It is looking more and more like Microsoft’s Zune HD Video MP3 Player is nearing end of life. Now that Windows Phone 7 has Zune functionality built into it Microsoft’s attempt to take on Apple’s iPod touch has even less of a reason to exist. That’s a good thing for us as consumers because it translates into steep savings on some brand new gear. That’s the case with today’s Gear Deal. It brings us the 64GB Microsoft Zune HD with $80 in savings. The Zune HD features 64GB Capacity, a 3.3″ OLED Touchscreen and a Tegra processor. It weighs 2.6 ounce, has a built-in HD Radio, offers 720p output and is great for… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Want an awesome media player with a gorgeous touchscreen that isn’t an iPod touch? Have we got a Gear Deal for you today!!

This bundle offers a Zune HD PLUS a Zune HD Car Charger at a huge savings. Together they make using your Zune on the go a breeze.

The Zune HD offers

the digital experience that gives you access to premium entertainment and the latest technologies, allowing you to enjoy, connect, and discover content in a whole new way—the way you like it. Browse, stream, buy, and play all you want, including music, HD video, Podcasts, games and much more.

It has 32GB of storage capacity, an HD radio, is HD-compatible so… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I’ve been fascinated by the numerous pico projectors that have been released in the past few years. The idea of being able to connect your phone or media device to something just about the same size and throw the picture, slide or video playing on the former up on a wall by using the latter seemed… well, it seemed rather cool to me. It certainly intrigued my geekier side.

So when AAXA released their AAXA P1 Jr. I took note. It claims to be the “world’s smallest LCOS pico projector with onboard MP4 player”. When they reached out and asked if we would like to review a unit I jumped on the opportunity. After… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Let’s start the week with a really awesome Gear Deal on Monster’s Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones.

The Beats by Dr. Dre are high definition headphones specifically designed for Rock, Pop, Hip Hop and R&B with an advanced speaker design and noise cancellation. Features include a Monster headphone cable with Quadripole twisted pair construction and spacious earcups with plush, breathable cushions.

Our Gear Sponsor tracked down a deal that will get you these headphones for $349.95. What makes this a great deal is that you will ALSO GET a FREE 16GB Zune HD. That’s a $180 value and both will ship for free.

Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones (black) from Monster +

original image courtesy of alltechrelated

For those of us still backing Microsoft on the MP3 player market, the Zune HD may have a little life left. After a recent firmware update that added support for Dixv/Xvid files natively along with smart DJ and a few other things we may still have hope for something on the horizon. While I love my Zune for playing music and movies, there isn’t really much else I do with it. The App market is so small, I think I can count the apps on one hand while stating the actual names of the 3 apps I actually use. They are all in are games… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

It’s no secret that we here at Gear Diary have enjoyed PDAir cases for many of our devices.  You can see some of our past reviews here, here, and here.   Oh, and here, too.  PDAir recently released several leather cases for the Zune HD and offered Gear Diary a chance to review a sample.  The new Zune HD styles include flip type, book type, sleeve type, and both vertical and horizontal pouch types.  I was sent a horizontal pouch case for review.… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Image courtesy of Flickr

We are no strangers to cases here at GearDiary. PDair has offered many cases in the past for us to take a look at, today we will take a look at the PDair aluminum case for the Zune HD. Over the past two weeks I had a chance to take the case out in the field during the Eastern Snowpocolypse and run it through some everyday situations. I am quite happy with the case so far, and plan on using the case to keep my Zune out of harms way. PDair makes a great aluminum cases for most phones and portable devices. The Zune HD does not have a huge offering of cases available, I’m a big fan of protecting my gadgets and my investment.… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Photo courtesy of Wareseeker

Even though the Zune HD packs one of the most powerful mobile platforms out today, the MP3 player gets no love compared to Apples’s industry Juggernaut the iPod. I have a 32GB Zune HD and absolutely love it. The biggest issue I have is the small marketplace and app support.  The Zune HD is actually a really great player, but needs to unleash the power of the Tegra, and so far has failed to do so. With Tegra powering the device, HD content and games have no problems with playback or quality. The ultra slim case and OLED screen make it stand out from the crowded MP3 player market, but… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Okay, so not everyone loves their iPhone and iPod touch. There are, in fact, people who really love their Microsoft Zune HDs. I wanted to know WHY a reader would choose the Zune HD over the iPod touch… so I asked.… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I’m an iPod kinda guy but even I can appreciate the appeal of the Zune HD. The hardware is slick, the screen is gorgeous and the ZunePass is an awesome deal. If you have a Zune no doubt you want to keep it in as close to pristine condition as possible. Speck’s PixelSkin is one great option!

Here’s a quick look and a chance to win one of two Speck PixelSkin cases for the ZuneHD.… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

If you want a music player with huge capacity (32GB), a gorgeous screen (how about a 3.3 OLED Touchscreen?) and a great way to find and enjoy all the music you want for small monthly fee (can you say “Zune Pass”?) then the Zune HD is for you.

Our GearSponsor has found a great deal on one that will let you nab it for $269. In addition you get Amazon’s great customer service, free shipping, a $5 Amazon.com MP3 download coupon and a free year of Wired Magazine. But hurry, this GearDeal is expiring soon.

Microsoft Zune HD 32GB 3.3-inch Touchscreen + FREE $5 MP3 credit, Wired Magazine Subscription via LogicBUY

There is no question the Zune HD is a fine piece of hardware. Slim and well-built is seems a shame to hide it behind any case. Yet there are going to be times when you Zune owners REALLY want to give your devices some protection. That’s where Speck’s new PixelSkin for the Zune HD comes in. As the company explains…

PixelSkin’s unique, soft yet grippy silicone material provides extra security against accidents while Zune fans everywhere ride to work or jam out at the gym. Custom cutouts for the screen, connector port and headphone jack make removal of this snugly form-fitting case unnecessary, either docked up or while on the move. Enjoy your new Zune HD’s

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I’m a big fan of getting outside and walking. I find that listening to music or podcasts helps to pass the time, so like most people with MP3 players I always take my iPhone or Zune HD with me. I have recently started carrying my Zune HD because I love Zune Pass, which provides for nearly unlimited music downloads and automatically creates artist mixes – even from music I don’t own. WaterField’s new suede jacket is the perfect fit for my Zune HD. It’s thin enough to act as a shield and fits inside other WaterField cases.… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Did you miss your chance to pre-order a Zune HD. The device was released just this past Tuesday and already Amazon is showing up to a two month wait for 16 GB model while the more expensive 32 GB is expected in up to 2 weeks’ time. Sure the Amazon store is notoriously conservative when they estimate shipping days (my Kindle arrived even though the status read out of stock the entire time it was order). But just maybe Microsoft has a hit on their hands. The highlights of this device for me have been the availability of Zune Pass which allows for downloading and playing unlimited songs so long as you pony up the monthly $15 fee (good for three devices)… Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

I like the stuff that comes our of Wired.com’s Gadget Labs but this is just weird.

They have posted an inane video comparing the new Zune HD to the… iPod nano??? Let’s see, touch screen, app-running, WiFi enabled Zune up against… scroll wheel iPod with a camera?

Seriously, this is one I don’t get.

But I am looking forward to their next video. In that one they’ll compare the iPhone 3GS to… The Moto RAZR!!!