Yesterday, I had synced my Zune 80. It had finished, and I grabbed it to head downstairs. I placed it on the ledge that looks down over the stairs and went to do something real quick. When I came back, I went to grab it...

And didn't quite make it. Instead, I knocked my Zune 80, which slid forward and down, falling about 12 feet to the landing below, then flipping and skidding a few more feet down onto and across the wood floor downstairs. I rushed down the steps, expecting the worst. I picked up the Zune and flicked the Hold switch off and on to see if it powered on.

Would you believe that, it not only had no scratches, but the screen was in perfect shape? The building quality is really amazing. I started playing some tracks, and they played fine, but I could tell the hard drive was on its way out- the drive was clicking. Thankfully, I had the product replacement plan from Best Buy. I went back that night and went to get a replacement 80, which they were all out of. Long-story short, I received a Zune 120 in its place.

I wasn't even close to filling up my old Zune 80 (I had about 60GB used, between music, videos, movies, and TV episodes). So the extra space, while appreciated, doesn't get me much. I'm not complaining, of course.

What I do like, more than I thought I would, is the look. Pictures don't do the new all-black look of the Zune 120 justice; it is sharp looking. Yes, it is a smudge magnet, but in most angles, they are barely noticeable. Otherwise, the sound quality is the same (re: excellent) as the Zune 80, as is the screen. The Zune Pad feels a little tighter, but I don't know if that's just me. I'm also curious if battery life will be any different.

Nevertheless, this Zune will not be going near any ledges. Ever.