The Zune...dont buy one (in Off-topic)

Please do NOT buy a Zune.

First off this is the second time I had to fix it. This time though it only took 7 hours, last time it took several days.

The BAD; DRM, software incompatibilities, hardware failure, customer service, overpriced and Zune hates you.

GF bought it and I ended up having to make it work. BestBuy sales clerks con'ed her into buying it with 2....yep 2 warranties plus "suggested" geek squad install several other unnecessary junk that I could've done but for free. She paid almost $500 for it..... I hate you Zune. Could've gotten a refurb'ed one for $130

The thing I hate the most is....almost all of those geek squad guys are in my classes. All they do is play on their laptops.

This a zune HD? Haven't heard of any hardware problems with them on the various and sundry tech sites I read. I have had an older one for 2-3 years now.

I am curious what DRM and software problems you are referring to.

And you really shouldn't blame Zune for Best Buys rediculous "value added" services, its certainly not Sony's fault they have a 99$ tv installation service...

I think it's fair to comment on the distribution systems of products...

I'm fairly certain if it wasn't a factor redmond wouldn't be building Microsoft Stores like mad in a last gasp to remain relevant.

"Wait we need stores now? I thought everything was moving online?"
*shakes fist* "Damn you Jobs!"

DRM limits on music I PAID for is bull. Makes me want to pirate.

Especially since I already paid those companies when I bought the Zune. The price tag included royalties to major music companies.

They don't give you a CD with the software you need to run your Zune. You download it from the site. Cost reduction. BTW software does not run on Vista. If you can get it to work, come over and do it for me because I quit looking for a solution long time ago.

Pit wouldn't have to come visit, he'd RDP in

If you cannot get the Zune software to work, how are you getting the drm laden music from them? Are you using the right software for your version of vista 32 bit vs 64 bit?

Most of the music the Zune Marketplace offers is available as drm free mp3 so not sure what you are referring to there.

I know what version I need.
I have several PCs with Vista and 7. I know what I'm talking about.


I paid for a Zune pass. To be able to get music in MP3 format you need to purchase it with microsoft points, means more $$ even after that hefty initial price tag + substantial tax to music companies I "MIGHT" ripe off. Doesn't apply to music videos / TV videos either.

I understand artists need to be at a certain level of richness.

DRM is just a failed concept. All it does is punish the people who actually pay for their music. One could just fire up a p2p client and DL music for free, without DRM restrictions. Forget paying anything.

So you have the software working on some computers but not others?

The zune pass is basically renting their entire music database. Do you honestly think they should do the subscription DRM free? Leave it to the honor system for people not to download their entire music selection for 15 bucks and then cancel their service and delete the millions of songs? You do not _have_ to get Zunepass. Its a subscription service which has to have DRM or they are basically selling millions of songs for 15$. You can purchase the songs normally with or without the Zunepass.

I don't think you read what I posted. Reread it and post back.

Theres no need to post back actually as I have problems that cant be resolved by you and you don't even read my posts. :(