Halo 3 Zune Impressions and Pre-Order

[bapenguin]

I arrived home yesterday to find a nice surprise on my doorstep, one of those new swanky Halo 3 Zunes (http://www.zune.net/en-us/meetzune/halo/default.htm).

The packaging is all decked out Halo style, and the Zune itself is packed nicely in it's little box. I haven't seen a packaging set-up this nice since my iPod. The Zune itself comes with a pair of headphones, case, usb cable and install CD. This special edition one comes preloaded with tons of Halo content including: 10 Halo related videos including Episodes of Red vs. Blue, all 3 Halo soundtracks, and over 100 Halo related images and concept art. In fact, it looks like some of the concept art might give away some clues as to what is going to happen in Halo 3.

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/h3zune/thumb.h3zune1.jpg (http://www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/image.php?image=www.evilavatar.com/images/previews/h3zune/h3zune1.jpg)
Click above to see 9 more pics.
The Zune software and marketplace seems solid. One really great thing is for those of us with an XBox Live account, you can simply sign in with this account and associate your Gamertag to your Zunetag (sorry..no Achievement points...yet). You can then use any MS Points from XBox Live to purchase songs and download alblums.

Of course the defining feature of Zune is the ability to transfer songs wirelessly between Zunes. Unfortuantely I wasn't able to test that out as I don't know anyone WITH a Zune. There are rumors that the newest firmware will allow you to hit up the Zune marketplace wirelessly from various hotspots which would make it a much more attractive feature.

Build quality is solid and the screen is gorgeous. The headphones out of the box lack some punch, but paired with a set of quality headphones that audio quality is noticeably better than an iPod, and just about equal with my Creative Zen Vision:M. The software works well, and one nice feature is the ability to transcode your videos on sync to the size and format needed for the Zune.

Any Halo fan looking for a new music/all-in-one player should look no further than the H3 Zune. The Limited Edition Halo 3 Zune goes on sale exclusively at Gamestop/EB Games (http://www.gamestop.com/gs/zune/zune.asp) on June 15th for $249.99.

[bapenguin]

If anyone is intersted in a full review I can do one in a few weeks after the whole "ooooh shiny new toy" syndrome wears off as well as learning some of the quirks of the product.

[Mdot23]

Yo BA, when you say it has all 3 Halo soundtracks, you mean that it actually comes with the Halo 3 soundtrack already? Or do you mean Vol. 1 and 2 of Halo 2, plus the original CE one?

[Bydo_Empire]

U2 ipod vs. Halo3 Zune... FIGHT!

[bapenguin]

Yo BA, when you say it has all 3 Halo soundtracks, you mean that it actually comes with the Halo 3 soundtrack already? Or do you mean Vol. 1 and 2 of Halo 2, plus the original CE one?

No Halo 3 soundtrack. Volume 1 and 2 of the Halo 2 and the Halo 1 soundrack.

[agentgray]

Luuuuucky.

[HeartbreakRidge]

If anyone is intersted in a full review I can do one in a few weeks after the whole "who shiny new toy" syndrome wears off as well as learning some of the quirks of the product.

Yes, please. This looks so spiffy it actually has me thinking about it.

[Noiz]

Yes, please. This looks so spiffy it actually has me thinking about it.

Likewise. It doesn't look half as tacky in your photos as it did in the original announcement. Oh wait, Zunes aren't even out in the UK yet are they?

Shit.

[Sl1pstream]

Hmm, I might try and order one online if they do international shipping. The Zune store probably won't be available here but it's not like I need that, I'll be getting most of my music through eMusic anyway.

EDIT:: Then again, looks like shipping (and probably added customs taxes) are going to kill me. I guess I'll pick up a normal version in august. Zunes seem to be a lot cheaper than iPods, although that might just be the added taxes (185 EUR vs 269 EUR).

[Serapth]

About time they made Wifi on the Zune actually useful. It should have shipped with the feature day 1!

I kinda want one to replace my shitty aging ( I hate it so much ) iPod, but they arent sold or supported in Canada yet.

[Scramble]

What's the deal with the "Hello from Seattle" on the back of it? Some Halo in-joke I'm not getting?

*Damn I wish I had MS contacts. Wouldn't mind getting me some free Zune action :D*

[Mdot23]

So how is the Zune overall anyway? I've got a 4G iPod, but I need to upgrade soon, once I get a new comp. Is it worth switching over?

[bgivnin]

If anyone is intersted in a full review I can do one in a few weeks after the whole "ooooh shiny new toy" syndrome wears off as well as learning some of the quirks of the product.

I'm interested in your opinion/review of the Zune as well. Now that iTunes will start to support AAC music files, I'd like to get an AAC player. Unfortunately, the only two real AAC players I'm interested in are the iPod and the Zune. I'm rooting for the underdog, but I've heard many a bad thing about the Zune and I'm curious as to your thoughts about it.

My main questions with the Zune are the following:

1. Battery life. How good is it for music? I won't be using it for videos hardly at all.

2. Gapless playback. This is my main reason for not buying a Zune. I have a ton of live concerts I listen to on my current mp3 player (it's a 30gb Dell DJ that doesn't exactly have gapless - it's more like a minute skip) and having a gap between each song is distracting. Is it a horrible gap, or barely noticeable? I'm hoping that a future firmware update fixes this problem (as iTunes did for the iPod), but I'm wondering if I can deal with the way it is until MS (hopefully) addresses it.

Any information would be great, Bap! :)

[bapenguin]

So how is the Zune overall anyway? I've got a 4G iPod, but I need to upgrade soon, once I get a new comp. Is it worth switching over?

I don't want to give too many hard recommendations so far since it's still a new toy. So far I dig it.

I've had a 4G Ipod and a Creative Zen Vision: M. Typically I just use the music player at work to listen to music and podcasts and such.

They seem to be priced the same as the iPod...at least with MSRP...but you can find them typically on a site like Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EPLP3C?tag=happyapplefar-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B000EPLP3C&adid=0ZW2PDZADZWKFV79N7W7&) for 30 bucks or more cheaper.

[bapenguin]

I'm interested in your opinion/review of the Zune as well. Now that iTunes will start to support AAC music files, I'd like to get an AAC player. Unfortunately, the only two real AAC players I'm interested in are the iPod and the Zune. I'm rooting for the underdog, but I've heard many a bad thing about the Zune and I'm curious as to your thoughts about it.

My main questions with the Zune are the following:

1. Battery life. How good is it for music? I won't be using it for videos hardly at all.

2. Gapless playback. This is my main reason for not buying a Zune. I have a ton of live concerts I listen to on my current mp3 player (it's a 30gb Dell DJ that doesn't exactly have gapless - it's more like a minute skip) and having a gap between each song is distracting. Is it a horrible gap, or barely noticeable? I'm hoping that a future firmware update fixes this problem (as iTunes did for the iPod), but I'm wondering if I can deal with the way it is until MS (hopefully) addresses it.

Any information would be great, Bap! :)

1) I'll let you know later today. I'll probably have it going for about 8 hours straight.
2) Nope...unfortunately not. I haven't found an mp3 player that DOES have gapless. :( I listen to a lot of techno and this a muched missed feature in players... I don't get it.

[bapenguin]

What's the deal with the "Hello from Seattle" on the back of it? Some Halo in-joke I'm not getting?

*Damn I wish I had MS contacts. Wouldn't mind getting me some free Zune action :D*

Where is that? I'm not seeing it.

[bgivnin]

2) Nope...unfortunately not. I haven't found an mp3 player that DOES have gapless. :( I listen to a lot of techno and this a muched missed feature in players... I don't get it.

Hot ziggity... that was a fast reply! Thanks! :)

I thought that the latest version of iTunes searched all your songs and "fixed" the songs that should be gapless?

[bgivnin]

Where is that? I'm not seeing it.

It's on the back, in the bottom left corner, to the left of the SN.

At least it is according to this pic, though it's upside down:

http://www.gizmodo.com/assets/images/gallery/4/2007/05/medium_494014056_9e904bb892_o.jpg

[jeffool]

Picture 3, at the very bottom. It's the left-most text.

[bapenguin]

It's on the back, in the bottom left corner, to the left of the SN.

At least it is according to this pic, though it's upside down:

http://www.gizmodo.com/assets/images/gallery/4/2007/05/medium_494014056_9e904bb892_o.jpg

Oh yeah, now I see it. No idea. Bungie and MS are both in Seattle.

[Beelzebud]

I'm sure the free bribes, i mean gifts, will not in any way affect the way Zune and Halo 3 are reported on this site.

LOL

[bgivnin]

1) I'll let you know later today. I'll probably have it going for about 8 hours straight.
2) Nope...unfortunately not. I haven't found an mp3 player that DOES have gapless. :( I listen to a lot of techno and this a muched missed feature in players... I don't get it.

I would also like to know your thoughts on it specifically compared to the iPod and the Creative Zen Vision:M you have. My wife has an iPod that I've helped her set up and use many times and I currently have a Dell DJ, which uses Creative's software and menu system, which the Vision: M has a newer version of. Although the Vision:M doesn't have AAC support, it seems to be a nice player, so I'd like to know your thoughts on the Zune versus the other players you have, if possible. :)

[SPBTooL]

I would love to have a nice MP3 player and that is dam nice looking. But I just can't justify the price. I guess I'll just have to stick with my too tiny Nano.
I got the nano for free for starting a checking account.:cool:

[KSmitty]

The only thing that has been stopping me from checking out the Zune is the storage capacity. I need over 30 gigs, I like the look of the player and I've heard good things, I simply need more space in a pmp.

[Montolio]

That was already on its way to you before your comments made their way around the globe, your next "reveiw" product from Microsoft might be ticking haha - kidding of course. Enjoy it and thanks for giving us your feedback on it. It does look sweet.

[Mdot23]

Well if I get one, it will definitely be this Halo 3 Edition one. Anybody know if it's limited production?

[Jack B]

I've been told we're not supposed to, but my girlfriend and I love our Zunes. I'm looking forward to the Zune Marketplace blade on the 360. I already own an "all you can eat" monthly Zune subscription. Browsing the Zune Marketplace on my tv is an extra bonus.

[Mdot23]

I've been told we're not supposed to, but my girlfriend and I love our Zunes. I'm looking forward to the Zune Marketplace blade on the 360. I already own an "all you can eat" monthly Zune subscription. Browsing the Zune Marketplace on my tv is an extra bonus.

How much is that Jack? And what's it entail?

[bgivnin]

The only thing that has been stopping me from checking out the Zune is the storage capacity. I need over 30 gigs, I like the look of the player and I've heard good things, I simply need more space in a pmp.

You can hack the Zune to accept bigger HD's. More info here:

http://www.rapidrepair.com/shop/zune-repair-guides.html

Granted, it's not a stock thing, but at least it can be done if you want to.

[CaptStu]

How much is that Jack? And what's it entail?

It's like $15 a month and you can download as much music as you want, but you can't burn CDs, etc. Once the subscription is canceled, so is your music.

[CaptStu]

Well if I get one, it will definitely be this Halo 3 Edition one. Anybody know if it's limited production?

Yes, it is. I'm unsure of the production run.

[bapenguin]

Well if I get one, it will definitely be this Halo 3 Edition one. Anybody know if it's limited production?

Yes it is. 20K available.

[bapenguin]

I'm sure the free bribes, i mean gifts, will not in any way affect the way Zune and Halo 3 are reported on this site.

LOL

Did you SEE my Reuters quote?

www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/reuters-halo-3-gets-mixed-reviews/

[Mdot23]

Yes it is. 20K available.

Yikes, I might have to get one sooner than I planned to then.

[krackmonkey]

The "Hello from Seattle" is on the back of every Zune, it's just for the sake of being clever. I have a plain 'ol brown one, and it's going to take restraint to not look for some sort of excuse to get myself one of those Halo ones. good score.

[Mdot23]

Did you SEE my Reuters quote?

www.joystiq.com/2007/05/14/reuters-halo-3-gets-mixed-reviews/

I like this comment on there:

20. Wow, Idioticy at work. BETA!!! It's not even the final build. Someone complains about the graphics. How uneducated can you be? Honestly!? Wait for the Real final build to say something about the graphics.

Geez BA! You're such an uneducated IDIOT! :D

[Roc Ingersol]

20k? Are they hoping to double the Zune installed-base?

seriously... it's a Zune. I guess if you never want to take your music off it, it's just like an ipod. it's a shame they totally borked that wifi thing.

[caenelgren]

Very fancy screens =] I would also love a full review when you get a chance.

I bought my girlfriend a black Zune for her birthday (her request) a 3 months back; I have a Zen Vision:M now and love it, but may pick this up to try out. The few things I didn't like about my girlfriend's Zune is that the Marketplace seems a little slow when coming out with new music/updating older albums for artists (when compared to Napster which I subscribe to for my Zen), but of course it is a newer service so that should get better over time.

Also, for about 2 months her Zune would skip while playing music. An audible pause/stutter which was fairly frequent. It didn't get fixed for awhile, and affected many users according to the forum; I find that as a fairly sad showing of their customer support, because listening to music is kinda one of the main reasons people buy a portable media player. It was broken after an update then took months to fix? Bleh. At least it got fixed though.

Now that it's working I'll have to borrow it for a day to see what it's like. I'll admit, the screen is very nice and the menu system is very easy to use. The Marketplace itself runs fast enough on Vista.

And good luck with the gapless playback =\ I haven't had that since my iRiver H120, only after putting Rockbox on it.

[Utils]

The thing that bothers me about Zune and iPod is the software. I have a 512mb iRiver frpom two years ago that I'm not willing to part with simply because I can sync my songs gracefully with WuMP (Windows Media Player).

I've always hated iTunes simply because it's software is shit. IT'S SHIT! I know Apple wants everything to be a piece of cake for end users to an almost insulting level, but who's idea was it to have ALL your music on one page? For a company that prides itself on intuitiveness, THIS is NOT. You have to setup a smart playlist for EVERYTHING. It's a mess. Where are the breakdowns? USE THAT META DATA DAMMIT!

WuMP has been doing auto playlists since what, FOREVER? Why didn't Apple copy that move? They should have. I open the program up and I don't even have to setup playlists. I can just click through categories and dates and almost any meta data present in my files. And with version 11, the took auto playlists to a 'whole 'notha level.

And I have smart playlists, but sometimes it's nice to be able to look through your songs in a different way. iTunes doesn't offer that. Their software is as good as those shit headphones that comes with them.

So why won't I get a Zune? THE ZUNE IS NOT COMPATABLE WITH WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER! At least it wasn't when I read about two months ago. And if it's not compatable with that, then it means I have to transcode all my MP3's into some proprietary format.

And let's not forget all the ratings I assigned to my songs. If I lose my ratings or have to transcode it's a DEAL BREAKER.

[Codicier]

I would buy this if I didn't dislike the Zune in every aspect other than the Halo design.

I want to like the Zune (I hate the little iPod Shuffle I have now) but I'm thinking that my next upgrade (to a pmp with a friggin' screen!) will likely be a device from Creative. It sounds far less restrictive and far more functional than the Zune.

[KSmitty]

The thing that bothers me about Zune and iPod is the software. I have a 512mb iRiver frpom two years ago that I'm not willing to part with simply because I can sync my songs gracefully with WuMP (Windows Media Player).

I've always hated iTunes simply because it's software is shit. IT'S SHIT! I know Apple wants everything to be a piece of cake for end users to an almost insulting level, but who's idea was it to have ALL your music on one page? For a company that prides itself on intuitiveness, THIS is NOT. You have to setup a smart playlist for EVERYTHING. It's a mess. Where are the breakdowns? USE THAT META DATA DAMMIT!

WuMP has been doing auto playlists since what, FOREVER? Why didn't Apple copy that move? They should have. I open the program up and I don't even have to setup playlists. I can just click through categories and dates and almost any meta data present in my files. And with version 11, the took auto playlists to a 'whole 'notha level.

And I have smart playlists, but sometimes it's nice to be able to look through your songs in a different way. iTunes doesn't offer that. Their software is as good as those shit headphones that comes with them.

So why won't I get a Zune? THE ZUNE IS NOT COMPATABLE WITH WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER! At least it wasn't when I read about two months ago. And if it's not compatable with that, then it means I have to transcode all my MP3's into some proprietary format.

And let's not forget all the ratings I assigned to my songs. If I lose my ratings or have to transcode it's a DEAL BREAKER.
I can't speak for before but I got my iPod at iTunes v6, and most of those issues were adressed in either v6 or the newer v7. That and you could always listen to your songs with one program and use another for your pmp. I hardly ever use iTunes when listening to music on my PC, I usually use Winamp.

[Maskatron]

Sounds cool. I'm kinda tied to my ipod though seeing how my Kenwood car stereo plugs into it and has a sweet interface for navigating it. MS needs to hook up with at least a few car stereo manufacturers and get that functionality going.

[bapenguin]

So why won't I get a Zune? THE ZUNE IS NOT COMPATABLE WITH WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER! At least it wasn't when I read about two months ago. And if it's not compatable with that, then it means I have to transcode all my MP3's into some proprietary format.


The Zune software overlays WMP11. In fact, when I started it up my WMP11 library was already in there. I think the reason there is a seperate piece of software for Zune is the advanced syncing stuff it does. The whole transcoding video and pictures on the fly is frickin sweet. It saves space on the device for you instead of putting some 1600x1200 image on a 320x240 screen.

[Chameleo]

i've said it before and i'll say it again, i love the ipod b/c i can skip/pause songs without looking at the device.

it can be in my pocket, under 5 layers of clothes, and i could be wearing 2 pairs of gloves and i'll still be able to pause/skip tracks.

this is invaluable while at work.

[TheEpicOfTyler]

i've said it before and i'll say it again, i love the ipod b/c i can skip/pause songs without looking at the device.

it can be in my pocket, under 5 layers of clothes, and i could be wearing 2 pairs of gloves and i'll still be able to pause/skip tracks.

this is invaluable while at work.

I do that with my Zune at work as well.

[Phades]

I've had a Zune for several month now and love it. I actually had an iPod for a bit but took it back because I far prefer the interface on the Zune. I also like the software far better than iTunes (which I despise).

You don't have to encode your music in a proprietary format for it to work on Zune. I haven't encountered anything yet that wouldn't play. The only stuff that you have to worry about that is any stuff you buy from the Zune store. In that case, you'll either need conversion software or just burn it to a CD and rip it to MP3. Personally, I don't buy from the Zune store.

I wish they'd release these special designs as skins as well (or better yet cases). I'm not going to go out and buy another Zune, that'd be silly, but I do think it looks cool. I have a silicon case on mine anyway so it's not like I'd see the art. If it was a case, that'd be much better.

[Phades]

i've said it before and i'll say it again, i love the ipod b/c i can skip/pause songs without looking at the device.

it can be in my pocket, under 5 layers of clothes, and i could be wearing 2 pairs of gloves and i'll still be able to pause/skip tracks.

this is invaluable while at work.

You can do that with the Zune plus it's also easy to adjust the volume while it's in your pocket.

[Utils]

The Zune software overlays WMP11. In fact, when I started it up my WMP11 library was already in there. I think the reason there is a seperate piece of software for Zune is the advanced syncing stuff it does. The whole transcoding video and pictures on the fly is frickin sweet. It saves space on the device for you instead of putting some 1600x1200 image on a 320x240 screen.


My issues with transcoding:
- Sound quality is comprimised.
- Takes longer to transfer files.
- If I want to share the files I can't because the files are now transcoded and icky. DRM or no DRM, the audio quality is less than it used to be.

Let's take your photo example! Say I did have an 1600x1200 image. I would not transcode that. I would save it so that if I were to go to a friends house, I could share that image. I mean after all, 30Gigs! Waste not want not.

CONVERSELY, if I were intending to use that image strictly for the Zune, I would do what I ALWAYS do with my electronic toys. I would make an image OPTIMIZED and resized to MY STANDARDS and put it on there in it's own \WALLPAPER folder or whatever. None of this bilinear or pixel resizing stuff. Let's do it right!

Did I spend more time resizing it on my own then letting the program handle it? Perhaps. But I'll put time into something like that. I've skinned Pocket PC's before.


I have a question, does the Zune sync your song ratings? Can I give a song a rating of five stars when I'm away and sync the zune and have it be updated to 5 on my desktop? Because that would be sweet. I can do that on my Motorola Q right now.

[InstaPete]

So why won't I get a Zune? THE ZUNE IS NOT COMPATABLE WITH WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER! At least it wasn't when I read about two months ago. And if it's not compatable with that, then it means I have to transcode all my MP3's into some proprietary format.

And let's not forget all the ratings I assigned to my songs. If I lose my ratings or have to transcode it's a DEAL BREAKER.

IIRC, you just need to install the Zune software and then use that to transfer them to the device. No transcoding necessary. I don't know anything about ratings.

[Murtaug]

I ordered one, or rather pre-ordered.

I have been on the fence between buying a Zune or a iPod for quite awhile now. I am not buying it strictly because it is Halo. I like Halo, it is a good game, but I am not a rabid fanboy. I think the player looks pretty cool, and it is going to spend most of its time in a case, in my pocket, so screw it.

I like the idea of having something that I can hook to my PC, which runs Media Center edition XP, and have it play nicely, then take it over to a friends and slap it on his 360 and have it play just as nicely.

Edit: Bap, I have to ask, is that big 'ol thumb print on the back in picture three yours, or part of the design. If it is the latter, that is kind of odd.

[inmostlight]

1) I'll let you know later today. I'll probably have it going for about 8 hours straight.
2) Nope...unfortunately not. I haven't found an mp3 player that DOES have gapless. :( I listen to a lot of techno and this a muched missed feature in players... I don't get it.

My old Rio Karma did perfect, true gapless and also crossfading. I miss that thing. It up and died one day after a nasty fall, and by then they weren't made any more. But seriously, I bought that three or four years ago. You'd think gapless playback would be standard now.

I do need a new mp3 player and don't like iTunes or Apple's aesthetics. I'm very interested in reading bap's full Zune review after a few weeks, and I have to admit the Halo one does look pretty sweet visually.

[Chimp]

My old Rio Karma did perfect, true gapless and also crossfading. I miss that thing. It up and died one day after a nasty fall, and by then they weren't made any more. But seriously, I bought that three or four years ago. You'd think gapless playback would be standard now.

I do need a new mp3 player and don't like iTunes or Apple's aesthetics. I'm very interested in reading bap's full Zune review after a few weeks, and I have to admit the Halo one does look pretty sweet visually.

One of the latest 5G and Nano iPod updates introduced gapless playback.

[Jack B]

How much is that Jack? And what's it entail?

Mdot, It's a $15 a month subscription. It gives you access to all the content on the Zune Marketplace site. It's like Netflix, Cable etc, you are only renting, but you get access to whatever you want.

I like that I can download to the Zune any albums and songs I want to the Zune or just listen on the web. It's like being a kid in a candy store. I can also log in with my Jack B gamertag on any computer to access the marketplace. Great for poker nights or just hanging out at a friends. I login on their PC and have an instant jukebox for the night.

Having the Zune Marketplace coming to the 360 is just another bonus. Kind of like having Live Gold access on the PC, because I have it on the 360. Not sure how much I'd just my Live Gold access on the PC, but I think I'll benefit from the Zune Marketplace on Live. I could see myself using that blade, since I already pay for it anyway.

Microsoft is trying to connect multiple devices. Personally, I like the strategy. I remember the days of CPM and DOS, before Windows. I had a Mac too, but in the end having a standard can be an advantage. One gamertag with connectivity across platforms including a music player and even cell phone, starts to become interesting to me.

[Jack B]

If anyone is intersted in a full review I can do one in a few weeks after the whole "ooooh shiny new toy" syndrome wears off as well as learning some of the quirks of the product.

Be sure to get www.feedyourzune.com or similar for podcasts.

[Jack B]

Sounds cool. I'm kinda tied to my ipod though seeing how my Kenwood car stereo plugs into it and has a sweet interface for navigating it. MS needs to hook up with at least a few car stereo manufacturers and get that functionality going.

I have a stereo Aux in connection in my car, so it's a non issue for me. :)

[bapenguin]

To answer someone's question...yes your ratings sync up.

[DigitalFirefly]

were there a certain number of these produced?

[MrE]

1)
2) Nope...unfortunately not. I haven't found an mp3 player that DOES have gapless. :( I listen to a lot of techno and this a muched missed feature in players... I don't get it.


Bapenguin, both the 5th Gen iPod and the iPod Nano 2nd Gen support gapless playback. http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipod.html

A new interface lets you search your iPod using the patented Click Wheel. And if you’re a fan of live albums, classical works, or anything that sounds best when it’s continuous, iPod supports gapless playback that seamlessly transitions from one song to another.

[bapenguin]

Bapenguin, both the 5th Gen iPod and the iPod Nano 2nd Gen support gapless playback. http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipod.html

Dang...didn't know that. I stopped using the pods back at 4G.

[Texas Speed]

I'm still burning from someone swiping my Zune, but maybe it was so I could buy this one. Or so you could give me yours. Its fate!