Seriously looking at getting a Zune...A few questions though!

[Tazz212]

Hello everyone...

I'm considering getting a Zune, but I have a few comments and questions maybe you gang could help me out with.

I've owned an iPod, but it got lost in the shuffle of a house move (I think the movers picked it out of the box).  I currently own, and am selling, an Archos 604 Wifi. 

I'm just looking for a media player that plays media, is a good size, and not an iPod...

I've really learned to love the iPod menu and navigation system, and when I switched over my Archos, I didn't enjoy the navigation at all!  So, my first question; how does the Zune's navigation system compare to the iPod's?

Also, I'm in Canada...Will I be able to use the Zune Marketplace system?  Is it worth it to use the Zune Marketplace?

I currently have 2 PC's, and a Mac laptop...All of my music is sitting on iTunes on my Macbook.  I've purchased a albums from iTunes, but from my reading around on here all I have to do is burn those albums to a CD and rip them with my Zune software to play them on the Zune...Is that correct?

What can be done with the Wifi?  Can I connect to the Zune Marketplace and purchase songs?  Can I surf the web at all?

I notice it plays WMV video files.  Is it a long and painful process to convert files (divx or what not) so the Zune recognizes them?  Or, does will that not happen at all?

Uhhh...Updates?  How well is the Zune being supported in terms of updates and firmware additions?

I think that's about it for now...Hah...I'm sure I will have some more questions as they arise.

Thanks in advance!

[pluto198]

how does the Zune's navigation system compare to the iPod's?

It's very similar, you'll feel right at home.

I've purchased a albums from iTunes, but from my reading around on here all I have to do is burn those albums to a CD and rip them with my Zune software to play them on the Zune...Is that correct?

That's correct.

What can be done with the Wifi? 

Send and receive music and pictures from other Zunes.

Can I connect to the Zune Marketplace and purchase songs?  Can I surf the web at all?

No.

Uhhh...Updates?  How well is the Zune being supported in terms of updates and firmware additions?

There haven't been many updates yet.

[Dublo7]

You can use the marketplace. When you make an account, just put your country as United States. That's what I did, and I'm in Australia.

[Frostbain]

You can use the marketplace. When you make an account, just put your country as United States. That's what I did, and I'm in Australia.

I'm surprised they didn't use an IP Tracker of some sort to realize you were actually in Australia

I currently have 2 PC's, and a Mac laptop...All of my music is sitting on iTunes on my Macbook.  I've purchased a albums from iTunes, but from my reading around on here all I have to do is burn those albums to a CD and rip them with my Zune software to play them on the Zune...Is that correct?

Yup, correct.  There might be a way around it, but the plus side of doing this is that you'll also have physical backups of all your music then.

I notice it plays WMV video files.  Is it a long and painful process to convert files (divx or what not) so the Zune recognizes them?  Or, does will that not happen at all?

From what I've seen, it's generally less than ten steps and then the computer does all the work for a few hours (depending on the length of the video).  So, being that you have multiple computers; I'd just suggest using the slower PC to do the converting on, so you can still use your faster one to do your normal computer stuff.

[Kaiser]

You can use the marketplace. When you make an account, just put your country as United States. That's what I did, and I'm in Australia.

I'm surprised they didn't use an IP Tracker of some sort to realize you were actually in Australia

LOL oh man that would be awful. Anyone who travels abroad would be screwed if they try to get more music while on vacation. 

[prince_alfie]

better to play the WMA's than WMD's you know?

[Kaiser]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeee-Hawwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[Randallflagg]

I am curious, you said you loved the ipod menu and navigation, and you have music on iTunes already, why switch? Just looking for something new to play with?

[Tazz212]

I am curious, you said you loved the ipod menu and navigation, and you have music on iTunes already, why switch? Just looking for something new to play with?

Ya...I'm just looking for a new toy...I like to try everything out...Tried out PS3, tried out Wii, tried out 360...Kept all but the PS3...I like to be up to date on my technology.

Also, it appears that I can get a Zune for much cheaper than an iPod on Ebay...Which is where I will be purchasing one.

Thanks for the feedback though.