Even though the Zune HD is a tremendous media player with a lot of great features, we still don't think it competes 1:1 with a device like the touch. Still, it competes, and for Microsoft and the Zune brand, that's a major leap forward.

Those who take the bait will find themselves hooked (in both senses) by one of the best portable music discovery experiences yet created. ... For everyone else, the new Zune HD is “merely” an excellent media player with a gorgeous screen, HD radio, and 720p output over an HDMI connection.

Watching videos and listening to music is better, smarter, and more convenient than the previous Zune models and is on par with Apple’s interface.

With a fantastic OLED touch screen, a top-notch Web browser, and a wireless music store, the Zune HD is the best PMP you can buy—that is, if you live outside the iTunes universe.

The Zune HD is the best touchscreen PMP on the market. It's got the most unique vision, the most impressive hardware and the most stylish software. ... But I'm not sure that's enough.

The Zune HD delivers one of the best portable music and video experiences money can buy. At a time when many people have shifted their focus to games and applications, providing a killer media experience may not be enough for potential Zune buyers.

If you need a high-end player primarily for music and video, Zune HD is a strong alternative to the iPod Touch. It's even more compelling if you appreciate using a music subscription service.

The Zune HD player isn’t perfect, but it’s every bit as joyful, polished and satisfying as its rival. The question is whether Microsoft will stick it out long enough to close the catalog gap, the ecosystem gap and the image gap.

All in all, there’s a lot to like here. But there are still some big holes we’d love to see filled. After years of playing second fiddle, it seems that this scrappy underdog from Redmond might just have what it will take to compete with the iPod.

This is a fantastic media player. Don’t take my word for it, though. Go to your local electronics store and see for yourself how good the screen is, how intuitive the interface is, and how right it feels in your pocket — you may not want to put it back when you’re done.

If you want the device that will provide you with the best music experience, that is backed by a platform that enables you to constantly find new music, share tracks with friends, and puts you at the center of your music experience, then we whole-heartedly recommend the Zune HD.

All things considered the Zune HD is easily the finest MP3 player and small screen PMP on the market and I hope it will enjoy all the success it so richly deserves.