This year, my husband shared his birthday with the Zune launch date, so of course he wanted one. Thanks to Amazon.com, it arrived home before he did today. By the time I got home from work, he already had the software installed (which took almost an hour after a couple of computer restarts). I had read the reviews and guessed we were in for a long night. Not that I would have any part in the process, but I knew my husband would insist on giving me the complete play by play as I made him a birthday dinner. (Sometimes I wonder whether having the computer within shouting distance of the kitchen is a blessing or a curse. Then again, the entire house is within shouting distance. I just wonder if the neighbors can hear.)

Two and a half hours after I arrived home, he was successful in finally getting the Zune software to recognize the device, and then quickly moved on to wireless, loading video, and other stuff. Fortunately, I know that in his mind, the installation and device recognition was akin to labor. Unpleasant but, after the excitement of getting it all to work, he’ll forget the pain and find nothing but joy in playing with his Zune.

A few things he learned in the Zune process: 1) To disconnect the Zune, you have to remove the cable from the Zune. Unplugging the USB end of the cable does zilch. 2) As with all Microsoft products, when it crashes, reboot the computer and things will probably work the next time around. 3) You don’t have to set up an ID for the Zune to get it to work.

As I said, he is happily playing now. It will probably be hours before he comes to bed. By the time I wake up, he’ll have loaded 29 of the 30 available gigs with movies, music, and random stuff. I give him a 50% chance of remembering to put a picture of his wife on it, unless he thinks of reading this post. Then I give him an 80% chance of remembering.