iPod VS Creative Zen.
Below is a basic overview of the Creative Zen and some Cons for both the iPod and the Creative Zen. The iPods list is longer probably only because I've used that for several years extensively. I did not go through a direct comparison as that would take up several thousand words and/or I'd need to learn how to do tables in this damn thing. If you have direct questions I'll be able to answer them in the comments.
ETA: For clarity (as creative has several models) the MP3 player I'm talking about is this Creative Zen.
The first thing most people look at is cost. In general, per gigabyte, iPods are more expensive and exclusive. They're proprietary in a lot of ways and you can get certain benefits from this very large and popular empire so the extra $$ might be worth it for you. Creative in general is less expensive.What iPods have most going in their favor that they have flooded the market, you can find any accessory you need and most of them work at least above average. There's a mountain of choices for everyhting from covers to charging ensembles. New stuff is being produced every day and if something isn't quite right, odds are you'll find a better solution soon.
iPod Downsides:
Proprietary
Forced to use iTunes (I've got my own issues with the program, but this isn't a mark against itunes so much as saying that it's the only program you CAN use) ETA: Correction! iTunes is the only program I know that handles all of the functions PLUS the DRM stuff properly. However there are other programs that can handle updating an iPod.
Apple has a history of ignoring backwards compatibility and changing their hardware with each generation just enough to be annoying.
Expense.
Interface software issues. (This is personal, I really really hate how I have to go all the way back to the top menu and then down to change my shuffle arrangements. V. Annoying.)
Will not convert video for you.
Tends to come out with a new version in ways that make me uneasy, sneaky pricing practices, timing, etc. However this is a good way, if you're patient and pay attention, to get something for a bit cheaper. Though that means you run the risk of not having the top of the line and thus not being cared about by apple that much sooner.
Creative Zen Downsides:
No market flooding.
No program specifically taylored for it. The stuff it comes with is really a basic tool and not for someone with a huge music collection and lots of playlists.
If converting from an iPod you probably have some DRM that won't play.
A basic overview:
Oh, one last thing, iPods are one player, one library type devices. This can get-- annoying if you live certain lifestyles. The Zen can sync between several computers. This makes me happy as I travel a lot and sometimes I just want to futz around with my player before I get home.
ETA: For clarity (as creative has several models) the MP3 player I'm talking about is this Creative Zen.
The first thing most people look at is cost. In general, per gigabyte, iPods are more expensive and exclusive. They're proprietary in a lot of ways and you can get certain benefits from this very large and popular empire so the extra $$ might be worth it for you. Creative in general is less expensive.What iPods have most going in their favor that they have flooded the market, you can find any accessory you need and most of them work at least above average. There's a mountain of choices for everyhting from covers to charging ensembles. New stuff is being produced every day and if something isn't quite right, odds are you'll find a better solution soon.
iPod Downsides:
Proprietary
Forced to use iTunes (I've got my own issues with the program, but this isn't a mark against itunes so much as saying that it's the only program you CAN use) ETA: Correction! iTunes is the only program I know that handles all of the functions PLUS the DRM stuff properly. However there are other programs that can handle updating an iPod.
Apple has a history of ignoring backwards compatibility and changing their hardware with each generation just enough to be annoying.
Expense.
Interface software issues. (This is personal, I really really hate how I have to go all the way back to the top menu and then down to change my shuffle arrangements. V. Annoying.)
Will not convert video for you.
Tends to come out with a new version in ways that make me uneasy, sneaky pricing practices, timing, etc. However this is a good way, if you're patient and pay attention, to get something for a bit cheaper. Though that means you run the risk of not having the top of the line and thus not being cared about by apple that much sooner.
Creative Zen Downsides:
No market flooding.
No program specifically taylored for it. The stuff it comes with is really a basic tool and not for someone with a huge music collection and lots of playlists.
If converting from an iPod you probably have some DRM that won't play.
A basic overview:
- Size: Approximately 4 - 5 credit cards stacked on top of each other. It's a nice size personally, I rather like it.
- Weight: Um. A few ounces? Feels only a bit lighter than my 80 gig iPod.
- Battery life: The booklet say 25 hours when playing music and 8 - 9 with video. I haven't tested this to the extreme yet but so far no indications that these numbers are hugely off the mark. Am tempted to hit play on my longest playlist and time it.
- Screen: Slightly wider than your average full sized ipod. Very bright and crisp and has a couple of nice and very different backgrounds to choose from (nothing like something offering different yet remarkably the SAME backgrounds.)
- Memory: The basic device comes in 4, 8, 16, and 32gigs. It is static memory, the kind you find in the smaller and touch screen ipods. Personally static memory for a portable device is my preference as moving parts are more likely to break as it is.
- SD Cards: It also comes with an SD card slot that can read high capacity SD cards (what does that mean? upwards of 10 gig cards.) Personally this makes the deal for me. While you might have to break the habit of needing every single iota of music with you at all times, a few SD cards is more than enough to calm my nerves. HOWEVER the SD cards are handled completely seperately on the uploading side. The only real issues you encounter because of this are: 1. you cannot load audible files onto it (so far), they need to be on the main drive in order for the DRM to let them play. Not horrible as most audible books are tiny anyway. 2. The lists of files don't integrate. In order to see what's on your SD card, you have to browse your SD card. For me this just means keeping seperate types of files (podfic, video) on the SD card or specific playlists. 3. Like most portable devices with SD cards, the card needs to be IN the device and the device connected to the PC to load it. In the Zen's case, you tell the device you'll be loading the SD card and then plugin. It will register as a different portable device on your PC.
- Video: I haven't uploaded any of this specifically yet, but playing around I have discovered the following. The software will convert almost all video for you and you can have the converted video sent to a seperate folder and NOT set to automatically sync the next time you attach. This way you can add video however you want to wherever you want (say, an SD card). I'm not sure how long the conversion takes.
- Programs: As mentioned above, the software that comes with the Zen isn't amazing, HOWEVER the Zen will sync with many other music apps such as WinAmp and MediaMonkey. I use MediaMonkey 3, it has a lot of nice features, almost all the same stuff as itunes (though occassionally with a lot more features) and can handle AAC and and M4A files. It remembers your preferences and players and can even distinguish between SD cards so if you have a podfic only SD card you can sync that to a podfic list, etc.
- Syncing: As long as the little graphic ain't moving, you can unplug. \o/ Ditto for SD cards (i'm almost sure). However you can use whatever program's eject function you like. I've never had a problem unlike with my iPod which is very slow ejecting.
- Firmware and hardware highlights:
- There's a hot button you can assign any function to. I have made mine the bookmarking feature, where you can bookmark your place on any track. Not AS easy going as the M4B features on an ipod as that will automatically reserve your place. HOWEVER that index of bookmarks is always available and easy to get to (hot botton, menu) so you can get right back to where you were without having to find your track again.
- Main and sub menus can be organized to your liking to a certain extent.
- There's a context menu button. For each screen you're on, including the track screen you can get a context menu, all sorts of useful info including 'configure menue', 'seeking' and various 'shuffle' modes right there instead of needing to menu hop. (Personal grudge, sorry! *G*)
- Built in radio, but according to documentation, works better with the earbuds sold with the device.
- Basic USB cable.
- Can sync your contacts into it, nice tidbit if you like having your info handy in various ways.
- Built in microphone, haven't tested it yet.
- In package: It ONLY comes with the Zen, the software and a very tiny USB cable (4" long), nice for traveling with cramped space, annoying otherwise. I haven't decided if I need another form of charger, but depending on how you roll, you might. I'd also suggest some sort of case. The one I'm planning on getting is leather and has room for 2 SD cards. Not in my hands yet so I can't tell you how it goes. This is another downside as there are fewer cases specifically made for the Zen, however there are several more generic cases out there it will fit into as it's fairly small.
Oh, one last thing, iPods are one player, one library type devices. This can get-- annoying if you live certain lifestyles. The Zen can sync between several computers. This makes me happy as I travel a lot and sometimes I just want to futz around with my player before I get home.