Which mp3?? (creative???)

Jim10000

Hi, I hope you don't mind me looking for this advice _ I've looked through the thread for similar stuff and on other web sites too, but there's just too much information.

I'm looking to get an MP3 player, probably a Creative, but I can't narrow it down.

I'd like 30/40 GB and it has to be compatible with mac. The Creative ZEN Vision:M 30GB MP3 looks good, but I don't need video, photos or any thing like that, can i get a cheaper/better model without all the unecessary extras?

Also, I think I saw some reference to the fact that you can only recharge the battery by plugging it in to your computer, which'd be no good to me, is that true?

Any advice about a particular player people'd recommend, or if this one's good would be greatly appreciated.

Bard

Jim10000 wrote:

I'd like 30/40 GB and it has to be compatible with mac. The Creative ZEN Vision:M 30GB MP3 looks good, but I don't need video, photos or any thing like that, can i get a cheaper/better model without all the unecessary extras?

The Zen Vision M is the only player with 30GB in the current Creative range. If you'll settle for 20GB you may find a Zen Sleek or Zen Sleek Photo somewhere... or if you're lucky you may find a 40GB Zen Touch.

Also, I think I saw some reference to the fact that you can only recharge the battery by plugging it in to your computer, which'd be no good to me, is that true?

Nope, not true. You can buy a Creative mains adapter seperately (you'll need the little subpack adapter that clips into the bottom of the player too) or charge it from a powered USB hub or 5G iPod charger (both of which you'll need your USB cable and subpack adapter for).

Any advice about a particular player people'd recommend, or if this one's good would be greatly appreciated.

Frankly I'd go for the Zen Vision:M. You may not think you'll use video capabilities now but if/when you get it, it might well convince you otherwise!

muletide

I have to agree with the Bard here, I wanted a new MP3 player a while ago and while I never really had an interest in the video side of things I went a bit further and got the Zen Vision M.
It was worth every penny, the sound quality and battery life are great and once you watch one video on it you will be hooked.

Jim10000

Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses. Maybe I could be swayed on the vision.

Again, I hope i don't sound like I'm just being lazy, but I still need to find out about mac compatibility

in general though Creative Zen seem to be highly recommended, so i think I'm getting places.

thanks again.

Blaster99

I'm not really sure how anyone can think that a Creative Zen Vision:M looks good, but it's also bigger and heavier than an iPod of similar capacity, which is obviously a pretty significant consideration when it comes to a portable device. The iPod works with a Mac as well.

Bosco84

Does the Vision on it as well? I am nearly sure that the Zen Creative does but I haven't a clue about the Vision.

Dutz

advantage for the creative zen over the ipod is that it has an fm radio on it aswell

muckwarrior

If you're sure you don't want video then there's probably better players out there than the Zen tbh. Have a look at the iAudio x5 range for example. It's not quite as sleek as a Zen V:m or iPod but it's a hell of an audio player and sports maximum compatibility with it's UMS firmware.

Bard

Blaster99 wrote:

I'm not really sure how anyone can think that a Creative Zen Vision:M looks good, but it's also bigger and heavier than an iPod of similar capacity, which is obviously a pretty significant consideration when it comes to a portable device. The iPod works with a Mac as well.

Just addressing the points you made here...

1. Not sure how anyone can think that a Zen Vision:M looks good.
You mean it doesn't look like an iPod so it can't possibly look good? Personally I think it's a great looking player - and its looks are helped by it's superior quality screen and the fact that it's looks LAST - it's not as easily scratched as ... ohhh... say... the iPod.

2.It's bigger and heavier than an iPod of similar capacity
Don't get carried away - it's only SLIGHTLY bigger and heavier... and when you say "similar capacity" - sure, the iPod may have the same size hard drive but due to it being restricted in the codecs it supports compared with the Creative, it can't actually hold as much music or video.

3. Size/weight is a pretty significant consideration with a portable device
Sure they are, but not when the size/weight difference is as small as it is. A Zen:Vision isn't going to make that much bigger a bump in the pocket than an iPod - and if the fact that it's slightly bigger is your reason for not buying it, then you're really not thinking straight...

4. The iPod works with the Mac as well.
Only a consideration if you have a Mac - which, by the fact that the original poster is considering Creative, I assume he doesn't have - so it isn't an issue.

--

On another note, I have to agree with muckwarrior completely. If video isn't such a big dealie for you, by all means grab yourself a 30GB Cowon iAudio X5L. They're the business - superb quality sound (far superior to most other players out there - and yes, that includes the iPod) - and packed with features - just let down slightly by the size of the screen (not an issue though if you're not watching videos).

maxitwist

Blaster99 wrote:

I'm not really sure how anyone can think that a Creative Zen Vision:M looks good

I didn't like the look of it either, but the more I look at it thr more I like it, if I was to get a mp3 video player I would get that and creative are a great company

muletide

Blaster99 wrote:

I'm not really sure how anyone can think that a Creative Zen Vision:M looks good, but it's also bigger and heavier than an iPod of similar capacity, which is obviously a pretty significant consideration when it comes to a portable device. The iPod works with a Mac as well.

I think it looks good and its not that heavy its not like lugging a brick around.
As someone el;se said the FM radio is a huge advantage

Blaster99

Bard wrote:

You mean it doesn't look like an iPod so it can't possibly look good?

No, it just looks cheap and plasticky. It's not in the same league as an iPod, so not much point in even comparing them.

Bard wrote:

you say "similar capacity" - sure, the iPod may have the same size hard drive but due to it being restricted in the codecs it supports compared with the Creative, it can't actually hold as much music or video.

It supports DivX which would be better for video, true. What's better than MP4 for music, dare I ask?

Bard wrote:

A Zen:Vision isn't going to make that much bigger a bump in the pocket than an iPod - and if the fact that it's slightly bigger is your reason for not buying it, then you're really not thinking straight...

It's 20% heavier than an iPod and 40% thicker.

Bard wrote:

4. The iPod works with the Mac as well.
Only a consideration if you have a Mac - which, by the fact that the original poster is considering Creative, I assume he doesn't have - so it isn't an issue.

Perhaps you should read the original post in this thread again.

With regards to radio, it's certainly the iPod's biggest failing if you're into radio. I have an iPod to specifically not having to listen to the radio.

iFight

Bard wrote:

Only a consideration if you have a Mac - which, by the fact that the original poster is considering Creative, I assume he doesn't have - so it isn't an issue.

He says it needs to be compatible with mac, so id assume he does.

JIM10000 wrote:

I'd like 30/40 GB and it has to be compatible with mac

Anyway, I wouldnt agree about the creative looking ugly, i dont think it looks AS nice as an iPod but it still looks good. And as for the weight issue, it hardly makes a difference, it not going to weigh you down, same with the thickness, it wouldnt bother me at all, still would fit in my pocket, thats all youd need.

maxitwist

I dont think weight really matters (unless its like a block of gold and ends up tearing a hole through your pocket) and you could hardly call the zen "chunky" it looks really nice in black and everyone that's bought it is very happy with it, but this has gone way of course the original poster can't consider the creative if it needs to have mac compatibility

fade2black

All creative devices tend to freeze more than your household fridge.

Tusky

Zen vision:M > ipod on many many levels. I didnt think I would ever use the video either but with the quality of the screen i ended up using it all the time. Tis good for the odd family guy or south park on the bus or plane journey.

Sure, the ipod looks slightly prettier and is slightly smaller but loses out on pretty much every other point to the zen.

Bard

JIM10000 wrote:

I'd like 30/40 GB and it has to be compatible with mac

Right. Missed that bit - sorry!

I totally disagree with Blaster99's idea that the Zen Vision M "just looks cheap and plasticky"... but to each their own, I suppose.

Nalz

Tusky wrote:

Sure, the ipod looks slightly prettier and is slightly smaller but loses out on pretty much every other point to the zen.

Creative Zen IMO is alot nicer lookin than Ipods, easier to use, has FM radio and better battery. Works well with WMA, can import and take off music, video and playlists at ease. Great quality.

Slightly heavier, but Ive often walked the town with it in my pocket, and I wouldnt feel the difference. Its far sturdier than Ipods.

Yes not compatible with Macs, but a great player non the less.

irishcsifan

i have csi on my zen vision m and the sound and picture are briliant.