Belkin Released a Leather Sleeve for 4GB/8GB and 80GB Zune Players

Belkin finally released new Zune cases for the 4GB/8GB and 80Gb Zune models.

The new Zune cases feature Velcro strap attachment to secure the Zune, and also offer a full screen protection. You also have access to all ports and control buttons at all time.

These top-loading cases are made from easy-care microfiber and leather. They also come with a belt clip.

The Zune 8 does look great in this case. Don’t you agree with me? I'm just not convinced yet that the control buttons will still be easy to use.

Check the cases on Belkin's website. They are available now with a retail price of $29.99.

There’s another picture after the jump.

Speck Case In Use

I've been using a Speck case for my Zune 80 for last few weeks, and I'm not really impressed.  The case is constructed from a silicone that reminds me of the stuff that they use for the seal on a scuba diving mask.  While it's certainly durable, the downside is that in winter, it acts a dust magnet.

Getting the Zune 80 into the case was simple enough.  I first placed it in, down side first.  The Speck case has special areas where the silicone thins for the Zunepad and the buttons.  The trouble came in when it was time to insert the included plastic screen cover.  The benefit is that Zune is now completely isolated and protected, but as you'll see from the images below, despite my best efforts, it hardly looked real good doing it, and the silicone failed to form a solid gasket around the screen cover.

On the rear is a plastic button.  To that attaches a removable belt clip.  Unlike some other cases, the clip is plenty secure, and didn't fall off during testing.  I also appreciate that access to the ports and hold button is preserved with appropriately placed cutouts.

I think that this product has some room for improvement.  For starters, I'll ditch the plastic screen cover.  After that, I'm contemplating taking an X-Acto knife to the Zunepad cutout as while I can scroll, it does slow me down as the silicone is not as frictionless.  I'll think of it as Speck case 2.0.

Zune Trick: Use a Zune V1 Dock with your Zune 80

Jef from Jeftek has an interesting Zune trick that might be useful to many Zune 80 out there. The Zune fan managed to dock is brand new Zune 80 on a v1 Zune docking station. Why should you do that when Microsoft released a beautiful v2 Zune docking station? The answer is simple, with the heavily discounted v1 Zune accessories currently on the market, you will save a lot of money by doing that.

It appears Microsoft made it simple to remove the top faceplate, which gives more than enough room to dock all v1 and v2 Zunes in the v1 Dock!   You do not get the component out ability of the v2 dock, but it also means you don't need to throw away the dock to use it with a v2 which for me with 2 of them was great.  Without the faceplate, it also doesn't support the Zune snugly when you put it in and out of the dock, so you just need to be careful when docking it.

Check Jef's photo guide for more details. Nice job Jef!

You've got a Zune trick? Send it to us!

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First Look: Zune 8 and Zune 80 Cases from Speck

Good news guys! I just received samples of the new Zune 8 and Zune 80 cases from Speck. The ToughSkin cases look a lot like the ToughSkin cases already available for the Zune 30, but the  leather case  is actually very cool. I've already tried my red Zune 8 with it, and it fits like a charm. The metal beltclip is also extremely well designed. The Zune pad can easily be used, but the back and play/pause buttons are a bit tricky to use with this case. I'll be using the product for a few days, just to see if this is really an issue or not. Stay tuned.

That's it for now. I'll be reviewing the products later. Check after the jump for more pictures.

Golla Bags for Zune 30 and Zune 80

Earlier this week, Golla announced their brand new line of bags, specially made for the Zune player. Compatible with Zune 30 and 80 only, these bags have a really distinctive design. I’m bringing back a few samples with me. I’ll test them in the next few weeks. Visit www.golla.com for more information for now.

More pictures after the jump.

Two New Zune Speaker Systems from Zlive

Remember the Zlive Zune speaker systems with talked about last week? Well, we saw them live here at the CES. Zlive will release two different models. The first model (picture after the break), called the NS108B, is the one we've seen last week and Zlive says it comes with a full feature remote control.

The second one (picture above), and most interesting one, has the following specs:

• Two built-in subwoofers
• Radio tuner
• Works on 120volts and batteries!
• Alarm clock
• Internal CD Player
• Full control over the Zune directly on the device or by using the remote control
• USB port to connect a computer and upload more songs on the Zune or to stream content directly from the computer
• Video output to connect to a TV screen

Both products will be available in March or April of this year.

More pictures after the break.

Kickers's Zune Speaker System Hands-on

I just had a chance to try Kicker's new ZK500 Speaker System made for Zune. Esthetically speaking, the ZK500 won't win any awards, but the sound quality of this little puppy is stunning.

The unit comes with a remote control that gives you full control of your Zune player. Using the four arrows from the remote control, you can surf your Zune content just like if you were doing this directly on the Zune player.

The ZK500 will be available next March and has a retail price of $350. The only other Zune speaker system that can give you this level of sound quality is the VAF' Octavio, priced at $500...

Speck Adds New 4GB/8GB/80GB Zune Cases

Speck is showing off at CES a line up of new Zune cases. There are seven in total, some of which are ones previously announced for the 30GB model but now also being made available for the 4GB/8GB and 80GB Zunes.

Cases being unveiled include leather, rugged and one for the more athletically inclined. You can get more details on these new cases via the press release after the jump.

Introducing Zlive for Zune

Are you interested in a new Zune speaker system? I am! We don't know much about the upcoming puppy, but it looks great.  Digital Products International (DPI) is releasing a completely new brand called the Zlive. DPI is the company behind ilive, a maker of iPod accessories. ilive has 14 different speaker systems for the iPod.

Are we going to see them all made for the Zune? Probably not, but the picture above looks very similar to the ISPK2806BLK, made for iPod. And if the specs are going to be the same, well, the first Zune dock to be release by Zlive should look like the following:

• Charging, amplification & remote control of Zune player
• Built-In Zune Cradle
• Stereo Speakers
• Slim, Full-Function Remote Control
• Video Output/Auxiliary Input
• AC Power
• Accessories Included: Remote Control, Auxiliary Line-In Cord

The retail price should also be $69.99. To be followed!

New Zune Speaker System from Kickers

Folks, this looks like the blockbuster of Zune accessories! Kicker, known for its car speakers and amplifiers, is going to release the ZK500, a stereo system for Zune players.

The system is equipped with two five-inch woofers and 40-watt stereo amplifiers. The system also comes with an infrared remote control. The remote lets you adjust the stereo system’s bass, treble, and auxiliary-in options, as well as the iPod or Zune menu directories. Cool!!! You can also select standby mode to continue charging your Zune player even when it’s powered down. 

According to the company, Kicker’s patent-pending six-inch square reflex subwoofer delivers a dynamic bass response unmatched by other MP3 docking stations.

The new Zune speaker system should hit the market somewhere in February and no retail price information is available at this time.