TechnaBob reports from some reliable sources that Zune will retail initially for $299 MSRP. Nothing in his article, or sources, mentions our rumor of a year of content included.

So much for thinking outside of the box ;-(

It's starting to look more and more like Zune is JAPMP (Just Another Portable Media Player).

Note to Microsoft (please don't read this unless you are Microsoft): If people walk into the store and the option is only the $299 iPod or the $299 Zune, the product will die a death more sad than Origami. If your only differentiation point is that "we're Microsoft, dammit", it ain't gonna happen.

Make it happen.

I want it to happen, dearly.

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