Don't you hate it when you only get half the story from a retailer? - Argos have seriously undersold this MP3 unit by forgetting to say it records as well!
I was looking for an inexpensive MP3 player for my eldest, as she already had a cheap 256Mb player, I figured that in order to justify a new purchase, something with about a gig was in order - and an FM radio would have been a bonus.
Argos reduced the price of the 1Gb Zen Nano Plus to £49 just before Christmas - but guess what - they were out of stock before I discovered this! - no worries - I checked Homebase online (part of the same group of companies) and
found that they had them in stock (worth remembering in future), so I ordered a couple.
My PC crashed during the ordering process, and I didn't get a conformation mail to say that my order had been placed, and there was no more stock available - so I ended up buying the Sony NW E-570S (previously reviewed by yours truly).
A couple of days later I got the confirmation message, and the units duly arrived in the post - so my 'better half' and I claimed them as 'stocking fillers'
The Zen Nano Plus is a fairly straightforward MP3 player with built in analogue FM radio, comes with a bunch of cables, software CD, battery, earphones and instruction book, and neck strap (lanyard)
The headphones, whilst looking 'trendy' - coming in white, were not of astonishingly good quality, uncomfortable, and tended to fall out with very little effort - at least a decent set wouldn't cost more than a few pounds!
The FM radio is reasonable enough - although background noise is clearly evident with weaker signals, far better suited to outdoor use.
There's a built in microphone, which allows you to take audio notes, and along with FM recording, lets you save audio files in WAV format.
MP3 playback is perfectly acceptable, given the restrictions within the format (it just sneaks under the wire in terms of offering 'hi-fi' specification, but falls far short of 'audiophile' quality - this is a GENERAL observation of MP3, not just restricted to this player).
I still can't work out why ARGOS missed out on the single most important feature of this device though!
It can record cd-quality stereo sound directly to memory as an MP3 file through a 'line in' jack.
Let me explain.
'Ripping' (the process of converting a CD into MP3 format) disks is relatively straightforward - especially with tools such as 'real player', but this is only a help if the record companies have seen fit to re-release (and sell) back catalogue LPs and compilations.
My musical tastes were never 'mainstream' and it's doubtful that many of my favourite tunes will ever see the transition to CD.
Normally, you'd have to hitch up a cassette deck or record player to your PC, record it in WAV format and compress it through the appropriate software - inconvenient at best, a pain in the bum at worst!
The Zen Nano plus sidesteps this conveniently by having all the hardware onboard - all you have to do is plug the appropriate cable into your walkman or record player, and engage the correct menu option.
The result is perfectly recorded MP3 tracks, which you can either listen to directly, or upload to your PC.
In Summary; The Zen Nano Plus falls short of 'audiophile' quality in sound reproduction, and the supplied headphones are a joke.
This is more than made up for y virtue of it being able to 'rip' vinyl and tape without having to use a PC.
A thoroughly commendable and compact piece of kit.
The 'official' price is around £100, although you can buy it for half this, if you know where to look!
Pros; Very small, half decent sound quality if you replace the lamentable headphones, onboard FM radio, but above all; built in recording facilities.
Cons; Not the very highest audio quality, but jolly close! - Could be considered a little TOO small with people with bad eyesight and/or 'fat' fingers.
Consider also; Apple Ipod Nano, Sony NW E-570S (more expensive, no recording, but sounds better)
In short; Passable MP3 player but has major advantage of being able to record.
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
This item is a sight for sore eyes for any iPod/MP3 user. The iPod is a great little MP3 ... more
player but it lacks one simple function, a loud speaker. This micro speaker will add a whole new dimension to your compatible device, free your iPod. Once connected this item will play your songs out loud through the two incorporated mini speakers. If youre at home, work or just hanging out with friends you can now play your tunes out loud abolutely anywhere. This item will work with any MP3 player which has a 3.5mm socket, one AA battery (sold separately) is also required to power the speaker. Your iPods battery is not affected by using this device and please be assured the quality is excellent.
Postage & Packaging:Free! Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
This item is a sight for sore eyes for any iPod/MP3 user. The iPod is a great little MP3 ... more
player but it lacks one simple function, a loud speaker. This micro speaker will add a whole new dimension to your compatible device, free your iPod. Once connected this item will play your songs out loud through the two incorporated mini speakers. If youre at home, work or just hanging out with friends you can now play your tunes out loud abolutely anywhere. This item will work with any MP3 player which has a 3.5mm socket, one AA battery (sold separately) is also required to power the speaker. Your iPods battery is not affected by using this device and please be assured the quality is excellent.
Postage & Packaging:Free! Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
This great speaker stand not only looks great but also produces crystal clear sound and a ... more
little bass for those demanding tracks. Simply place your iPod or MP3 player into the dock of the speaker, connect the 3.5mm audio cable and just sit back, relax and listen. The sound quality is just amazing with exceptional performance and bass compatible with any iPod. With this speaker super pack you also receive great extras making this an ideal gift. There are three ways of powering your iPod, via your USB port on your PC/Laptop, any mains socket (adapter sold separately) or with four AAA batteries (sold separately). The speakers fold away for easy storage if you decide to travel and are ideal for any environment, so feel free to go a little crazy in your office, bedroom or...absolutely anywhere. This item is a great must have item for anyone who owns any iPod or MP3 player, you will not be disappointed.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
This great speaker stand not only looks great but also produces crystal clear sound and a ... more
little bass for those demanding tracks. Simply place your iPod or MP3 player into the dock of the speaker, connect the 3.5mm audio cable and just sit back, relax and listen. The sound quality is just amazing with exceptional performance and bass compatible with any iPod. With this speaker super pack you also receive great extras making this an ideal gift. There are three ways of powering your iPod, via your USB port on your PC/Laptop, any mains socket (adapter sold separately) or with four AAA batteries (sold separately). The speakers fold away for easy storage if you decide to travel and are ideal for any environment, so feel free to go a little crazy in your office, bedroom or...absolutely anywhere. This item is a great must have item for anyone who owns any iPod or MP3 player, you will not be disappointed.
Postage & Packaging:£1.95 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Jan 3rd, 2006
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (87%):
helpful by (10%):
