Tech News
Consumers struggle to find new 80GB Zune
By Stevie Smith
Nov 23, 2007, 8:12 GMT

While there is little doubting the overwhelming consumer appeal and market positioning of Apple Inc.’s hugely popular iPod brand, it would appear that Microsoft’s latest 80GB version of its much-maligned Zune music and media player is finding some traction ahead of the seasonal rush – albeit via a lack of availability.

Newspaper USA Today reports that the new 80GB Zune player is either sold out completely or in extremely short supply following its first week at retail. Specifically, the likes of online store Amazon.com, and high street giants Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart have all been affected by the lack of stock related to Microsoft’s newest offering.

Along with its expansive 80GB hard drive, which is able to hold around 20,000 tracks, the new $250 USD Zune player goes shoulder-to-shoulder with the existing iPod Classic, but, unlike Apple’s video-capable Classic, the Zune delivers a larger display screen, wireless networking capabilities, FM radio, and also a subscription-based music service.

USA Today offers that increased consumer demand for the new Zune has seen its recommended retail price reach as high as $320 USD via online auction Web site eBay.

"We’ve seen a constrained supply… It does seem to have an appeal as an iPod alternative," commented Best Buy spokesman Brian Lucas regarding the 80GB Zune, while Amazon.com spokeswoman Anya Waring outlined that Microsoft’s new player, "came out of the gate as a really popular item."

However, despite the demand for the 80GB model, Microsoft’s attempts to mount a serious iPod challenge could still fall flat because of a decision to increase pre-Christmas production on the Zune’s smaller 4GB and 8GB iterations.

Zune’s director of marketing, Jason Reindorp, outlined that the American software giant thought the 4GB and 8GB models would be more attractive to customers due to smaller memory and cheaper pricing. He also noted that shortages related to the 80GB player should come to an end in around a week.

"Many people are not buying into the idea you have to buy an iPod to be cool," commented Chris Leckness of Zune enthusiast Web site GotZune.com. But, while some consumers are perhaps prepared to look beyond the sprawling appeal of the iPod, analysts suggest that competition from other rival manufacturers, and not necessarily Microsoft Corp., stand a better chance of impacting Apple’s market domination in the long term.