Tech Review

Link: http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=210&subcategory=214&product=14331

As Mp3 players seem to be a favorite of young squids and other hipsters, I decided to post it again. The product in question is the ipod alternative, the Creative Zen Vision M, (the "M" being for multimedia). I was pleased with the 30GB version and would love to own to 60GB version, but I'm having difficulty justifying its purchase. The problem isn't the price ($299 for the 30GB and $399.00 for the 60GB) so much as the innate recoil I feel from becoming addicted to entertainment- dependent to the point of having to listen to music every single place I go, as if the world itself wern't interesting enough. However, if I have to do extended traveling in the future, or I'm in a position where mobility is an important consideration, the Zen M will be my first choice.

Creative Labs Zen Vision: M 60 GB Portable Media Player Black

Briefly, the highlights:

1. 60 gigs is enough for 99% of people. You can't havemore than 60 gigs of music without some of it being crap.

2. The 60 gig version lets you download photos from your camera. No big deal for me, but some might find it handy on extended trips.

3. Plays AVI, MPEG 1, MP4, and Divx movies. Just about anything you "acquire" can be played. There's even a way, using Nero, to convert MS Media Center recorded TV shows to a format read by the Zen.

4. FM radio. Interesting on trips or if you like NPR.

5. Syncs Outlook data- Good if you only carr one device.

6. Audible audio book compatible. I tried one. I'd rather have the book, but OK on occasion.

5. You can connect to TV and watch movies over at your friends house. Converting video to a DVD-player readable is a long process.

6. Unlike Ipod, you can use any software. You can use the ubiquitous Media Player available on almost any computer and add music.

7. Good battery life.

8. Voice recorder. "I can prove you gave me 8 experience points."

Disadvantages:

1. Thicker than Ipod.

2. You constantly have to expalin to non-nerds that it performs the same function as an ipod without being an actual ipod as in, "Well it plays Mp3s like an Ipod, but it's made by another company sort of like how there are other brands of cotton swabs besides Q-tips."

Here's a great user group for the Zen.

Nelson