Friday, December 29, 2006
HP Sells the Zune
Posted by Darius Wey in "Zune Talk" @ 12:00 PM
"A few years back, Hewlett Packard sold a licensed version of the Apple iPod through their retail and web channels. The only differences was the back had HP+ engraved on it instead of the infamous Apple logo. It was a nice experiment, but it didn't last too long. It seems that HP is again selling an MP3 player, at least on it's website. The are carrying the Microsoft Zune, listing it at the retail price of $249.99, and has all three colors available. In true HP fashion, it each one has it own model number. They are the rx798 (brown), rx797 (white), and rx796 (black). Some how I don't see anyone saying, "Hey, check out my HP rx796!" anytime soon."
To be fair, HP still calls it a Zune, and the rx79-what model numbers are mostly for internal use. But model numbers aside, it'll be interesting to see just how many Zune devices HP will sell over the coming year. If it sells well, both HP and Microsoft will have a reason to smile. But as a consumer, you already have a reason to smile. The Zune is eligible for a small price cut through special purchasing programs or coupons, so you may have the opportunity to save a few bucks by taking the HP road.
To be fair, HP still calls it a Zune, and the rx79-what model numbers are mostly for internal use. But model numbers aside, it'll be interesting to see just how many Zune devices HP will sell over the coming year. If it sells well, both HP and Microsoft will have a reason to smile. But as a consumer, you already have a reason to smile. The Zune is eligible for a small price cut through special purchasing programs or coupons, so you may have the opportunity to save a few bucks by taking the HP road.
