If Microsoft's new Zune HD can win this guy's heart back, it might have a chance after all.
Steven Smith got known as the "Zune Tattoo Guy" for getting the logo of Microsoft's music player inked on his shoulder. In fact, he didn't stop there: Smith, aka "MSZuneFan," got two other Zune-related tattoos, one showing the Microsoft catchphrase "Welcome to the Social" and another showing the Zune "Share Bunny." He even considered changing his name to "Microsoft Zune."
But after being disappointed with the quality of the second-generation 80GB and 120GB Zunes, Smith recanted, saying he was going to get his tattoo removed or covered up.
Now Microsoft has a new media player, the Zune HD, and Smith is cautiously optimistic about renewing his affections.
"All three tattoos were done in love of the Zune and I was never promised anything before getting any of the tattoos," says Smith.
"The Zune HD seems to have the all the features I am looking for and might end up replacing my iPod Touch," says Smith. "The Zune 80 and 120 felt like cheap plastic toys to me and so I would like to play with a Zune HD prior to making a purchase. I have read great reviews on it and it seems that Microsoft has learned and fixed a lot of their errors with the original Zunes. "
He's holding off for one more key feature, however: Xbox 360 integration.
"The one main thing that still hasn't happened yet though is the integration with the Xbox 360. That needs to happen, on that day I very well could get a new Zune tattoo and become a fan once more."
When he fell out with Microsoft, Smith didn't get his Zune logo removed: Instead, he covered it up with a tattoo portraying Dick Cheney as a devil (right).
Meanwhile, Smith's other two Zune logos remain, awaiting the day when Microsoft wins back his trust.
Photos courtesy Steven Smith
