Second Generation 80 GB Microsoft Zune Review

The much-anticipated wait for the next-generation Zune is now over with the release of the 80 GB Zune in November, 2007. This new Zune sports some nice upgrades over the first generation Zune including more Wi-Fi capabilities, smaller size, podcast support, and larger LCD screen. Microsoft is getting closer and closer to Apple's reign as king of the portable media devices.
Microsoft has redesigned the new Zune to be a bit smaller than the first generation model which was bulky and a little heavy. The new Zune is just a tad larger than the iPod Classic, so it is much better suited for traveling in a pant pocket than before.
Microsoft has also increased the screen size in the 2nd generation Zune to 3.2 inches. The LCD screen also has an optical glass protective shield which further improves clarity and protects the screen from scratches.
The new navigational pad is called the "Zune pad" by Microsoft, and it is somewhat like the touch-pad on your laptop. The Zune pad can also be used like a standard 4-way click pad, so it's very flexible and very innovative overall.
The included earphones are also new, and they work extremely well. They are sound-isolating earphones, so although they won't eliminate outside noise, they will minimize it greatly. Source: Cnet