The new Zune 4GB digital media player is out. The 4GB model, along with the 8GB and 80GB models now give Zune fans alternatives to the popular Original 30GB model. The new 4GB player is smaller than the original at: 3.6" Height x 1.63" Width x 0.33" Depth. The viewing screen is also smaller at 1.8", (3" screen for the 30GB Zune). The price is also a bit smaller than the 30GB model. 4GB of storage memory may sound meager when compared to the new Zune 80GB's hard drive. 4GB is still enough memory to store 1,000 songs at 128kbs playback, 25,000 JPEG pictures or about 12 hours of video at a 512kbs playback speed. Things have certainly changed, I remember my first laptop computer, bought in '92 had only a 40MB hard drive - 100 times smaller than the Zune 4GB's flash memory.

The new 4GB model comes in a variety of colors and includes ear bud headphones and covers. You will have to purchase the charger for the built-in battery separately however. The build-in FM radio feature, present on all Zune models is something you can't get on an iPod. All Zune models support the most popular audio; (AAC, MP3, WMA, Protected WMA), and video; (WMV), playback formats.

The 4GB model provides the opportunity to get a much smaller, even more portable personal media player at a more affordable price. The trade-offs are less video viewing area and the need to down, and upload from your personal computer more often. The new touch-pad design makes browsing content much faster and easier. You don't have to physically connect to your computer to download content if you have a wireless computer network at home. As with all Zunes, you have the ability to share songs and media and download free video selections over the wireless connectivity feature. The Social lives on.

You can access millions of songs in the Zune Marketplace. Downloading music and video is easy. there are lots of choices to download music - with Pass subscription, through Microsoft points, or a host of other online media providers and member sites. Play lists from Marketplace editors are constantly being updated and published for weekly viewing on the Zune, as well as artist biographies and stories from top music and video online magazines.

All the new Zune models and application upgrades provide consumers more choice. More choice is great and the Zune 4GB will offer some people just the right combination of ultra-portability, ease of use and features they have been looking for.