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8:11 pm
overall a down to earth set of reviews i was quickly skimming thru though and one item i was ‘frustrated’ not to find (or at least stumble across) was any mention of utilization of the optional car pack to enable a potential buyer/user of Zune to listen to downloaded tunes (likely from my cd collection). Hope to bebuying a new set of wheels in the future and a friend brought to my attention earlier today the availability of the multi-platform capable Zune which would be better than paying mucho more for say a 6-disc changer upgrade. BUT will their car pack perform even right now in my existing 22 yr old vehicle thru the 12volt outlet (aka unused cig’ lighter)?? if i was to acquire sooner than later if the answer was yes I could start right-a-way using Zune on board the 22 yr old especially during the next 'cross the prairies road trip. i see on zune.net they are offering free engraving on the 80gb up to sept 15th and the price is the same as from a american-based reseller (aka b’b') but no shpg charges mentioned so no decision made there. Ahhhhh dangit I forgot to confirm in that email whether it is being shipped from within Canada ’cause i don’t purchase from potential vendors based in the states that may ship to Canada but do not use USPS. got to stay away from the couriers ’cause of their delibidating brokerage fees.
Zune purchase looking good BUT with very tight budget at the moment have to find all the right answers.
BTW, Thanks for the reviews !!
nite,
doug c
p.s. sorry got a tad long-winded and multi-tracked but everything tends to relate in some way or the other IMHO !
9:31 pm
another thing . . . setting up to play (over whatever) is there a shuffle option to play your entire (on unit) library of music in shuffle mode . . . say similiar to how my home stereo (sony) 5-disc cd- changer performs ?!
this is likely a basic no or yes (dependent on a units specs) when it comes to mp3 player tech' but . . . . i've never owned nor operated a mp3 player. And as previously stated just seems to be the time to seriously look into the technology.
thanks for your time and any info,
doug c
a newbie to mp3s !
5:27 pm
While doing some (hard copy) reading within the latest issue of the canadian grown - “Here’sHow!” magazine {obtained as a comp. semo-regularly from L.D. electronics depts.} i found some more info regards utilizing the FM air waves to transmit your music collection on Zune over your car stereo sys (pg.46)
Also on pg. 49, there was mention of acquiring better sound by upping the bitrate for the ‘loading’ process of tunes, by going to the “advanced” page of that big marketshare mp3 players interface software (ie. itunes)
query:
Does the Zune software also have a similiar page to adjust the bitrate, to saaay H’H’s recommended min 256kbps for car audio/ministereosys or a 320kbps for home audio listening ?
DO they also have a “Lossless Mode” to attempt “absolute fidelity” for some peoples desired “critical listening” ?
thanks again for your time and any info,
doug c
5:31 pm
BTW, of course you could not review on a $80 Zune accessory (ie Zune car pack) that was not included in what i presume was a standard (media) package !
Same goes for how well the (also $80) A/V pack performs.
Electronics manufacturers tend not to be excessively generous to the media-like/potential reviewers of their products.
Did not think of that till after initial posting ----- SORRY !
doug c
5:59 pm
Also update to Zune.net offering of free engraving on a 80gb !
$13CAD to Cdn mailing adress direct from their china-based factory via FedEX express (over phone- FedEx CSR states no additional brokerage fees encurred when it crosses the border)
Other than what CanadaBorderServices will charge;
+ 6% duty
+ 5% gst
+ ?% applicable pst
The CBS CSR also scoffed at the FEDEx statement of no additonal fees after it crosses into Canada space.
Someone out there going to test the FedEx claim ?
Or if anyone out there with a AB, Canada mailing address was to order a engraved 80gb (pre-sept.15th) on top of Zune.net base unit charge you're looking at a minimum additional charges of $41 cdn (based on info obtained over the ph. from FedEx and CBS).
Good luck . . . personally I'm now inclined to acquiring a unit from a local (albeit distressingly) us-based reseller 'cause it seems Canada's last big box store, electronics provider - LondonDrugs, did not buy into the (MS)Zune;
"Welcome to the social ! . . . . . you make it you "
nite,
doug c
4:21 pm
Offline
Hi doug, so much info, I’m not sure where to start!
Car pack: Technically if you have a car system with a “line in” plug or have a cassette player (hello old school car kit) you don’t need any fancy gadgets with the Zune or other mp3 player. Although if you appreciate a good sound (I don’t because the speakers in my car are terrible anyway) then a fancier solution might be for you.
Shuffle feature: Yes, you can shuffle by artist, album, genre, playlist, etc.
Bitrate: To be honest, I haven’t explored the options available for ripping CDs, messing with formats, etc. in the Zune software. I’m a bit of a cheater. I do buy the occasional new music. However, when it comes to CDs I already own, instead of ripping my existing CDs, I just download that music via illegitimate methods.
Engraving: I’m not too into the looks of mp3 players. I just want good features so I can’t really relate there [Image Can Not Be Found]
7:51 pm
Thanks for the feedback Peter !
When i do acquire a Zune (probably after thanksgiving due to sched’ previous to Oct.), I’ll maybe pickup the Griffin “direct deck” for cassette sys (IF available here in Cowtown at one of their listed resellers).
And if I’m able to put the funds together for a new set of wheels I’ll first try the basic“line in” system with what I presume is supplied wire or easily acquired (i’m sure i have one round here somewheres…). As you implied better than paying for either the $50 griffin solution, or even the $$$ Z’ sol’n.
Yeah I’ll pass on the engraved 80 maybe pull out the airbrush instead for some weathering or something very basic and safe as I would not want any ModelFlex finding its way inside …..
I’ll definitely be referring to your 3 part review when the time comes to lite-up my Z
I’ve never been much of MS flag-waver, but since apple is so mainstream in this area of technology I’ll go with the (MS) underdog .
Also, who mentioned age in response to one of your reviews I’m a couple decades older than his stated age but i find that you got to have lots of patience with any computer based system.
I built my own computer sys a couple yrs bk and the only problem I had to try a couple times before it came together was a problem a tech at Mem’Exp’ stated was a common slow-down item even for them.
Patience and time are definite pre-requisites to play with new technology. Age is relative !!? [Image Can Not Be Found]
doug c
1:11 am
Did anyone else review their flyers for next week ?
One of dem u.s.based (takeover) electronics resellers ----> $50cdn less on the 80gb
Dang i don’t have time for it at least another mon. or two, otherwise a red un !
doug c
1:39 pm
Yeah I saw that too I was tempted to buy one but my 30 is just fine but the screen is really scuffed up/
5:22 pm
J;
For my digital still and vid cams i finally found "LCD screen protector for digital cameras" This is by Optex p/n osp10 (was at LDrugs for $10).
includes cleaning materials for a couple types of screens lots of screen material and a squeegy.
Tip, cut the material 1-2 mm back from edge, so it is harder for it to catch and peel back prematurely.
Definitely would slap this on the Z scrn, as soon as I confirmed the unit worked .... out of its packaging (fully charged first of course) :)
doug c
2:00 pm
doug c said:
J;
For my digital still and vid cams i finally found “LCD screen protector for digital cameras” This is by Optex p/n osp10 (was at LDrugs for $10).
includes cleaning materials for a couple types of screens lots of screen material and a squeegy.
Tip, cut the material 1-2 mm back from edge, so it is harder for it to catch and peel back prematurely.
Definitely would slap this on the Z scrn, as soon as I confirmed the unit worked …. out of its packaging (fully charged first of course)
doug c
The scratch resistent glass screen on the Zune 4/8/16/80 works wonders - I really don't think you need to bother with a screen protector unless you really plan on abusing it :P.
