Pre-Order your Zune HD Now!

If you signed up for more info, you probably got the same email I did this morning. Now Amazon's Zune HD page will let you pre-order either the 16gb or 32gb Zune HD, and they have the HD docks and other accessories for pre-order as well.

Full specifications can be found at Microsoft's store. If you can resist pre-ordering one, and don't mind buying directly from Microsoft after September 15th, you can get custom engraving on 5 different colors. Anywhere else the choices are black (16gb) and platinum (32gb).

4D

Zune HD Prices. Maybe.

Gizmodo received a tip today that BestBuy's inventory system now has listings for the Zune HD in 16gb (219.99) and 32gb (289.99) versions.

The Zune HD looks to be a great competitor to the Ipod Touch, and at today's prices it's shaping up to be a better value as well. There are other players out there that should be trembling with this news as these prices compete well against devices with less capabilities.

For comparison - 16gb and 32gb versions:
Zune HD - $220, $290
Sony X - $299, $399
iPod Touch -$299, $399
Cowon S9 - $205, $280
Samsung P3 - $200, $300.

For my money, and considering the value of WiFi, the Zune HD may indeed be the best value. Audio and video playback should be stellar. The OLED screen is state-of-the-art. At just $10 more than the Cowon S9 which has nearly identical specs (less WiFi) the Zune HD is a no-brainer for me.

4D