If you’re disappointed that the Zune HD is just a North American gadget “for the time being”, yet still want to know what makes it tick, then read on. Because US repair-and-parts shop iFixit has taken its screwdrivers to Microsoft’s latest media player model.

A peek inside the Zune HD
Source: iFixit

Upon immediate inspection, iFixit noticed that the 74g device is “lighter than it looks” and, according to iFixit, roughly 35 per cent lighter than Apple’s iPod Touch.

By leaving the Zune HD’s screws exposed, Microsoft makes taking the Zune HD to bits a simpler task than Apple does on the iPod Touch. However, iFixit hinted that Microsoft probably used tri-wing screws to put you off doing so.

Nvidia processor and Hynix Flash memory spied inside

iFixit found the words “For our Princess” etched inside the media player’s back cover. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed what this means, but one teardown fan has claimed that it’s a reference to a Zune project team member who passed away during the model’s development.

The above image reveals the Zune HD’s Nvidia Tegra processer, iFixit said, while the unit’s 32GB Flash memory – manufactured by Hynix – can be seen to the upper left of the picture.

Half of the Zune HD’s rear space is dedicated to the 3.7V, 660mAh battery, which, according to iFixit’s calculations, uses 20mAh per hour of usage.

Two Toshiba NAND Flash units sit above the Phison Electronics PS8006 NAND controller

The Zune HD’s various antennas – including the HD radio - are located underneath the player’s black bottom plate, iFixit discovered.

A full iFixit teardown of the Zune HD is available online now.

Zune HD's display separated from the glass

Microsoft’s Zune HD is currently available Stateside in two capacities: 16GB and 32GB, priced at $219 (£131/€150) and $289 (£172/€198), respectively. ®