I’ve been waiting on that special moment when I dove into the realm of mp3 players.  I’ve been a fan of the Zune but haven’t made the final purchase for some reason.  I also like the iPod but with its “must buy new version to upgrade” mentality, I’ve been hesistant on grabbing it.  However, I will say now without a shadow of doubt that I will be purchasing the new Zune HD this Fall!  (price of course will dictate how serious I am)

I’ve listed the specs below and you can color me impressed!  The best part about it is that its integrating Xbox LIVE by way of its video service so this could pave the way for a new Video Marketplace.  The second best part about it is that it has a built in HD Radio receiver!  And the not so exciting part (at least to me) is that it will have a full internet browser.  Okay, I admit I like that part too.  It better be sold in black!

Introducing Zune HD

Zune HD is the next iteration of the Zune device family and brings a new level of listening and viewing experiences to the portable media player category.

- Zune HD comes with a built-in HD Radio receiver so users can listen to higher-quality sound than traditional radio on the go.  Users also will have access to the additional song and artist data broadcast by HD Radio stations as well as additional channels from their favorite stations multicasting in HD.  If you don’t like the song playing on your station’s HD channel, switch to its HD2 or HD3 channels for additional programming.

- The bright OLED touch screen interface allows users to flip through music, movies and other content with ease, and the 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution) offers a premium viewing experience on the go.

- The HD-compatible output lets Zune HD customers playback supported HD video files from the device through a premium high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) audiovisual docking station (sold separately) direct to an HD TV in 720p.*

- Zune HD will include a full-screen Internet browser optimized for multitouch functionality.

- Zune HD is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for instant streaming to the device from the more than 5 million-track Zune music store.

*Supported 720p HD video files play on the device, downscaled to fit the screen at 480 x 272 — not HD resolution. Zune HD and AV Dock, and an HDTV (all sold separately) are required to view video at HD resolution.