1. “Apple seems to forget the initial purpose of the technology.”

Yes, MMS was an obvious omission, but let’s be honest here. It’s a throwback technology for the sole benefit of those not using smart phones and who do not have access to e-mail. Otherwise, Apple, like others have pretty much nailed the “phone” feature. That’s not the distinguishing feature for any market leader in the smart phone business. Apple rightfully made a name for itself in media capabilities, including the iPod and a killer web browser (as compared to others at the time).

2. “The price points are obnoxious.”

Perhaps, but they are also not quite the rip-off Microsoft would have everyone believe. When comparing “Apples to Apples” they are actually fairly competitive at most price points. Further, you can’t maintain an image of being a premium brand when you’re selling $300 PCs.

3. “In some ways, their business model is outdated.”

I think you need to do the math here before suggesting subscription models are better. They are not. The masses do not want to pay a “flat rate” to experience music. There are plenty of ways to discover new music without paying a subscription – and some are even legal In all seriousness though, this business model has not proven successful for Apple’s competitors to date. Likewise, your declaration is a bit premature if not just plain incorrect.

4. “This is such a beautiful, worthwhile device that is lost on so many techie nerds that are writing reviews condemning Microsoft for what they consider to be a “too little, too late” product.”

I hate to state the obvious, but why do you think so many reviewers are saying this? Maybe because it’s true? Most agree that the Zune HD is finally a nice portable music player coming from Microsoft. Hurray, the third time is the charm. The problem is, as nice as it is, it’s not better then the competition, nor does it undercut Apple’s pricing. That’s not a recipe for success. HD Radio isn’t a selling point. If you haven’t noticed, the radio industry in general is having major problems. So, at this point, we’re looking at a product that is approaching the “coolness” of the iPod Touch, but without the major feature – the app store. Those who are just interested in music, don’t need a touch interface device. That’s what the original Zune was for. That’s what the iPod Nano is for or the iPod Classic, etc.

By contrast, Apple makes full use of the touch interface with the ton of applications available that make it so much more than just a music player.

Further, nobody is excited about the Zune HD because it’s essentially a me too product (albeit a nice one) that’s not better than the competition and that’s entering a now declining market. To that, Mary Jo Foley has commented that Microsoft will be getting out of the music player business after another round or so of Zunes.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=4011

Instead, even Microsoft will be trying to add the “Zune experience” into phones. But the problem for Microsoft is who’s phones? Microsoft has dropped from 14% to 9% in market share. Palm is dumping Windows mobile devices. Motorola is dumping them for Android and even HTC, Microsoft’s main vendor is scaling back in favor of Android.

In summary, there isn’t much to get excited about in terms of future prospects for the Zune experience.

1. “Apple seems to forget the initial purpose of the technology.”

Yes, MMS was an obvious omission, but let’s be honest here. It’s a throwback technology for the sole benefit of those not using smart phones and who do not have access to e-mail. Otherwise, Apple, like others have pretty much nailed the “phone” feature. That’s not the distinguishing feature for any market leader in the smart phone business. Apple rightfully made a name for itself in media capabilities, including the iPod and a killer web browser (as compared to others at the time).

2. “The price points are obnoxious.”

Perhaps, but they are also not quite the rip-off Microsoft would have everyone believe. When comparing “Apples to Apples” they are actually fairly competitive at most price points. Further, you can’t maintain an image of being a premium brand when you’re selling $300 PCs.

3. “In some ways, their business model is outdated.”

I think you need to do the math here before suggesting subscription models are better. They are not. The masses do not want to pay a “flat rate” to experience music. There are plenty of ways to discover new music without paying a subscription – and some are even legal In all seriousness though, this business model has not proven successful for Apple’s competitors to date. Likewise, your declaration is a bit premature if not just plain incorrect.

4. “This is such a beautiful, worthwhile device that is lost on so many techie nerds that are writing reviews condemning Microsoft for what they consider to be a “too little, too late” product.”

I hate to state the obvious, but why do you think so many reviewers are saying this? Maybe because it’s true? Most agree that the Zune HD is finally a nice portable music player coming from Microsoft. Hurray, the third time is the charm. The problem is, as nice as it is, it’s not better then the competition, nor does it undercut Apple’s pricing. That’s not a recipe for success. HD Radio isn’t a selling point. If you haven’t noticed, the radio industry in general is having major problems. So, at this point, we’re looking at a product that is approaching the “coolness” of the iPod Touch, but without the major feature – the app store. Those who are just interested in music, don’t need a touch interface device. That’s what the original Zune was for. That’s what the iPod Nano is for or the iPod Classic, etc.

By contrast, Apple makes full use of the touch interface with the ton of applications available that make it so much more than just a music player.

Further, nobody is excited about the Zune HD because it’s essentially a me too product (albeit a nice one) that’s not better than the competition and that’s entering a now declining market. To that, Mary Jo Foley has commented that Microsoft will be getting out of the music player business after another round or so of Zunes.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=4011

Instead, even Microsoft will be trying to add the “Zune experience” into phones. But the problem for Microsoft is who’s phones? Microsoft has dropped from 14% to 9% in market share. Palm is dumping Windows mobile devices. Motorola is dumping them for Android and even HTC, Microsoft’s main vendor is scaling back in favor of Android.

In summary, there isn’t much to get excited about in terms of future prospects for the Zune experience.

My family has 5 Macs and none of us has had a hard drive crash in over 10 years. None of us has had a system freeze in over 6 years and of course none of us has had a virus or needed the inconvenience or expense of anti-virus software ever. I guess this is an excellent example of “You get what you pay for”.

My family has 5 Macs and none of us has had a hard drive crash in over 10 years. None of us has had a system freeze in over 6 years and of course none of us has had a virus or needed the inconvenience or expense of anti-virus software ever. I guess this is an excellent example of “You get what you pay for”.

bang the drum and wave that penance.

bang the drum and wave that penance.