Creative Labs has a history of making big MP3 players, and Zen V and ZEN V Plus – available in July and August, respectively – are no exception. These cute and pocketable flash devices are packed with features and offer impressive performance, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lower-capacity, solid-state MP3 player. Of course, since the Creative Zen V Plus adds two extra convenient for the package (an FM radio and video player), yet costs only about $ 25 more than the Zen V, we think that the Plus is the way to go – more bang for your Buck. You can pick up the 2 GB for $ 79.99, $ 109.99 for 4GB, 8GB for $ 169.99, or 16 GB for $ 249.99. Comparatively, the Zen V lists at $ 59.99 for 1GB, $ 74.99 for 2GB, and $ 99.99 for the 4GB (Creative discontinued other capacities for this model). In any case, is a better treatment than the iPod Nano.
The curvilinear design of the Creative Zen V Plus echoes that of his older brother, the Zen Vision: M, although their small size makes the style a bit more toylike (in a good way), almost reminiscent of a Tamagotchi. Also, the Zen V Plus is not available in the same color palette as the Vision: M. Instead, you choose between white or black versions, and you have different color accents shown around the joystick, the volume rocker, and through the seams of the player: orange for 1 GB, 2 GB green And blue for 4 GB and 8 GB (black only). Creative is also set to release a blood red accentuate the 8GB version, although this model is not yet available at press time. It is a pleasant appearance, further complemented by the vivid 1.5-inch OLED display. Unfortunately, while the screen is viewable from any angle, it is hard to read in bright sunlight.
The Creative Zen V Plus controls leave a little to be desired. We like the dedicated volume rocker and the combined power / switch, but the joystick is small and seems prone to collecting dirt or sand around them. In addition, we are not sure why Creative does not include all the buttons are in the Zen Vision: M, as there is plenty of space on the left joystick. Gone are the contextual menu and buttons for direct access, however, can hold the Back button to get the contextual menus. That said, the player’s compact body (2.6 by 1.5 by 0.5 inches), lightweight (1.6 ounces), and smooth, rounded edges that is a pleasure to celebrate. Moreover, the Zen V Plus can fit easily into any pocket, and because it is not long and thin as the iPod Nano, has a feel very resistant. Also, owners of the V Plus get an extra option for selecting the orientation of its screen aspect ratio remains the same, but you can orient the controls as they see fit.
There is much to like about the Creative Zen V Plus, including its ease of use. If you’re using Windows Media Player (we recommend version 11), you do not even need to install any software to start the synchronization of content for the player. However, included the idea is a software worth installing, as it includes several useful applications, especially the toolbox, which can convert and transfer video files to the player, and ZenCast, a program that offers a window ground for the subscription of the organization, and transferring podcasts. Unfortunately, the device uses the medium-term plans, so it will not be able to synchronize with any machine is not running Windows XP.
Once you hear the contents to the Creative Zen V Plus – formats include MP3, WAV, WMA (including subscription) and audio, video AVI (native; other formats such as WMV and MPEG-4 can transcode with the software included) and JPEG photos – is a breeze to navigate through the options. All menus are simple. The music is sorted by playlist, album, artist, and so on, while photos are conveniently sorted into folders. Open these folders, and greeting you with an attractive three-three grid of thumbnail images.
There is much to like about the Creative Zen V Plus, but it really shines in the features department. There are photo and video playback, an FM tuner with 32 presets AutoScanner; FM, voice and line-in recording, an alarm clock and calendar, and even PIM functionality, with the ability to synchronize tasks and contacts from Outlook . In addition, you can set any of your photos as wallpaper and choose from several color themes for the interface. The only thing missing are USB host capability and Wi-Fi, but since these extras are more of a luxury, not having his absence against the player.
The Creative Zen V Plus is a superb interpreter too little. The music played through the headset sounds decent, but if you really want the player’s experience of high-quality audio, swap in a pair of premium phones, such as Shure E4C. And we are happy to report that this Zen – unlike previous versions – gets plenty loud. Battery life was also impressive in our CNET Labs’ tests, lasting over 20 hours (and much longer than the rated 15 hours). Transfer times over USB 2.0 were a fÑ 1.25MB per second. Photos and videos seemed good, although small in brilliant color display, there was a noticeable screen door effect, but it was not too big an agreement, because it probably will not want to look at that little screen very long.
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have you used it? I’m planning to buy a good MP3 player. Is it better to buy Apple iPod or creative Zen? Please tell me which is better in terms of cost and performance.
I think iPod is Better…