So where do you go, if you still want a Zune HD device?
July 20, 2011 8 Comments
For the longest time, now, Zune wanted users of the ecosystem to understand that their service, transcends more than a device. With each generation of devices, many people tied Zune to that particular device — that just happened to be supported by this software, social and other components. When it started to look like, Zune’s devices were going away (the most high profile example being the discontinuation of Zune Originals), many believed that this was the end of Zune as we know it. Of course, this is because as the device goes, so goes the service.
Of course, we know the deal, right? Zune as a service isn’t going anywhere. What if, though, you still want to get your hands on an actual Zune HD (or even some of the older model devices)?
As I looked around the internet, I found some very interesting things about Zune device availability. First off, if you check the Microsoft Store, all you’re seeing there is a sold out Zune HD16GB. Whether that device will *ever* come back in stock is anyone’s guess, but let’s face it, the Zune HD 32GB is missing from the store, as well. When I’ve gone into Microsoft stores, Zune aren’t even part of major displays anymore.
Then there are three places most recommended for looking for Zune devices: Best Buy, Amazon and Walmart.
Best Buy just has the Zune HD 32GB for $199.99. This is the only device they seem to be offering.
Walmart seems to have just the 16GB and the 64GB listed, but that oh-so-special-edition Zune HD 64GB seems to be sold out. Now why the hell they considered that one a Special Edition, is beyond me.
Amazon, arguably the biggest retailer of this bunch, still has all three Zune HDs listed as available, but the order fulfillment isn’t done through Amazon. It’s done through some 3rd party retailers. I haven’t heard of a couple of these retailers, but that’s how you’re going to obtain a Zune HD device if you go through Amazon. As of this writing, they only have a few Zune HD 64GB in stock.
Then, of course, one could bring Ebay into this discussion. However, I wanted to stick with major retailers and where you could get a pristine, new-out-of-the-box Zune HD device. Of course, if you’re just about the ecosystem, you can always download the Zune software and use the power of the service across Xbox 360, Windows Phone 7 or PC to get your music fix.
Yet, if you want to include a Zune HD device into your arsenal, seems like you better get a move on.
About Marques Lyons
I really hope that we will see a new Zune hardware device, possibly one based on Windows Phone 7. The ZuneHD was…is an amazing piece of hardware, so compact and sleek. And now with Originals gone I’ll never be able to replace my green SoundersFC branded ZuneHD.
As much as I loved my ZuneHD, before my son lost it (Hatred/flames/badmemories), I think I’ll hold out for a Windows 8 tablet to get me my fix. Still using the PC/xbox/bing and my older model zunes in the meantime…
I’m guessing that is what Microsoft is banking on. I can’t wait until 8 is released and the products that come along with them!
I truly want to see Zune HD in the future. It’s a fantastic device (I love mine one) and it had helped Microsoft in innovation. Metro UI, the long aclaimed UI design came just after Zune HD. I think it’s a great opportunity to continue learning, but MS need to understand that we want this kind of devices available in any part of the world. If they don’t sell quite well in US market why don’t try with a different one??
cheers,
I really liked my Zune. In fact my youngest son liked my Zune as well (and he purchased one for his birthday). If they come out with another Zune HD (like the iTouch) then I would highly recommend it! I’m just not sure what Microsoft is planning on doing with it. I’ll look to your tweets to keep me updated on that!
I purchased a Zune HD from the Amazon store for $349 in a panic about a week ago. I had been planning on buying an original for some time and found the dead site when I finally decided to get one. My 30 had been full a long time.
I started shopping around the net and found that, other than one Ebay seller – with what looked like one device at $314, every site with a Zune HD 64 listing was either sold out or on backorder. Wal-mart having the (sold out) device listed as a “LIMITED edition” is telling as well.
The day after I made my Amazon order, the 3rd party store I purchased mine from was sold out and the only seller left had changed the price from $349 to $449 (gougers!!). They had 6 left according to amazon. Another big red flag.
There is no gossip or insider info that I can find online about this topic anywhere (this blog was the only place that seems to have noticed anything) but it sure looks like the HD 64 is done for good.
It is too bad, too. Smart phones just don’t cut the mustard. Not enough storage/battery is the brick wall. Not to mention the outragous unafforable cost of carrier service. We need these didicated music devices and the Zune HD 64 is/was, the best choice on the market.
I still use my original brown ZUNE 32 GB to listen to music. I don’t want or need anything beyond that. I wish I could still find Zunes, preferably the older ones.
I still have my Zune 120 GB and I use it every day. There is no other device that can match or beat the zune. It holds all my music which is over 20,000 songs and all my movies. I wish microsoft would bring it back.