After Hours

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

By // April 19, 2007, 4:23 AM PST // erikeckel

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  • The Microsoft Zune box

    Portable media players are all the rage. View this gallery for an inside look at Microsoft's new Zune. From the device's packaging to its software and the device itself, here's what you get (and how it works) when you buy a Zune.

    The Zune comes in a box resembling Apple's iPod, in that it's square and features separate compartments holding various components.

  • The Zune box - Back

    The Zune's packaging boasts contemporary styling.

  • The Zune box - Inside

    The Zune packaging boasts the device's social networking capacity.

  • Zune materials

    The Zune includes a soft carrying case, instructions and guide book, and software on CD-ROM.

  • The Zune

    Opening the lid inside the interior box reveals the Zune.

  • Let's get started

    A protective overlay on the Zune's LCD screen instructs users to insert the CD in their systems and press the play button to enable the device.

  • The Zune

    The Zune without the protective screen overlay.

  • The Zune back cover

    The Zune's icon appears on its rear cover, along with the unit's serial number.

  • The Zune's data port

    The Zune ships with a USB cable that connects to the data port, shown here, on the bottom of the Zune.

  • The Backside

    Here's another view of the Zune's rear panel. It's style is clean with unbroken lines. Altogether, it's a little larger than a video iPod, but still fairly compact.

  • Zune accessories

    Zune accessories (including the data cable and headphones) are included alongside the device in separate compartments.

  • The Zune data cable

    The Zune data cable features a USB connector on one end and a proprietary connector on the other.

  • The Zune headphones

    The Zune headphones feature a standard audio plug and in-the-ear buds.

  • Warning: Loud music

    The Zune features the (now ubiquitous) warning message that seems to accompany every portable media player: Warning, Loud Music Can Damage Your Hearing.

  • The carrying case

    The Zune features a soft-sided carrying case, shown here.

  • Connection instructions

    The Zune includes several guides and instruction booklets. Here is the pamphlet that uses pictures to walk users through connecting the new media player.

  • More instructions

    More Zune instructions describing the device's buttons and features.

  • Software installation

    Upon installing the Zune CD, users see this screen.

  • Checking for updates

    The Zune takes several minutes, upon the first installation, to check for updates. During the update process, the software touts the media player's many different features, including the ability to share music, view videos listen to broadcasts and more.

  • Zune setup

    The Zune takes several minutes, upon the first installation, to check for updates. During the update process, the software touts the media player's many different features, including the ability to share music, view videos listen to broadcasts and more.

  • Zune license agreement

    Users must accept the Zune License Agreement to proceed with the installation.

  • Zune setup

    The Zune setup program downloads several updates upon initial installation. Here the application continues downloading updates.

  • Zune setup

    The Zune Setup program continues downloading software updates (while rotating through a variety of messages promoting the device's features).

  • Zune setup

    After several minutes, the Zune has downloaded 6% of updates.

  • Zune setup

    The Zune continues downloading software updates. Meanwhile, the setup program displays different messages, such as this one demonstrating how music playback appears on the device's large LCD display.

  • Zune setup

    The Zune Setup program continues chugging through downloading updates. Here the Setup application demonstrates how widescreen videos appear on the device.

  • Zune setup

    The Zune setup program informs users that the device is capable of playing back radio broadcasts.

  • Make a connection

    Upon applying updates, the Zune Setup program instructs users to connect their device to their PC.

  • Update time

    Despite having just completed software updates, the Zune needs to also download firmware updates (upon first installation).

  • Zune firmware update

    The Zune software warns users not to move or disconnect the Zune during the firmware update.

  • Zune name

    Users must name their Zune.

  • Sync options

    Users must specify sync options when installing the Zune.

  • Library settings

    During Setup, the Zune prompts users to specify library settings, which among other things set the Zune as a user's default media player.

  • Stream to Xbox 360

    The Zune supports streaming media to Xbox 360 consoles. To enable such sharing, users need to check the appropriate boxes here during Zune Setup.

  • Creating a library

    Upon connecting to the PC, the Zune automatically syncs with the PC.

  • Zune tag

    Users must specify a Zune Tag to identify themselves within the Zune community.

  • Windows Live ID

    A Windows Live ID is required to sign up for Zune. MSN, Hotmail, Passport Network and other Windows Live ID holders can use their existing accounts to sign up.

  • Create a Windows Live ID

    If a user doesn't possess a Windows Live ID, the Zune software walks them through creating a new account.

  • Windows Live ID account creation

    Among the information that must be provided when creating a Zune account is the user's name, address, e-mail address and telephone number.

  • Zune account creation

    Upon completing Zune Account setup properly, the software displays this confirmation screen.

  • Zune desktop software

    Zune features its own media player interface on the desktop, shown here.

  • Zune desktop software

    Music, photos (shown here) and videos are among the items that can be played back using the Zune desktop software.

  • Cracking it open

    The Zune is built to tight tolerances. Opening the device requires precision care (and voids the warranty). The device's front and back covers can be separated using a precision screwdriver.

  • The back cover

    Here's a view looking inside the Zune's back cover. Note the lock switch (at top center) and the data port (bottom center).

  • The Zune's insides

    Once the rear cover is removed, the Zune's inside's are revealed. At the top is the battery; a Toshiba hard drive sits beneath it.

  • Lithium ion battery

    The Zune's Lithium Ion battery.

  • Battery removed

    Here's the Zune's insides with the battery removed.

  • Hard drive ribbon cable

    The Zune's hard drive is connected to the main board via this copper-colored ribbon cable.

  • Hard drive removed

    Here's the Zune's main circuit board with the hard drive removed (and laying flat on the desk in front).

  • The Toshiba hard drive

    The Zune features a Toshiba hard disk.

  • The battery compartment

    Removing two screws enables removal of the battery compartment.

  • The Zune's front panel

    The Zune's front panel includes a protective screen and keypad controls.

  • The Zune's LCD and board

    Here's the Zune's LCD and main circuit board. Carefully constructed and compact, the media player features numerous integrated circuits.

The Microsoft Zune box

Portable media players are all the rage. View this gallery for an inside look at Microsoft's new Zune. From the device's packaging to its software and the device itself, here's what you get (and how it works) when you buy a Zune.

The Zune comes in a box resembling Apple's iPod, in that it's square and features separate compartments holding various components.

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About Erik Eckel

Erik Eckel owns and operates two technology companies. As a managing partner with Louisville Geek, he works daily as an IT consultant to assist small businesses in overcoming technology challenges and maximizing IT investments. He is also president o...