Microsoft has made some weird decisions lately, regarding the Zune.

First, they announce the limited edition Joy Division Zune. This would have been a great decision, say in 1984 ... but now?

The unit will have cover art from 1979’s “Unknown Pleasures.” No images or other details are available.

Joy Division is a good band, but I’m not even sure that Joy Division fans will flock for this model. If you’re clamoring, Crave says it will be released on June 10, in conjunction with a DVD. It appears that the Zune will fall right in between the DVD releases of “Control” (June 3) and “Joy Division: The Miriam Collection” (June 17).

Then came the news that Microsoft will devote its production lines to the Allen Iverson Zune. Crave says only 60 of these will be available, with Iverson’s mug tattooed on the back. There’s no word on the pricing, but it does come with a pair of Reebok Answer XI Zune shoes, just to complete your outfit.

Not sure I’d get sucked into any of the above, but there are a few possibilities out there that might persuade me…

The Batman Zune. It’s got the whole outfit, complete with flip-up bat ears—maybe for satellite radio. When you turn it on, it illuminates the Bat-Signal, and comes loaded with the trailer and possibly some special clips from “The Dark Knight.” Could also be swapped out for “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk” or any other superhero summer blockbuster. The ears could also work for “Star Trek.”
Totally ‘80s Zune. It comes in horrible neon colors, complete with its own Spandex carrying case. Also comes loaded with a selection of guilty pleasures and one-hit wonders.
American Idol Zune. Each week, songs get automatically deleted from the drive, based on listening preferences. It might be annoying at first, but will keep me in check and free up space for new music that might not be an impulse-load.

Sure, they seem goofy, but many “special” editions often do. So aside from etching your face, your girlfriend’s face or your dog’s face on the side, what Zune tie-in would you like to see?

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.