How much usable space does a 16GB Zune HD come with?

[Darkhyperchaos]

I was just wondering how much free/usable space a 16GB Zune HD comes with. I know it's advertised as "16GB", but with all devices like this, you never really get the advertised amount of space, some of it is used up for the firmware, and things like that.

So how much completely usable free space is available on an out of the box 16GB Zune HD? Also, how much more memory does the latest firmware update use compared to the factory firmware?

This might seem like a strange question, but I really would hate buying a "16GB" device that only has 14GB of usable space. And the free space after the latest firmware update is important too. A specific number would be great.



Also, I was browsing the Zune forums, and I came across an issue some people were having on their Zunes, that would be horrific if it happened to me.

http://forums.zune.net/619805/ShowPost.aspx

http://forums.zune.net/600724/ShowPost.aspx

Does this happen to every Zune HD, or is it just a rare issue? If this happened to me, I would be extremely frustrated and probably get rid of my Zune. So what are the chances that I run into this issue?



Thanks in advance. I would really appreciate any help.

[CrowdAds]

[McDougal]

This is a tough question for me to answer because I don't remember the exact amount of free space there was when I first got my ZuneHD. However, if I remember correctly....there isn't even a gig of space used when you first get it. So chances are, you'd get either a little bit less than 16gb or 15gb of usable space. About the reserved space thing....that has really frustrated me. From what I know, new firmware updates do not take up space, as far as I know, its the account info that is in the reserved space. As you might know...you are forced to use the annoying Zune software in order for your Zune to function. Whenever you connect your Zune to the software, a profile is created on the player, and the more computers or installations that you connect it to, the more reserved space there is. Unlucky for me, I had to connect mine to many different installations (switching computers, reinstalling Windows), and my reserved space came up to 1gb, now I only have 14gb of usable space. I've tried all I can to get rid of it, but it's not going away . Just keep this in mind...don't switch computers or installations that often, and you'll be fine.

[Darkhyperchaos]

Thanks for the quick reply. It sounds like the Zune HD comes with pretty close to 16GB, so that's good.

As for the latest firmware, I was just worried because it was an issue with the 8GB 2G iPod Touch that I got a while back. It came with around 7GB of free space, then the latest firmware update took up roughly 500MB more than the original. So now, I really have about 6.5 GB of usable space because the firmware, standard irremovable apps, and such take up almost 1.5 GB! I just wanted to make sure that the latest firmware update doesn't take up something like 500 MB more than the original factory firmware.

And I can easily arrange it so that I only sync and plug my Zune HD into one computer, and since I've already upgraded to W7, I'm all set for my OS. So hopefully it won't even be a minor problem. But say I do get something like 1GB of the "reserved space", is there any way to get rid of it? You mean there isn't any conceivable way other than getting a new Zune? If so, that sounds terrible.

[McDougal]

Unfortunately, there is no way at all to get rid of the reserved space. Because of this, and the fact that Zunes are more locked down than iPods, I am not buying another Zune, no matter how many features it may have. A tip: based on the requirements you posted in another thread, I WOULD NOT recommend the ZuneHD, I think you wouldn't be satisfied....

[steinburger1109]

OP, to answer your question, all said and done with firmware and reserved space, I have a little more than 15.1 GB.

Originally Posted by McDougal

Zunes are more locked down than iPods

I'm not quite sure where you're getting this idea from, McDougal, but they're pretty much the same level of restrictedness (not a word but oh well ). They both require proprietary software, which is really the only thing I feel I'm "locked" into. But then, you gotta consider the fact that the Zune software, as much as people berate it, is pretty awesome. I really like it. And iTunes. Don't get me started. What a messy pile of garbage...

[lem7]

14.63gb of free space with firmware v4.5

Good luck

[McDougal]

Originally Posted by steinburger1109

I'm not quite sure where you're getting this idea from, McDougal, but they're pretty much the same level of restrictedness (not a word but oh well ). They both require proprietary software, which is really the only thing I feel I'm "locked" into. But then, you gotta consider the fact that the Zune software, as much as people berate it, is pretty awesome. I really like it. And iTunes. Don't get me started. What a messy pile of garbage...

The reason why I say Zunes are more locked down than iPods are because you can use iPods with MediaMonkey, and I've heard of programs that allow you to drag and drop sync with an iPod, however, with the Zunes, you have to use the Zune software, you can't use MediaMonkey or iTunes. And I'm perfectly O.K. with you loving iTunes and the Zune software, honestly, I haven't had any major issues with the Zune software, I still use it sometimes, but I use MediaMonkey most of the time simply because of the fact that there are more features.

[steinburger1109]

Originally Posted by McDougal

The reason why I say Zunes are more locked down than iPods are because you can use iPods with MediaMonkey, and I've heard of programs that allow you to drag and drop sync with an iPod, however, with the Zunes, you have to use the Zune software, you can't use MediaMonkey or iTunes. And I'm perfectly O.K. with you loving iTunes and the Zune software, honestly, I haven't had any major issues with the Zune software, I still use it sometimes, but I use MediaMonkey most of the time simply because of the fact that there are more features.

Haha touche. I hadn't heard those, thanks for enlightening me. Apologies for being incredulous.

[madphx]

That error is pretty common and I found that it usually has to do with the software. Since the software has now been updated it does not happen to me anymore. Before the latest Zune software update every time I left any empty space on the device it would say it was full when I reconnected. But I would check the device and it would say I had plenty of space available.

You should update your software first and if it still occurs reinstall firmware to fix it. The other common problem you get is the device saying that "item is missing or cant be played." I am still trying to figure this out and this has happened to me several times. I usually end up having to remove file from device, clear conversion folder and then resync the video to get it to work. But for some reason it doesnt always work.

These are some major issues that have not been fixed yet when they were discovered months ago. But I do prefer this software over Itunes because it is faster and the device over Ipod because I almost never have to convert my avi videos like I would with my Ipod or my Walkman X-series.

I have not had these error with any music, pics, or apps only videos. I mostly use my device for videos and playing Audiosurf.