I’m not impressed by the Zune software. However, I was able to put some audio and video files in it so I could toy with the device.

The unit itself operates well. It’s not an Ipod, so forget the Ipod-like interface. Still, it’s easy to navigate.

I turned on the radio side, and once I tuned to a station I heard audio. Then I heard it switch to the digital stream. (This station does not have its analog and digital time aligned.)

I tuned to another station in the market that runs HD1 and HD2. The display shows the frequency with an HD1 under it. There’s an HD2 to the right of that. Touching HD2 brings it up.

Sliding across the face scans to the next station up or down.

Operationally, it’s easy to manipulate. It sounds decent. Digital reception in the interior of my office building was dicey. The radio switched to analog several times.

I’ll take it around with me and experiment with the radio more.

I have a Zune HD. I’ll be honest and tell you that I did not buy it; it was a given to me for trial and review.

The box is attractive. It’s all black with some bright lettering. It’s almost the opposite of an Ipod package, which is mostly white with some gray.

The packaging is fine. Everything came out of the package without a hitch.

Before using it, I supposed to download the Zune setup software online. I went to the URL and selected install. It downlaods. It starts. Then I get an error. I am told I have to update my Windows installer before the Zune software can install.

I follow the instructions on how to install the update. Windows Vista says my system is up to date as of a few hours ago. No updates are needed. The Zune installer disagrees.

In Windows Update I select “check for updates.” Oh look, there is an update for Windows Update. How confusing is that? I install the updated updater for the Update. (Huh?) WIndows now says everything is up to date. I try to run the Zune setup again. This time it starts.

The installer uses the same flourescent colors on a dark background as the box. It’s attractive, I’ll admit.

The software loaded, I plug in the Zune device. It syncs fine. Now it’s charging and beckoning me to explore the device.

More later as I dive in.