Creative Zen 16GB or iTouch?

VolvoMan

Just wondering which will be the more reliable and the better overall package? I pretty much had it narrowed down to the iTouch but I don't want to rule the Creative out yet until I've heard peoples experiences.

Thanks.

Dman001

The Touch is brilliant for video and music playback, in terms of useabilty and controls (people argue that the sound quality is rubbish on the Touch. I think it's fine). There are so many more features on the Touch compared to the Creative such as an Internet Browser and the ability to download apps. I find the Touch is very reliable. I haven't really had any major problems with mine.

art

The Creative is cheaper but it could be argued feels a lot cheaper too, I find the finish far too "plastic-y" to my taste for example plus I know of someone who had the bottom section split apart whilst still new - the build quality is just not as good overall as the iTouch. Battery life is essentially identical on both. Creative does get a radio and far higher quality headphones in the package as default. It's arguable that the sound is also superior on the X-fi model given the hardware specific enhancements available on that model.

As above though, iTough comes with a quality browser and an Ap store so has it's own significant advantages there which might make it better "overall" package -for example, travelling to France recently the iTouch allowed me listen to music (using Sony "ear canal" headphones for better quality sound!), use Google maps, play Sukoku on the plane over, read my email, check out film listing in Paris and so on. It was brilliant to have with me really.

So, ultimately, what exactly are you looking for yourself in the device?

cooperguy

If you are just looking for an MP3 player then my vote is for the creative. I had to make the same call about four months ago. It is MUCH cheaper and comes with a radio which I find handy too. Also (and I know this is very basic and may not bother alot of people) not having buttons like in the touch would annoy me because you cant do simple things like turn up the volume or fast forward a song while keeping the player in your pocket.

However if you fancy all the added extras in the touch (and reckon you'll actually use them!) then it might be worth paying more for it.

art

cooperguy wrote: »

... not having buttons like in the touch would annoy me because you cant do simple things like turn up the volume or fast forward a song while keeping the player in your pocket...

The first generation iTouch did not have any buttons and I'd agree with you that is actually a basic and very annoying omission, especially for volume adjustment. But the new ones out now do have volume control buttons added onto the side.

TinCool

I own both the Zen and iPod Touch. Since getting the iPod Touch my Zen has been relegated to the drawer to gather dust. The Touch is brilliant. It's far more than just an MP3 player.

The Zen's finish isn't great. It feels really cheap. The buttons are (as already mentioned) "plasticy" and feel like it could break at any moment. The user interface is rather basic too.

It all depends on what you want. The Zen is a lot smaller than the Touch but lacks wifi, browsing, apps etc. Although it does have a radio in it.

Your choice, but I'd recommend the Touch. If you can afford the 32gb go for it.

AlanD

You should pick up the iPod Touch 32GB for around 300 euro up North too I reckon....

Gumbo

AlanD wrote: »

You should pick up the iPod Touch 32GB for around 300 euro up North too I reckon....

X1

£276 stg in argos newry which is about €298

just to back myself up http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5138513/Trail/searchtext%3EIPOD.htm

kraggy

Even better, you can get it delivered from dabs.ie for €312.

Question, with the ipod touch, can you simply go into a wifi area on the internet and start surfing? Does it come with the browser and how about typing in addresses. Is there a full keyboard on screen? And what's the speed like when loading a page?

And one more..What format would you watch movies on the ipod touch and does itunes convert them for you.

And how much space would it compress a standard film to?

Thanks for you help guys.

PixelTrawler

Have both, the zen is now in the retirement drawer (beside my minidisc player - how technology changes so fast!)

Ipod touch is very nice gadget

Tusky

kraggy wrote: »

Question, with the ipod touch, can you simply go into a wifi area on the internet and start surfing? Does it come with the browser and how about typing in addresses. Is there a full keyboard on screen?

yes to all of these.

And what's the speed like when loading a page?

quite fast.

pleasant Co.

kraggy wrote: »

Question, with the ipod touch, can you simply go into a wifi area on the internet and start surfing?

As long as either the network is open, or you have the wireless password for that network.

Sabre Man

You should also consider the software. I find iTunes is way better than the software that came with my old 4GB Zen V. Now the software that comes with the Zen 16GB may be different so maybe someone else could comment on that.

I bought a 32GB iTouch a few months ago and it's great, although Internet could be a little faster. If I could view Word, Excel and PDF files on it my PDA would be obsolete.

art

Sabre Man wrote: »

You should also consider the software. I find iTunes is way better than the software that came with my old 4GB Zen V. Now the software that comes with the Zen 16GB may be different so maybe someone else could comment on that.

I bought a 32GB iTouch a few months ago and it's great, although Internet could be a little faster. If I could view Word, Excel and PDF files on it my PDA would be obsolete.

you can read these formats if you email them to yourself... which is a fecking weird "feature" but there you go, it's a workaround anyhow.

You can also buy some apps that do it - don't use any so can't give recommendations but, for example, I've seen one called "FileMagnet" that only costs 3.99 which you might find useful: http://www.magnetismstudios.com/FileMagnet/FAQ

pleasant Co.

Sabre Man wrote: »

You should also consider the software. I find iTunes is way better than the software that came with my old 4GB Zen V. Now the software that comes with the Zen 16GB may be different so maybe someone else could comment on that.

I don't recommend the Zen, but to be fair it is worth noting that the Zen does not need software....but if you intend on using software and use a Zen then the best software to get is MediaMonkey (it's free and is possibly the best media player available).

Again, I'm not recommending the Zen.

seanybiker

Not even close for me. I would go for the Zen without a doubt. much better than the touch

art

seanybiker wrote: »

Not even close for me. I would go for the Zen without a doubt. much better than the touch

Better in which regards though, you haven't explained?

lepra

Just reading threads on I touch and as I got one for Christmas, I am wondering if I am doing something wrong as I am finding the battery life awful on it. Would appreciate any comments? Appart from that it is faba and video quality fantastic

pleasant Co.

Having wifi on reduces battery life way down....so if that's switched on all the time it'll destroy the battery runtime.

lepra

Ah thank you for that. I haven't turned it off at all as it took me so long to get it set up :rolleyes: Will try that , thanks again

sock puppet

Does anyone know the largest SD card that can be used with the creative? I only want something for music and 20-30 gigs should do me fine. I was thinking of buying the 16gb version and getting a cheap 8gb sd card.