Ask Dave (A Microsoft Employee)

[Machiventa]

That 64GB sure is tempting but 400 bones? Maybe not so tempting.

[CrowdAds]

[Xiamhighx]

Originally Posted by Olley

Apple:

Eliminated the 16gb Touch.
8gb old model now $199.
Zune HD 16gb $219.99
Zune HD 32gb $279.99
32gb faster model $299.
64gb faster model $399.
No camera on the Touch. The Nano gets one though.

Looks like this morning's prices were a fake-out by Jobs.

I have no idea what 16gb and 32gb Touches still in the retail pipe will sell for. Perhaps this morning's prices.

I'm ordering a blue 32gb Zune HD on the 15th.

No, the price cuts from earlier were on the 2nd generation. 3rd generation is still more expensive than the Zune HD.
Although the Touches don't have cameras now, I expect them to have cameras by January, most likely by Christmas. There was some hardware issue for the touch's camera, so I guess they had to release something in the meanwhile.
Now it's only 5 more days and 6 more hours until the Zune HD gets released. It's just a matter of waiting now.

[The DarkSide]

I'll be honest, if the Zune HD comes out w/a 64gb device (damn, why no hardware volume controls? In-line for the hp's maybe???) it'll waste the Touch now. The player is outdated, no innovation.

MS, even though you got it locked down tighter than Fort Knox, the device is finally superior to Apple's POS. Bring on real games/apps and you'll FRAG APPLE!!!!

[Olley]

$400 is the new king-of-the-hill price. Same as the old king-of-the-hill price. The hill is just higher now. I'm wondering how Sony feels about the X prices at this moment though.

[hc2]

Originally Posted by Olley

$400 is the new king-of-the-hill price. Same as the old king-of-the-hill price. The hill is just higher now. I'm wondering how Sony feels about the X prices at this moment though.

Over the hill?

[Laqueum]

I appreciate the reply, Dave. I've looked into the issue of the now playing screen off and on for sometime now. Also understand your second comment, I guess I should be thankful that it's as open as it is. Though, hopefully the update will give just a little more leeway. ::crosses fingers::

-Again, thanks!

[musichound]

Originally Posted by Machiventa

That 64GB sure is tempting but 400 bones? Maybe not so tempting.

But for 64GB, $399.00 is real cheap.

@ DAVEMAC-MS:
Now that there is a 64GB Touch for $399.00, how can the 32GB compete, Surely, MS needs an answer real soon.

[The DarkSide]

Actually, $349.99 (ala' Z:HD) would be cheap,....

[DaveMac-MS]

Originally Posted by musichound

But for 64GB, $399.00 is real cheap.

@ DAVEMAC-MS:
Now that there is a 64GB Touch for $399.00, how can the 32GB compete, Surely, MS needs an answer real soon.

How can it compete? $400 for a device is spendy. Too spendy for most. 32GB is enough for the vast majority of people - especially since their device doesn't do HD video.

Again, I think for the true iPod Touch customer, a 32GB Zune HD at $20 cheaper is a great buy.

You might argue that a Zune HD customer who is looking for that HD video experience might want a 64GB device - no arguments there, but in terms of competing with iPod Touch, I'm very comfortable with our position.

Cheers, Dave.

[Olley]

The Zune HD doesn't do HD video without adding the HD dock. Another $90. No clue if the Touch now does 720p output but that will require another $50 cable from Apple. If it's HD video you're after, the Zune will need more than just that to appear as a better buy.

[DaveMac-MS]

Or you could buy the Zune HD sync kit - $49 from Amazon. That will give you HDMI out, although you'll need to supply your own HDMI cables...

http://www.amazon.com/Zune-G9D-00001...2532942&sr=8-4

Cheers, Dave.

[Olley]

Does the $50 HD dock have a standard HDMI output, Dave? Nobody that sells them makes that clear. When I wanted the old A/V dock neither the box nor the clerks at BestBuy or Target had any idea it had standard component output under it's back plate. No wonder my Target has plenty to sell.

[effortless]

Dave,

been reading the forum and topics without finding any real answer yet about this.

Is the black ever coming out in Zune HD 32gb and if it's soon enough that I could wait. I'm in need a new PMP and getting ready to buy one asap! I even though about the 16gb for now then just reselling it later.

[DaveMac-MS]

Originally Posted by Olley

Does the $50 HD dock have a standard HDMI output, Dave? Nobody that sells them makes that clear. When I wanted the old A/V dock neither the box nor the clerks at BestBuy or Target had any idea it had standard component output under it's back plate. No wonder my Target has plenty to sell.

Yes, the actual dock hardware is the same in both packages. The differences are in the additional components/cables in the box.

Cheers, Dave.

[Machiventa]

Originally Posted by DaveMac-MS

You might argue that a Zune HD customer who is looking for that HD video experience might want a 64GB device - no arguments there

Good point and it makes sense that after the product is released and consumers get their hands dirty with the HD video aspect of it they'll naturally want more capacity so I hope that MS is considering a 64GB model.

[CheeToS]

Originally Posted by DaveMac-MS

The device doesn't not currently support DivX.

Freudian slip?

[DaveMac-MS]

Originally Posted by CheeToS

Freudian slip?

Fixed.

Cheers, Dave.

[kindarandomz]

hey dave
are you or any of the zune team members surprised/worried/relieved concerning the new apple announcements?

[Olley]

I doubt there was much surprise. Apple simply did what it had done last year. The only real surprise is the missing 16gb model. I'm guessing they are hoping those wanting that capacity will buy a Nano.

[DaveMac-MS]

Originally Posted by kindarandomz

hey dave
are you or any of the zune team members surprised/worried/relieved concerning the new apple announcements?

Well, we have tremendous respect for Apple as a competitor and innovator in this space. They have a strong product line and have clearly had tremendous success.

That said - we remain very upbeat about our offering this year. I think we have a great opportunity in the 16GB space, and our pricing/feature offer is compelling at both price points.

I'm definitely looking forward to 9/15.

Cheers, Dave.