I'm interested in conservation and wildlife and spend a lot of time outdoors identifying wild flower...
I'm interested in conservation and wildlife and spend a lot of time outdoors identifying wild flowers, trees and shrubs. I also enjoy birdwatching (of the feathered kind...although...) I'm a family man with a missus and 2 youngsters. Naive but 'appy!
Creative was founded in Singapore in 1981 and are famous for making computer sound cards. Their most well known device has been the Sound Blaster series of audio cards which some of you might be familiar with. In recent years they have expanded into the graphic card industry and portable digital audio players.
A digital audio player is a small device that plays music files. The most common file format is an MP3. Software is used to copy music from a compact disc which is then converted into an MP3 file and stored on your computers hard drive. Music files can be downloaded from the internet. The MP3 files can be played on your PC using an audio program or transferred to a digital audio player, commonly known as an MP3 Player. So we have established that an MP3 Player is small electronic device that plays music files without the need for discs, cassettes or vinyl acetates. You can throw your cassette players, record players and gramophones away!
Sound Quality
This is a good place to start considering that playing music is this devices primary function. The sound is excellent for such a small device. The Zen Stone creates a very full sound with strong tone and bass. There is nothing disappointing about the sound quality. The headphones have soft ear pieces making them comfortable even when worn for long periods.
Aesthetics (that's looks to us dimbo's
The Zen Stone has rounded edges hence the name. It is slim and very well designed. It does look a little bit like a toy in the bright pink colour. In my opinion it does not matter how an MP3 player looks because they spend most of their life stuffed in your pocket. The lack of a screen adds to the toy-like appearance slightly. ===Usability=== The Zen Stone is very easy to use. It has a simple effective control system that you can master in a few minutes. The layout of controls is intuitive making it easy to move between track and play-lists. There are no complicated or difficult functions to master with this device. I have included a list of controls from the quick start guide. Hold down the play button to turn the device on. To charge the device it has to be plugged into a USB port. It takes approximately an hour to charge and will remain charged for 8-10 hours.
Power/Play/Pause
Next-forward-previous ►move between tracks
Mode Switch ►e.g. random track selection
USB Port ►for connecting to your computer
Volume +/- ►Adjust the volume level
Headphone Jack ►Connecting Headphones
Reset Hole ►Reset - In case of glitch/error/jam
Software, Help and Support
Creative Media Lite does not come with the device. Using your serial number you can download the software to use with your device. The software has a useful function that will lock the volume level to protect delicate ear drums; perfect for children. The device supports drag and drop. This means you that you do not need to use the Creative Media Lite software. If you already have MP3 files on your computer you can drag them and drop them into your device when connected by USB cable. This is a very quick and simple method of file transfer. If you are still baffled there is support available via the Creative Knowledge Base and Discussion forums.
Summary
The Creative Zen Stone is a very well designed and easy to use MP3 Player. It has enough memory and exceptional sound quality. It has good quality headphones that are comfortable to wear. The controls are quick and easy to use. I would be happy to recommend this MP3 Player. Now don't be thinking that I bat for the other side, I got this for my daughter who adores it. As a responsible Dad I had to check it out and make sure it works properly. It's better than my own MP3 player, it's a real Bargain.
[NB - Video Quality not applicable please ignore this in the stats]
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
(+) Av Output to plug to a TV, built-in speakers, easy to use. Come with very good earphones (-) Does not come with power supply (easy to charge from the PC though), av cable is sold separately
The Creative Zen Stone Car and Home 2 in 1 Combo Charger with TipExchange is the essence ... more
of an all-in-one charging solution for all your travel needs. Designed to function as a high quality Rapid Car charger via a standard DC vehicle cigarette lighter...
Postage & Packaging: £4.06 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Jan 24th, 2008
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