Wondering if you should go with the latest free software upgrade or simply upgrade to the new Zune? To make our choice that much easier, microsoft are offering a free 14-day Zune pass that will allow us to

* download our favorites from millions of tracks in Zune Marketplace — free!

Before we can do that, we have to upgrade to the FREE Zune 3.0 software.  Click the image below to get the directions to sign up for the 14-day trial.

Before we outline the pros of the new Zune, just check out what the free software upgrade will give you 

Zune, Microsoft Corp.’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, today released its much anticipated free software update that will bring new features to every Zune portable media player. Revealed last week, the new software will allow Zune users to wirelessly stream and download music from the Zune Marketplace store on the go; tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio; and tap into new, personalized music recommendations and programming.

To allow customers to take full advantage of the new wireless functionality, Zune today announced that it is working with high-speed Internet access provider Wayport Inc. to deliver Zune users free, wireless access to the Zune Marketplace from more than 9,800 participating McDonald’s^®restaurants across the U.S.

Of course, while this system is fantastic (like running your own radio station) the service comes at a price - after the free 14 day trial period, the Zune Pass costs $14.95 a month.

The ability to use Zune at numerous internet hot spots is a big new feature that has, for some reason, been ignored by cnet in this short YouTube Zune 16 GB review. But Ina Fried (also from CNet) has done a test run of the free card in San Fran - with some interesting results, including a cheeky connect to free wi-fi in an Apple store!

The latest Zune 3.0 software also allows us to listen to books provided by various distributors including,  Audible.com.  This means access to more than 50,000 books, magazines and newspapers (including the New York Times and The Wall Strreet Journal) from more than 600 publishers which we can sync to our Zune.

For reasons best known to itself, Microsoft has still not developed a browser interface for Zune! All the same, the latest Zune does have some appeal.

All the same, we can get some improved choices with the new Zune. As the above image shows, we have more color choices with the new Zune 16 (if we buy direct from the Zune Originals) and the new Zune 16 has double the capacity of the previous Zune. It also provides audiobook support, a couple of free games (Texas Hold 'Em and a puzzle game), and a home-screen clock.

All this makes my existing Zune model even better. What company gives its existing customers such a good deal? No pressure to upgrade, no need to upgrade.

But when I need to, I most assuredly will! 

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Having problems with your Zune screen, Zune controls, Zune software or apps?Well, we may be able to help!

We came across this great bit of advice for Zune owner so decided to post it here. This is a simple procedure and one worth keeping in mind if you have any hiccups with your Zune.

OK, for anyone have problems with their zune itself,

just reset it for good measure. It doesn't hurt the zune,

and it often saves time

Here are the button commands:

  If you want to follow the discussion about this, just follow this link. 

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