Wanna Be? Why not just get a real IPOD? MP4 AAC sounds better than MP3, and have you checked Zen's accessory list? Good Luck! Zen is not really "a higher authority"...
1339356
WMV sounds as good or better than MP4 AAC. Anyone who has spent any time encoding audio files would tell you that it is the encoding step that gives you the quality so even an MP3 can sound as good.The audio circuitry is so much better in the Creative devices, does your iPod have a 96db signal-to-noise ratio? That's right, your iPod does not.Have fun being an individual just like everyone else with your iPod.
1339357
An iPod would be great if they lasted more than 18 mths (after your warranty conveniently expires). My second just died, and something about buying a device I know will die and can only be fixed for >/= to replacement cost leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Thus, I just bought the Ceative Zen V, my Creative Labs Rio may not be compatible with any computer but 8 years later its still running.
1498351
Thanks, Alex. This is very helpful. I'm feeling like this might work for me, and even if it doesn't, I'll still have an awesome mp3 player.-Rick
225616
Hey thank you very much for your info. Is there any better MP3 players? Like which ones?Thank you once again!
1193604
Yes, as a matter of fact, I just started a new discussion on how to correct a few issues, and make it a lot more enjoyable with Mac. Check it out if you are having problems. It's (now) by far the easiest MP3 player I've ever used.
88999
Dear Thelma, I must confess, my new Creative Zen is still in the box. My old Creative Zen was great for audio books and that is what I used it for. Great audio, great bookmarking. After 5 years it no longer was recognized by my computer so I purchased the new one, but haven't set it up yet. I borrow my books from the library, online. Ours has a great selection of e-audio books, so you don't have to pay to listen. Hope this helps.
1553419
This is probably too late to help you, but for other out there who are facing re-ripping: go ahead and download the latest version of iTunes (yes, you can use it even if you don't own an iPod), and import using AAC encoding (instead of MP3). You get better sound quality and smaller files at a given bitrate over standard MP3. Or, if you're like me, you can up the bitrate and get better quality without making the file a lot larger.The tradeoff is that some devices will not play AAC encoded files, so if you are going to put your music on non-iPod players, you may want to think twice. This is probably too late to help you, but for other out there who are facing re-ripping: go ahead and download the latest version of iTunes (yes, you can use it even if you don't own an iPod), and import using AAC encoding (instead of MP3). You get better sound quality and smaller files at a given bitrate over standard MP3. Or, if you're like me, you can up the bitrate and get better quality without making the file a lot larger.The tradeoff is that some devices will not play AAC encoded files, so if you are going to put your music on non-iPod players, you may want to think twice.
1346186
Most likely you will need the most recent firmware upgrade. My zen died completely not long after installing the new battery. Unfortunately I had no recourse other than to turn traitor and join the iPod camp, and lost all the music stored on the Zen hd.
983658
I agree with Jorge.I have an old zen and I just got the MX.I will never buy another Zen until they show they care about their customers.I am looking for a mew Mp3 player as I speak.
951334
Agree with some of the other posters. I have a photo Ipod, not video, but it does much better than 3-4 hours. There were issues with the first couple of generation of Ipods a few years ago, but thanks to a class action lawsuit, Apple seems to have solved this problem.
1546077
I don't think for listening to mp3s the class rating will make much of a difference, maybe loads between songs or slightly better sound. The class rating on an sd or mini sd card has to do with the read/write performance, 2 being lowest and 10 being the highest. So an hd photographer eould want a rating as high as possible.
290164
WMV sounds as good or better than MP4 AAC. Anyone who has spent any time encoding audio files would tell you that it is the encoding step that gives you the quality so even an MP3 can sound as good. The audio circuitry is so much better in the Creative devices, does your iPod have a 96db signal-to-noise ratio? That's right, your iPod does not. Have fun being an individual just like everyone else with your iPod.
28392
Actually, that is why I returned it an got one with a CD player. At first, I thought that I could just place my CD's into Itunes, and then put them onto an SD card and it would work the same. However, they needed to be transferred from the new mp4 format to mp3. When that was all said and done, it didnt even work. So, I do not know honestly, as I was so frustrated by reading that they wanted me to buy all of their SD cards and I wasnt having any luck. I would recommend just returning it and getting one with a CD player, or if you have an ipod or iphone-burn your CD's into Itunes and then sync them to your device so that you can play them from that. Actually, that is why I returned it an got one with a CD player. At first, I thought that I could just place my CD's into Itunes, and then put them onto an SD card and it would work the same. However, they needed to be transferred from the new mp4 format to mp3. When that was all said and done, it didnt even work. So, I do not know honestly, as I was so frustrated by reading that they wanted me to buy all of their SD cards and I wasnt having any luck. I would recommend just returning it and getting one with a CD player, or if you have an ipod or iphone-burn your CD's into Itunes and then... » Read More Actually, that is why I returned it an got one with a CD player. At first, I thought that I could just place my CD's into Itunes, and then put them onto an SD card and it would work the same. However, they needed to be transferred from the new mp4 format to mp3. When that was all said and done, it didnt even work. So, I do not know honestly, as I was so frustrated by reading that they wanted me to buy all of their SD cards and I wasnt having any luck. I would recommend just returning it and getting one with a CD player, or if you have an ipod or iphone-burn your CD's into Itunes and then sync them to your device so that you can play them from that. « Show Less
2001256
I think you're getting a bit too excited. All electronic products phase out for the new.The product is good in all ways. As far as accessories, it comes with an AC adapter. I got a case for it at a sound store for around $5 that works well. I bought some Sony earbuds that blow away the ones that come with it. I also bought a VRFM8 from Walmart that is an FM transmitter, to play the Zen to your car radio.The only thing I can imagine that is left is a car charger. (I just bought one on Ebay for $8. I think that's everything.) Plus, it doubles as an external hard drive for backups and such. I'm a happy camper with it. I think you're getting a bit too excited. All electronic products phase out for the new.The product is good in all ways. As far as accessories, it comes with an AC adapter. I got a case for it at a sound store for around $5 that works well. I bought some Sony earbuds that blow away the ones that come with it. I also bought a VRFM8 from Walmart that is an FM transmitter, to play the Zen to your car radio.The only thing I can imagine that is left is a car charger. (I just bought one on Ebay for $8. I think that's everything.) Plus, it doubles as an external hard drive for backups... » Read More I think you're getting a bit too excited. All electronic products phase out for the new.The product is good in all ways. As far as accessories, it comes with an AC adapter. I got a case for it at a sound store for around $5 that works well. I bought some Sony earbuds that blow away the ones that come with it. I also bought a VRFM8 from Walmart that is an FM transmitter, to play the Zen to your car radio.The only thing I can imagine that is left is a car charger. (I just bought one on Ebay for $8. I think that's everything.) Plus, it doubles as an external hard drive for backups and such. I'm a happy camper with it. « Show Less
1885435
Hi Darlene...sorry it's taken so long for someone to respond to your post! Anyway, I'm the proud owner of a Creative Zen V Plus, and I can honestly tell you that YES, the little bugger playes videos/movies. The player comes with a handful of Creative Zen commercials installed, including a really cute one with a panda! However...the size of the video displayed is REALLY small....literally the size of a postage stamp, maybe smaller than that. Do realize that a Zen V Plus is only slightly larger than Apple's iPod Shuffle, which is one of the smallest players around. If you want to rip DVD's to play on this thing, that I don't know about. I've been able to upload a "home movie" video that I made myself, and Creative has a ZenCast web site that has a bunch of FREE video downloads. If you are wanting to buy a player primarily to play videos, look elsewhere. The Microsoft Zune does a fantastic job with video for a pocket size player. Other than video display, the Zen V Plus is a great little device.
274353
I haven't had any problems with the headphone jack. I have a Creative Zen Sleek (with the monochrome screen) and have had it for about 8 months. The only problems I have had are: 1) Dust under the screen (seems pretty common, but there are now jackets and cases available which might alleviate that), 2) The thing has locked up a few times (maybe 4 times since I got it), and 3) I get an error when trying to configure the removable disk feature. As far as the price, is you spend another $24 you can get the Creative Zen Vision with 10 more Gigs, a larger screen and VIDEO!!!
29546
I'm having the same issue. I have an Ipod 80GB classic. I tried to use it, and couldn't get it to work after following the directions. The audio plays, but not the video. I called Philips support and was told that Apple was blocking the video on the Classic. I called Apple and was told there was no issue of which they were aware, but I should try an Apple retail store. In short, everyone wanted to pass the buck. It's a shame because the unit is very nice, but if I can't use the Ipod feature with the Classic, it's not very practical.
650962
I absolutely agree with the OP.This is the most advanced MP3 player on the planet, and to ship it with 16GB Flash instead of an 80 or 160GB microdrive, like the classic has, was stupid IMHO.It would have also been considerably cheaper with a 160GB drive instead of 16GB of Flash.I have a 2nd Gen iPod and a 1st gen 4GB Nano, both still in perfect condition. The Touch was to be my next purchase, but now I'm just not so sure any more.To be totally honest, the 160GB iPod Classic is a FAR better buy. It's cheaper, has 10 times the storage, has the same new interface and OS, and lasts 40 hours per charge.Apple has made my decision WAY too hard. I absolutely agree with the OP.This is the most advanced MP3 player on the planet, and to ship it with 16GB Flash instead of an 80 or 160GB microdrive, like the classic has, was stupid IMHO.It would have also been considerably cheaper with a 160GB drive instead of 16GB of Flash.I have a 2nd Gen iPod and a 1st gen 4GB Nano, both still in perfect condition. The Touch was to be my next purchase, but now I'm just not so sure any more.To be totally honest, the 160GB iPod Classic is a FAR better buy. It's cheaper, has 10 times the storage, has the... » Read More I absolutely agree with the OP.This is the most advanced MP3 player on the planet, and to ship it with 16GB Flash instead of an 80 or 160GB microdrive, like the classic has, was stupid IMHO.It would have also been considerably cheaper with a 160GB drive instead of 16GB of Flash.I have a 2nd Gen iPod and a 1st gen 4GB Nano, both still in perfect condition. The Touch was to be my next purchase, but now I'm just not so sure any more.To be totally honest, the 160GB iPod Classic is a FAR better buy. It's cheaper, has 10 times the storage, has the same new interface and OS, and lasts 40 hours per charge.Apple has made my decision WAY too hard. « Show Less