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After Hours

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

By Erik Eckel April 15, 2007, 3:25 AM PDT

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Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Microsoft Zune box

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune box - Back

The Zune box - Back

The Zune’s packaging boasts contemporary styling.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune box - Inside

The Zune box - Inside

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune materials

Zune materials

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Let's get started

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune

The Zune

The Zune without the protective screen overlay.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune back cover

The Zune back cover

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune's data port

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Backside

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune accessories

Zune accessories

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune data cable

The Zune data cable

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune headphones

The Zune headphones

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Warning: Loud music

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The carrying case

The carrying case

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Connection instructions

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

More instructions

More instructions

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Software installation

Software installation

Upon installing the Zune CD, users see this screen.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Checking for updates

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune license agreement

Zune license agreement

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune setup

Zune setup

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Make a connection

Make a connection

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Update time

Update time

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune firmware update

Zune firmware update

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune name

Zune name

Users must name their Zune.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Sync options

Sync options

Users must specify sync options when installing the Zune.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Library settings

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Stream to Xbox 360

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Creating a library

Creating a library

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune tag

Zune tag

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Windows Live ID

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Create a Windows Live ID

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Windows Live ID account creation

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune account creation

Zune account creation

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune desktop software

Zune desktop software

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Zune desktop software

Zune desktop software

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Cracking it open

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The back cover

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).

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune's insides

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.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Lithium ion battery

Lithium ion battery

The Zune’s Lithium Ion battery.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Hard drive ribbon cable

Hard drive ribbon cable

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

Hard drive removed

Hard drive removed

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Toshiba hard drive

The Toshiba hard drive

The Zune features a Toshiba hard disk.

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune's front panel

The Zune's front panel

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

Cracking open the Microsoft Zune

The Zune's LCD and board

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.

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By Erik Eckel
Erik Eckel is a managing partner at Louisville Geek and president of Eckel Media Corp. He previously served as Executive Editor at CNET Networks' TechRepublic. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Louisville and received
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