Zune HD: Looking Good And Ready For Pre-Sale

The Zune HD,  Microsoft's next generation portable media player, is now available for pre-order and set to hit store shelves on Sept. 15th. This first touch screen Zune model is priced deliberately below the iPod Touch at $219.99 for a 16GB model and $289.99 for a 32GB version.

As a first impression, the Zune HD could be the first Micorsoft portable media player to legitamately compete with the iPod on design and style, and even leap ahead in specific functionalities. The new player combines these features alongside compatibailty to the well designed Zune Markeplace:

• Built-in 3 band HD Radio receiver.
• HD video output capabilities. Supports HD video playback to TV via a docking station that is sold separately.

• OLED touch screen tha allows you to flip through music, movies and other content. The glass screen is  wider at 3.3-inches aith a 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution)
• Built-in Wi-Fi allows browsing, streaming or downloading music from the Zune Marketplace.
• Internet browser. Full-screen browsing, optimized for the multitouch screen with zoom-in and out gestures.