Barney n Friends

It's amazing to see so many people using Apple iPhones and other touchscreen mobile phones that do everything. But what if you don't need a device that's loaded with the works? If you like to keep business and pleasure separate, Microsoft has released the Zune Video MP3 Player (or Zune HD to keep it short). Coming in as a premium device next to their cheaper counterparts, the Zune HD comes with either 16 or 32 Gigs or space, an OLED touchscreen, HD radio, and WiFi with web browsing. This also has 720p playback through the HDMI output.

Is this an Apple iPod Touch killer? With a 3.3 in OLED screen, videos and movies come in vibrant and sharp with the added help of the built-in Tegra processor. It doesn't have multi-touch, but navigating is a breeze and surprisingly solid. While the videos don't show up in HD on the device, the HDMI output lets you operate the Zune HD through your TV in 720p resolution.

You can also shop the Zune marketplace from the Zune HD and surf the web with its built-in browser. (But the iPods are better for this.) Viewing web pages takes some getting use to, but is fairly quick depending on the connection. Zune's marketplace lacks in the app department compared to the app store that Apple offers its users. This may change in the future but right now it is worth noting.

HD radio and sound quality are the advantages that the Zune Video MP3 Player has over all similar devices on the market. Music comes in rich and the bass is good. HD radio comes in with CD quality sound and you can also tag songs if you wish to buy it later. There's a quick play feature that takes all the songs in your collection and creates a playlist that matches the genre or mood you want. If you also own an Xbox 360, you can sync the Zune HD with the console and play or even purchase music and movies this fall. It is a disadvantage that you'll have to wait for this, but Microsoft is putting in the final touches before they do.

The included software is no different from others available. You can sync libraries easily with right click or drag-and drop albums and videos right onto the device. If you have a bunch of movies in AVI, you may want to get a converter (the standard formats are WMV and MP4). All MP3s can work with the program, regardless of DRM. If you like buying a CD every month, Zune Pass lets you have unlimited downloads plus 10 to keep each month for $15/ month. You can only burn tracks that you buy with points or the 10 freebies you get, but this is highway robbery if you choose to keep it all on the Zune HD or PC! Movies are also available, for rent or to own, and TV shows either in standard or HD. The Zune Video MP3 Player costs $220 for 16 Gigs and $290 for 32. Just remember this is not necessarily for web browsing or game playing though, the iPods are better for these things.