Over the years, mention of the word “Microsoft” has triggered a variety of emotions. Some consider how Microsoft achieved its success and feel anger. Some consider how Microsoft borrows other companies’ ideas and feel indignant. Some consider some recent battle with Windows and feel frustration.
But when you try out Microsoft’s new Zune HD music/video player, you may feel a whole new emotion that most people don’t associate with Microsoft: sympathy.
Why? We’ll get to that.
The Zune, which replaces the old models, is Microsoft’s version of the iPod Touch — a gorgeous multi-touch screen dominates the front. Its handsome, beveled metal case weighs next to nothing yet still feels expensive and solid in the hand. It is nearly buttonless: You operate it as you do the iPod Touch — you navigate by tapping things on the screen, magnify photos or Web pages by spreading two fingers apart, rotate images by turning the player 90 degrees, and so on. The software design is fluid, beautiful and incredibly responsive.
The new Zune has an incredibly bright, sharp and colorful OLED screen (organic light-emitting diode, not that that helps). Finger-grease streaks are an ugly problem, at least when the screen is off.
The Zune HD is narrower and shorter than the Touch, and a hair thicker. It’s available in black or silver; online, you can order a Zune HD with any of several fancy artist-designed back panels. The 16-gig model is $220; the 32-gig model is $290. The “HD” means two things. First, like its predecessors, this Zune can tune into FM radio, but now it can tune into HD radio stations, too.
The Zune HD’s name also refers to the hi-def (720p) movies that you can buy on Microsoft’s online store. The store is a big new push for Microsoft; the same music, television shows and movies…