CREATIVE ZEN,More Flash For Less Cash

Digg it !!!

Creative has abavndoned hard drive-based devices,and the new ZEN is the company's first shot at a flash -based music and video player.It has a larger screen and more features(including an FM radio and a voice recorder)than its comparably priced competitor,the ipod nano.The Zen also offers a roomy 16GB version,which rings up at $150 less than the same capacity ipod Touch.

In addition,the ZEN has an SD memory card slot,so the player's capacity is expandable.

Audio file support for the ZEN is fairly good,including WMA,MP3 and unprotected AAC.For Video,the ZEN supports only WMV,but it comes with software to convert DivX/Xvid and MPEG-4 files.JPEGs are the only supported photo format.

The large 2.5-inch,320-by-240-pixel screen displays colourful and sharp images,and the interface uses graphics that are sharp,well designed,and easy to navigate.Audio quality is adequate,but yo will want to upgrade the not so great bundled earphones.

Sure,the ZEN has its flaws:It's nearly as big as some hard drive-based players;it doesn't have a lightning fast start up time;and the interface can be a bit slow.But it works well,is expandable and has more extras thn you fin in Apple players.

Specifications

Interface(s):- Hi-Speed USB
Released date:- December 2005
Platforms:- Windows XP
Dimensions:- 4.89" x 2.93" x 0.79"
Weight:- 8.43 oz.
supported music format(s):- MP3, WMA, WAV
Signal to noise ratio:- 97dB
Battery life:- 14 hrs. (music), 4hrs. (video)
Storage:- 4GB-30GB(built-in hard drive)
Storage expansion type:- None
FM tuner:- Yes (via recording)
Voice recording:- Yes
Software:- Creative Media Explorer, MediaSource, Syncmanager Remote included:- No
Inputs / outputs:- Headphone jack, AV out
Extras:- Pouch
Screen:- 2.5" 262k color LCD
Photo import:- No

supported video format(s):- MPEG-1/2/4, DivX 4/5, XviD5, WMV9
Line-in recording:- No
Power source:- Built-in Li-ion battery
Warranty:- One year

Price:- 4GB - $130

30GB - $650