What is the Zune 80?

The Zune 80 is the 80GB version of the Zune that came out November 13, 2007. Before then, the 30GB model was the largest available.

What made the Zune 80 different from the rest? While it certainly improved on the hard drive space, Microsoft also added the Zune Pad. The Zune Pad replaced the d-pad of the original devices. The Zune pad, in my opinion, killed the IPod's click wheel.

"The Zune Pad is about 24 mm in diameter and resembles a square like figure. It comprises a touch-sensitive button with simulated up, down, left, right and center navigational "button" response. It combines this touch interface with standard 5-way D-pad functionality. The Pad is capable of detecting movements in all directions. The user can press the top, bottom, left, right and center of the pad inward to navigate through lists or select an item or use the touch interface to move up, down, left and right. Selection is always done with a center click."

Can the IPod do that? All the IPod has is the click wheel, although nice, is lacking a more advanced option. With the Zune, you can either click, or touch the pad and it responds in five ways.

Do you have a Zune 80? If you do, what is the feature you enjoy the most about it?