Download/Setup:  

Unfortunately, even if the Zune Marketplace had every feature we were looking its download and setup issues still make us a little leery, although it’s gotten better since it’s last review.

You no longer have to sign up with Zune or answer 50 questions before you can install the media player software. However, to purchase songs or sign up for a subscription you will still need to create an account and purchase points.

You can’t just get one song using your credit card. You have to buy a set lot of points, the lowest starting with 400 points for $5. These points can be used in the Zune Marketplace or in the Xbox 360 Marketplace. 400 points will get you approximately five songs. A Zune Pass subscription is $14.99 a month.

Remember that the Zune software is a very large application and it will take a while to download. We also discovered you have to have administrator rights to install the Zune software. If you are logged into another account on your computer, log out and sign in as the admin.

Help/Support:  

Zune.net has an extensive online support section. You can look for help with the software, device and music purchases. They also include forums for community members to help each other. And remember, Zune is built around community; there is usually someone to help you with your problem regardless if they work for Microsoft. However, we would still like to see some kind of email support.

In the end, Zune Marketplace is a promising music download service that is still stuck function on an old business model. We beg you Zune to strip the DRM from all music downloaded from the Marketplace and make purchasing just a little easier. Even if you stick with the points system at least make the exchange rate make sense.

Additionally, make the Zune software more like WMP and play nice with other MP3 devices outside of Zune. It’s time to start thinking outside of the box and stop following in a Apple’s footsteps.

For a fun and exciting way to put your music downloads to use, be sure and check out our DJ Software review site.