A reviewer with more than an interest in art, gadgets, computer games, electronics and many things r...
A reviewer with more than an interest in art, gadgets, computer games, electronics and many things random.
Member since:19.07.2005
Reviews:21
After my rather emotional outburst at A O Hell some time ago - which resulted in a happy ending! On a side note, I don't have to be squat when writing a review - I'm now reviewing my most recent purchase, a Creative Zen Nano (in black).
I haven't experienced so much joy in saving up to purchase something since buying a Gameboy almost a year after its release. I've been looking for a replacement MP3 player since selling my typical, Hong Kong 512MB one last year. I've always been against buying an iPod, simply because of its status symbol/fad/fashion trend image, not to mention its overprivileged family on benefits price. Looking for alternatives I heard nothing but great things about the
Creative Zen Nano, but for me its biggest selling point is battery life.
STARTERS The Creative Zen Nano - or CZN, as I'll refer to it - comes adequately packaged: not excessive, not too little. It was a bit tough to open due to the plastic hook which covers the flap.
The first noticable thing as you open the contents is the USB cable; it connects the CZN to your computer. This makes it a bit awkward to use the CZN as a portable removable drive, as you have to carry the short cable around with you. However, it's not designed to be a removable drive; it's an MP3 player!
The manual gives the impression that the software (provided in the package) HAS to be installed, otherwise you can't plug the CZN into your computer. This isn't true at all; as mentioned before the CZN can be used as a removable drive, but you can also drag and drop music files into it, and they will play just fine. The bundled software just provides access to your CZN via a nice graphical interface, as well as tools for optimising and organising your music. Unfortunately, for these luxuries you'll need around 70MB of hard drive space, which to me is excessive.
MUSIC Naturally for the price and brand, the CZN outperformed my old, Hong Kong MP3 player on all counts. It doesn't take an age to switch on, start playing, switch tracks or switch off. The biggest selling point for the CZN over all other MP3 players was its batter life. Get this: around *18* hours of play, on a single AAA battery. This is in comparison to the standard 8 hours from other players, which translates to less of an investment in packs of batteries. I am still using the battery that came with the player, after a few hours of play; it's two bars full. The music quality is also good with its EQ settings. There are the usual presets for jazz, classical etc., but apparently you can customise it to your liking. You'll be glad to know that playback options are as standard also (shuffle/random, repeat, play once etc.), as well as folder support.
OTHER FEATURES As well as playing music, in MP3 and WMA formats, the CZN has both voice recording and FM radio as standard. I haven't tried voice recording so I can't comment, but with the long battery life it is a handy addition. It won't replace a dictaphone, even with the 1GB capacity, though. I haven't tried it properly, but the FM radio is a neat feature - if you actually like the mostly crappy stations radio offers. I tend to stick to the Internet these days. You have FM presets, as well as a very handy autoscan feature (which unfortunately didn't pick up any stations for me).
EQUIPMENT I wasn't happy with the headphones as they keep falling out of my ears as I move around. (Then again, I do have rather small ears.) The headphones are your ordinary Walkman ones, which look like a pair of stale chicken wings at Burger King, but they are of very good quality; they've even got the Creative logo on them. The unit itself is well designed and easy to use, even with large hands. The LCD is crisp and easy to read, with a blue backlight, and you can even set its orientation (upside down or normal) to your liking. The only thing that seems to be missing is a 'hold' button, but I've only ever been caught out once.
THE SOMEWHAT BIASED RESULT As far as space is concerned, 1GB could fit most people's enntire music collection and their personalities. I've got a few garage sets on my CZN, some of the largest files in my collection, and there is still plenty of room. If you're anti-iPod like me, not concerned about looking hip and trendy, and want an MP3 player that does the business for as long as possible, there really is only one option; and it comes in several colours as well. If you're pro-iPod then wake up, wash your face and recognise.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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: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...
Mar 21st, 2006
exceptional by (3%):
very helpful by (90%):
helpful by (7%):
