canada can't.
Flalex @ Nov 14th 2007 3:39PM
Canada comes second to the US (with the exception of those Smart cars, we've had it since launch, US gets it '08)
West Hubbard @ Nov 14th 2007 4:03PM
SmartCars are not the best idea for the US.
Get in an a crash with just about any other american car...see ya
Neal @ Nov 14th 2007 11:55PM
Off topic, but you should check out the show Top Gear - they did a crash test of the Smart Car, and it holds up to a near head on collision @ 60mph into a concrete barrier incredibly well :)
Matt H. @ Nov 14th 2007 8:50PM
Maybe a big ol' American Harley Davidson would be better?
gdodson @ Nov 14th 2007 2:26PM
I've been to a few Circuit City stores in the Minneapolis area and they all have the 80's in stock.
hurricane @ Nov 14th 2007 3:12PM
Ditto. That's why I love living in a small town in Minnesota! ^_^
Um... @ Nov 14th 2007 3:56PM
Got the last 80GB from my Circuit City.
I'm guessing a couple stores either didn't get them, or they sold out too quickly of them. I called my Target, and they didn't have any 80GB, but they had a spot for them...
MFB9 @ Nov 14th 2007 2:27PM
I ordered it online at CircuitCity.com for in-store pickup yesterday. No problems in NYC.
McGinley @ Nov 14th 2007 2:28PM
No,but then again,I live in Europe.
Bring them across Microsoft!
Jelement @ Nov 14th 2007 2:29PM
Circuit City showed them in stock at my local store yesterday. I went to order one this morning and store pickup was still available, then midway through checkout my cart suddenly "timed out" and I had to restart the process, but now it shows out of stock.
Electromodo @ Nov 14th 2007 2:30PM
Microsoft is going the Wii route
Seriously, seems like either the demand is very high, or there is just some mess with suppliers.
I would really like to see the number of units getting sold...
P.S. I am thinking of getting Zune, but this shifts in priorities for a month or two... :(
Mike Watkins @ Nov 14th 2007 2:32PM
I saw the 80 and the 8 for sale last night at Circuit City in Atlanta. They were not "activated" so every button you pushed gave you a "please activate" screen. I was able to use the squircle controller and it was not bad. The device was MUCH better than the old Zune, but it is still not even close to an iPod. I held both the iPod Classic and the Zune 80 at the same time, and the fit and finish on the iPod was much better. The Zunes were on display, but I do not know if they had any available for purchase.
Quix @ Nov 14th 2007 2:59PM
"The device was MUCH better than the old Zune, but it is still not even close to an iPod."
Uh oh, look out Mike - the Zune Brigade is going to descend on you in a fury. Prepare for a barrage of "Apple fanboy," "Apple shill," or "iSheep" comments.
Ian @ Nov 14th 2007 3:02PM
Seriously? I can understand that you're an Ipod fan but you're blind if you think the small plastic screen on the classic Ipod looks better than the glass screen of the Zune. Also if you compare feature to feature of the Zune 80 vs. the Ipod Classic 80gb it's no contest. The FM radio with the station identifier info alone makes the Zune a better buy. Throw in a bigger screen, wifi syncing, and sharing music and pics and it's not even fair.
Josh L @ Nov 14th 2007 3:05PM
I am constantly baffled by people who care what a device that is going to be in your pocket 90% of the time looks like. Function over form for me any day of the week.
StrangeBum @ Nov 14th 2007 3:22PM
Damn you Mike...you apple fanboy...apple shill...iSheep...how dare you have an opposing opinion to that of my own!
Mike Watkins @ Nov 14th 2007 3:25PM
The post was really about the fact that the Zune is available in stores, but if people want to compare the two, there is no doubt that the Zune is just a iPod replica. The part that I think is interesting is that Microsoft is selling a cheap replica of an iPod at the same price points as the iPod. They would be much better off selling the Zune 80 for $199 and trying to "buy" some of iPod fans. Who would buy an inferior product at the the same price and at the same store as the market leading product? I truly think that the only people they are appealing to are the anti-Apple crowd. I own stock in Microsoft (and have for years) and I am surprised that they are putting forth such a weak effort.
Zeus the God @ Nov 14th 2007 3:59PM
Mike, you have to be kidding. The Zune is about as much of an iPod replica as a Corvette is to a Viper. They are both relatively similar products, but in no way is Microsoft making a "replica." Look to the Chinese (no offence) for that one.
As far as an inferior product? The iPod Classic takes the cake on that- what with the sound quality (or lack thereof) and the same old shoddy Apply iPod construction. Yes, the face plate might not scratch up like the iPods of the last generations, but your a fool to not thing that the screen will. That being said, the Zune wins that department with it's larger *glass* screen (which I would assume is tempered) that *won't* scratch or "fog" up.
For the same price, the Zune 80 is the better buy, by a longshot. If you want, I can go over it for you. Equal storage, better UI, better controls, better sound quality (if its similar to the old, which I would assume it would be), better construction, larger glass scratch-resistant screen, wifi song/picture sharing, and wireless syncing- lets not forget the better software, and the FM radio AND station identification, which would be a 50 dollar add on for any iPod, and probably doesn't have SI.
Cupajo @ Nov 14th 2007 3:59PM
The only thing the Zune is "inferior" to the iPod on is in style. It' sounds better, it's more rugged, and it has better features than the iPod.
Cupajo @ Nov 14th 2007 4:00PM
The only thing the Zune is "inferior" to the iPod on is in style. It' sounds better, it's more rugged, and it has better features than the iPod.
Jack Storm @ Nov 14th 2007 4:04PM
lOL MIKE. my corvette is a replica of the ford mustang, because it has 4 wheels. but hey I guess youre right,the zune is a replica, but nonetheless a replica with more and better features for the same money. if you buy an ipod classic is because you dont know better, you want to look like every one else, or youre a fanboy. and how come every fanboy uses the 'i own stock in microsoft'?
Mike Watkins @ Nov 14th 2007 4:09PM
This has got to be a joke. Does anyone really believe that the Zune will have any significant sales compared to the iPod? It is truly a blunder and the subject of ridicule. It is the iPod's cousin that wears a helmet and rides the short bus.
RandomVillainZA @ Nov 14th 2007 6:02PM
@Zues the God
Ok. I'll bite. comparisons are generally useless... but i have to disagree with what you said.
Let's see:
"Equal storage" - fair enough, all though it would have been smart if Microsoft made a 160GB model as well.
"better UI" - VERY dependent on the end user. You can't claim that.
"better controls" - again, very dependent on whoever is using it. There is nothing wrong with the iPod controls. Also, whats the point of the redundant d-pad under the touch interface?
"better sound quality (if its similar to the old, which I would assume it would be)" - Maybe if you were listening to lossless music and using expensive headphones this would matter... 128 kbps? not so much.
"better construction" - can't really comment on this seeing as the Zune is only on sale in select countries and I have yet to see one never mind touch it. As far as my iPod goes, I find no fault in its quality. at all.
"larger glass scratch-resistant screen" - I agree, fact that it is glass, VERY nice. pity that they did not take advantage of the larger real estate to add some more resolution.
"wifi song/picture sharing" - hmmm. Even if my iPod had this functionality, to share songs, I would have maybe tried it once to see how it works. Honestly, I know a fair bit of people with iPods, but rarely have I met a friend and we both had our iPods on us and wished we could share some music. There are far easier, albeit illegal, methods to do this.
"wireless syncing" - I would use this feature a lot, very nice.
"lets not forget the better software" - From what I hear, I would rather forget it, thanks. Besides, said software only works on Windows, which is not the only OS in the world.
"FM radio" - I don't get why people want this at all? Huh? You are probably carrying around thousands of songs of your own choosing and yet you want to listen to the radio? If you really need to... you can pick up a stand alone fm radio for dirt cheap at any gadget/gift shop, plus it would be lighter to wear than a HDD player. So odd.
Blegh, anyway I don't really care much for the Zune, just wanted to highlight the fact that your opinion isn't fact. If I had the money to buy a new 80GB player now, I would only have one real choice anyway, until Microsoft released some software for Macintosh. It just doesn't offer any deal breakers, besides what you claim.
Now get over it. If you think the Zune is better, that's just peachy. Enjoy it. But don't claim your fanboy facts.
nate @ Nov 14th 2007 6:03PM
It may not make more sales, mainly because the ipod is seen as 'cool' and has a lot of good advertising going for it, you can't deny that. However, on paper, the zune comes out on top, and for those not concerned much about doing the 'in' thing it also comes out as the better choice.
willyboy @ Nov 14th 2007 9:42PM
I like your comments. But that is because I believe the iPod Touch to be "the one player to rule them all". It is really no contest. Shit I have NES and GBA on my iPoT. LOVE IT! LOVE THE KEYBOARD "FAST". LOVE THE BROWSER! LOVE MY MAIL PROGRAM! LOVE THE LOOKS! SHIT< EVEN THE CLOCK ROCKS!......SORRY TO BE RIGHT, BUT IT IS NO CONTEST! Yes this can be compared, because it is officially a DAP.
DAZA @ Nov 14th 2007 10:39PM
@willyboy: Lay off the iPot bro.
Dublo7 @ Nov 15th 2007 6:03AM
How can you say the Classic is better than the Zune 80? The Classic has nothing on the Zune 80.
Screen size is smaller, sound quality is worse than the Zune, and the interface on Zune is much better.
needanameforthis @ Nov 14th 2007 2:32PM
I am a circuit city employee and we have the second generation zune 80 in the warehouse. I will take pictures at work tomorrow :)
Phil @ Nov 14th 2007 2:37PM
awsome...instead of taking pictures load them on a truck and send them out!!! lol...
Alan Strangis @ Nov 14th 2007 4:08PM
Can you mail one to me?
Steve Jobs
c/o
Apple Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA
95014,
USA
Tanx in adv.
Jared @ Nov 14th 2007 2:41PM
Why would you all at engadget care, you don't like the new Zune?!!
Patrick @ Nov 14th 2007 2:51PM
Yeah, I'm suprised they didn't add at the end of the article:.. 'but the new iPods are available so go head on out and buy one'.
keith @ Nov 14th 2007 2:43PM
I picked one up in Circuit City yesterday morning in NJ.
Shane W. @ Nov 14th 2007 2:50PM
ZuneOriginals.net lists the Zune 80 as being available "Early December". I think MS pushed the Zune launch for the upcoming sales and in doing so short-supplied the Zune 80. That is pure speculation though...
krieger @ Nov 14th 2007 3:06PM
the zune originals availability is only for customizable 80 gb in early december, the launch included all models
David Clark @ Nov 14th 2007 2:56PM
For the Zune to supposedly be a turd in the water, it sure is getting a lot of press. *cough*
Much love to Engadget bringing Apple alternative products into the limelight.
Andy S. @ Nov 14th 2007 4:05PM
In America, we love to gossip about huge train wrecks. Britney Spears' nervous breakdown and the ensuing YouTube hilarity, the US government mishandling of anything, and rightfully, the Zune.
How can Americans NOT give a crap-ton of press to a multi-million dollar product launch that flops around like a dying fish on dry land?