Creative ZEN V PLUS 1GB

CREATIVE - The future is bright - 03/11/2007
The Creative Worldwide network is called LABS > Creatives UK product branch is under the Europe labs which established itself in 1993.

Creatives Networks now include - America labs- Asia labs- Europe labs.

-Product > CREATIVES ZEN V Plus MP3 Portable Media Player 1GB
Citric Orange with the added White coolness- Available RRP date: 02/2007

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...year (2007). I'm not a Creative fan as they seem to miss out on the boat regards to product style and of course the highly sought after nano technology. Creative does have a nano-ness branding yet still seems to fall at a couple of hurdles such as the weight. On average Creative is 8 grammes more heavier than Apples' iPod. The other hurdle is the 'trouser test' iPod's generally are unseen in the pockets, yet this model certainly is visable. Overall, ... more

CREATIVE - The future is bright - 03/11/2007
The Creative Worldwide network is called LABS > Creatives UK product branch is under the Europe labs which established itself in 1993.

Creatives Networks now include - America labs- Asia labs- Europe labs.

-Product > CREATIVES ZEN V Plus MP3 Portable Media Player 1GB
Citric Orange with the added White coolness- Available RRP date: 02/2007

- > Start < - Creative Zen V Plus - > PMP (Portable Media Player)

I've been interested in these types of PMP component packages for a while now and have been involved with digital media since 2002. The PMP component is a true fascination to me; whether it's a standard screen model, or whether it is HD quality or even of touchscreen quality. This OLED screen definition is of high standard, it exemplifies sheer gloss and glamour which is captivating and of course very user friendly. Design wise is very close to a Nokia product; not surprising really as both companies originated in the East and Chinese market before setting their sights on the Western digital market.
The squared screen is of very high definition and is has excellent functionability. The MP3 Player only is compatible with JPEG customary images. That you can load off from a digital camera, the PC, or from the internet itself. The audio quality is crystal clear, of course depending on the size of file the MP3 file as the higher the size of the file the better the quality. The one thing that saddened me with this product was the fact that it has limited file recognitions.

**The available software included within this package; already installed is: MediaSource - MediaExporer - ZenCast Organiser **

PLEASE NOTE THAT - NO - MT - Mobile Technology functions are available with this product. ** No MP4 converting or encoding is available**. For any songs that have been downloaded onto your PC from paid music sites that are (Protected by copyright) will be able to be played by this MP3 Player. Many media sites now have code that stops this form of usage.

- 1GB of music storage -
1GB is sufficient to play over a 1000 MP3 music tracks. Personally, I do feel that 1GB is sufficient space for audio only, though video's I would claim a 4GB or a 8GB is better suited. The transfer rates are fast due to the fast USB transfer fast - track Windows music browser software. What is a noticeable difference is that it is not an ipod.

- It's no iPod -

There are not so many features nor as stylish and slick as the iPod. Naturally, there is no iTune membership deals giving out media extravaganza's, no freebies and membership options. In my opinion there is only one iPod MP3 player no-one can change that; no-one can emulate it. If, you're an iPod fanatic this MP3 player could put your nose out of joint; it carries a slightly clumsy, bulky, beefy portable player look and feel than Apples' iPod marketing dream machine. The display is of good quality but now looks a little outdated; amazing really as it is only 10 months old. Just shows how quickly this market turns over digital products and designs.

- Styled on Apples iPod -
The timing for the Zen launch co-incided with the earlier ipod nano launch earlier this year (2007). I'm not a Creative fan as they seem to miss out on the boat regards to product style and of course the highly sought after nano technology. Creative does have a nano-ness branding yet still seems to fall at a couple of hurdles such as the weight. On average Creative is 8 grammes more heavier than Apples' iPod. The other hurdle is the 'trouser test' iPod's generally are unseen in the pockets, yet this model certainly is visable. Overall, the feel of the PMP is notably clumsier than the iPod. Though functionally very astute and slick. My interpretation on this beefy MP3 player reminds me of the first pace-maker in the mid 1990's. Sorry Creative, your still lagging behind on this matter. Yes you have rounded the edges off nicely and the glossy colours do this product proud but still lacks a chic-ness that Apple does so well.

- Size does matter -

Weighing in at 44g - Yes this is a hefter, no it has not put on weight since the beginning of 2007. It is just that Zen V Plus is not part of the nano technology revolution. 2007 is the year where nano popped over to the UK and gave out the Werthington humbugs; thanks nano.

- Zen's extras -

Yes, please take note; the 1GB is a good amount of digital MP3 space for a non video audio only player. The voice-recording is a fab utility - please try it; I did it was a revelation. Extreme quality; not that I like my own voice of course, though it does help. External recordings again superb. Ideal accessory for a pop concert maybe. The radio is of DAB quality which is superb for catching up with news updates.

- Now, that important price -

Retails for 64.99 GBP- For even great offers checkout a cashback offer before buying this product as you can save up to 20.00 GBP - Worth checking out online for these deals.

- My verdict -

I'm going to give this PMP a 7/10 overall. Not a favourite of mine even though functionally superb and has some very favourable attributes as mentioned. The colours match my zest for life, even though a satsuma peel looks as if it has been placed carefully on the dial. The white is iPod linked and I do believe this was Creatives intention. The jury is out for me if whether or not this model/colours is the best in the range of the V Plus PMP.

I hope you have found this review helpful.

CIAO - Review 

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