Cracking Open the Microsoft Zune HD
Image 1 of 25
Full exposure
Full exposure
Microsoft has released a new version of their MP3 player, the Zune HD. Our friends over at iFixit got hold of one of these devices and took it a part for us to see. The Zune HD was a long time coming, but the hardware found inside the device may well have been worth it.
iFixit is a one-stop-shop for the parts, tools, and repair manuals needed to fix iPods, iPhones, Macs, and more. They make it easy for anyone to repair their Apple hardware. Follow along as iFixit engineers disassemble the Microsoft Zune HD.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Platinum model
Platinum model
Sparing no expense, we got the 32 GB “Platinum” model. However, it seems you need to spend an additional $90 if you want to get HD out of the Zune HD…
Images by iFixit, used by permission
32GB
32GB
To Microsoft’s credit, our 32GB Zune was $10 less than the 32GB iPod touch we took apart last week. However, if you want more than 32GB in your Zune, you’re out of luck for now.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
OLED screen
OLED screen
The Zune features a 3.3 inch OLED display and capacitive touch screen. OLED screens do not require a backlight like traditional LCDs. This means they can draw significantly less power than a traditional LCD. This isn’t the first product with an OLED, but it’s certainly cutting-edge technology, and something we haven’t seen in any Apple devices yet.
The Zune’s OLED features a resolution of 480×272, a 16:9 aspect ratio. Microsoft clearly wants you to watch movies on the Zune.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Weight
Weight
The Zune is lighter than it looks. It weighs in at only 2.6 oz (74 grams). That’s more than 35% less than the similarly-sized iPod touch.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Dimensions
Dimensions
The Zune HD is 102.1 mm x 52.7 mm x 8.9 mm, while the iPod touch is 110 mm x 61.8 mm x 8.5 mm. If the iPod touch were square, it would have 20% more volume than the Zune. We could integrate to calculate the area under those curves, but we’ll save that fun stuff for you mathletes out there.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
A personal message
A personal message
Microsoft even left us a message! (picture 3). Hello to you Seattle from San Luis Obispo!
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Tri-wing screws
Tri-wing screws
Unlike Apple, Microsoft doesn’t seem to be afraid to show off their screws. They probably don’t want everyone doing what we’re about to do, so they’ve adorned the Zune’s exterior with tri-wing screws.
The black plasic strip at the bottom of the Zune reminds us of the original iPhone.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
No voided warranty
No voided warranty
Tri-wing screwdriver to the rescue!
?There’s no “warranty void” sticker or seal to break when opening the Zune. Thanks Microsoft!
Images by iFixit, used by permission
A serviceable player?
A serviceable player?
This is a lot easier than opening the iPod touch.
Yes, Apple, we’re talking to you. Apparently it is possible to make something both pretty and serviceable at the same time…
Images by iFixit, used by permission
A tribute to a Zune team member
A tribute to a Zune team member
A tribute to a Zune team member who passed away during development. May she rest in peace.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
The lovely internals
The lovely internals
NVIDIA Tegra processor front and center. In a stark contrast to Apple’s relationship with Samsung, NVIDIA’s product page actually has a link to buy the Zune HD.
To the right is the SiPORT HD Radio receiver. This chip supports AM, FM, HD Radio, Microsoft MSN Direct Data Services, and a slew of other frequencies (including the Weather Band).
The SDRAM is Hynix! H5MS1G22MFP J3M 926A. In the upper left, is a 1GB Hynix Mobile DDR SDRAM.
The accelerometer is below the Hynix SDRAM and to the left of the Nvidia processor. It’s a Kionix KXSD9.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Removing the bottom backplate
Removing the bottom backplate
We assume this is here to improve the reception for the Zune’s antenna(s). A nice feature (nowhere to be seen on the iPod touch) is the Zune’s built in HD radio. It’s the only HD you can actually play on your Zune.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Next Torx screw
Next Torx screw
Removing a Torx screw near the bottom of the logic board.
The layout of the device appears a little simpler than the iPod touch.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Power button
Power button
Taking off the top power button cover.
The Zune sports only three external buttons, while the iPod touch has four. Apple doesn’t think their users are smart enough to handle a multi-button mouse, but they expect people to be able to use four different buttons on their iPod touch. Steve Jobs is probably already trying to figure out how to remove two buttons from the iPod touch.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Disconnecting the display
Disconnecting the display
Yes, this is an iPod opening tool. Yes, we know this isn’t an iPod.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Logic board comes out
Logic board comes out
Like the iPod touch, the Zune has a soldered battery. The battery should be easier to replace than on the new iPod touch, since the Zune’s battery has individual wires for the battery leads. In the touch, the battery leads run through a single ribbon cable, making hand-soldering a challenge.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Inner chassis
Inner chassis
Prying the inner chassis off the front panel.
You can see the digitizer (left) and OLED data cables.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Solid feel
Solid feel
The inner chassis is cast aluminum and helps to give the Zune its solid feel. The iPod classic has a similar chassis, but there’s no internal chassis on the iPod touch.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Flash supplier
Flash supplier
At least in our Zune, Toshiba is the NAND flash supplier, and it’s in two separate packages. We are told that the 16 GB version has one package of Hynix NAND.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Chip roll call
Chip roll call
The long rectangular chip near the center of the board is the Phison Electronics PS8006 NAND controller.
Above the dock connector is an Atmel 8 kilobit AT88SC0808CA CryptoMemory EEPROM chip.
On the left side (with the sine wave logo) is a Wolfson Micro WM8352 audio codec.
As evidenced by the writing on the dock connector, the Zune is actually manufactured by Foxconn, the same company that produces iPods for Apple.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Display separated
Display separated
Separating the OLED display from the glass and digitizer. The OLED screen is incredibly thin (1 mm) and seems more rugged than a traditional LCD panel.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
OLED dating
OLED dating
The Samsung display is model AMS326FA05. Interestingly, the date code on this OLED is four months old, so they may have been stockpiling these from a while to have enough for the Zune launch.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
Below the EMI shield
Below the EMI shield
We desoldered the EMI shield to see what was beneath.
It’s an Atheros AR6002. Unlike the new iPod touch, this chip does not support 802.11n.
Atheros claims this chip is super power efficient: “The game-changing power efficiency delivered by the AR6002 significantly extends battery life. In fact, the AR6002 consumes 70% less power in active mode than competitive solutions and near-zero power in standby.”
Images by iFixit, used by permission
9 easy pieces
9 easy pieces
Zune HD, displayed in nine easy-to-assemble pieces!
We found components inside from Atheros, Atmel, Avago, Kionix, Phison Electronics, RiT Display, Samsung, Toshiba, and Wolfsom Micro. Did we miss one? Let us know.
Images by iFixit, used by permission
