http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/ Engadget Comments for Review of Creative's new Zen Portable Media Center http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
I can use my iPod while driving, walking to work, to the store, on the plane, etc. I can not use a video player except while in a stable seated position without any requirement for my attention( like in a car ). We use our eyes for so much and our visual attention is needed almost all the time with the exceptions being rather solitary activities.

So, my burning question is why we need one of these and where is it most likely to be used? If this becomes popular with only the geekiest of elementary school students, then if you think they felt isolated before, wait til they go off and sit in the corner to watch their little portable Anime player....

Mark my word, this is likely to be just like the Microsoft tablet PC experiment. Such that there is already existing products for portable video( laptops, handhelds, etc ) available for niche users needing portable video and this is most likely to just be a money loser to those believing Microsofts marketing machine.

I say this because, like the tablet PC, it's likely that the marketing will present this is "cool", while the fundimental usefulness is lacking. And the marketing will no be able to show why this device is useful. You can only tell people that they'll be cool if they have one of these for so long before a few take a look and figure out they really don't NEED it.

I ask Phillip, the author of the article, where and when he used the device for testing? And was this part if his normal daily routine or did he find he had to make time to use the device? Thanks.]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
http://www.liketelevision.com

They have hours of free stuff, and even more
in their premium section. I've downloaded 5 movies today for a trip out west (ok, I took the bait and joined up for a year), and have found this site to have some odd titles and stuff you won't find elsewhere...Internet or otherwise. Mpeg downloads, upload to my device (have a Zen on order for us to evaluate, currently testing the iriver and zvue). This one appears to be the most solid unit around.

I'm not sure I can get through this massive library, but any other site suggestions (other than the usual suspects ie Movielink, CinemaNow, Starz) would be appreciated.

Peace,
JSS]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
I read the above review with interest because I want to see a device that hit the market that does it all. It will be cool to be able to play my music, look at music videos , play games by using broadband, make phone calls and provide contact management. Tall order?

We all will see how all of this unfolds.

ARF]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
Why don't you use a laptop? Two reasons...one is that the battery life on a laptop is good for one movie of any length or maybe two short one's. Two, the hassles of security and removing and replacing a laptop repeatedly from your carry-on simply makes it a chore.

Currently, I have 12 movies, about 4000 songs and a hundred or so pictures I can carry easily anywhere. AND, I have just over 10GB left!

Lastly, I want to point out that yes...you are right, you can't jog or work out with this device, but that's not what it's designed for. This is designed to provide multiple entertainment options to those on the go.]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/like when i have homwork and i did a powerpoint presentation can i take it with me on the divice and copie it onto a different computer like my school computer

thanks for your answer in advance]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
I'll most likely use it on the plane to watch movies, training videos (there are thousands in my industry), anima, and TV shows. I'll also hook it up to the television in my apartment/hotel room to watch instead of lame cable or expensive Pay-per-view.

We don't have cable because I never can make the time for it. Now, I'll get cable, set up my media center PC to record things that I like, and enjoy my media for the first time in my life - on MY TERMS!

Bring on the DRM, just make sure I can transfer my media from my home server to the PCs in my house as well as to my PVP (PMC).

In fact, I am a difficult consumer, but give me access to all the movies out there (either for rent or for purchase) to download and I'll be spending more money than I currently do on DVDs (which is significant).

Hey media companies, are you listening?]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/The only thing i wonder is:
Where is the speaker/speakers, and is it good? Can you actually hear with good quality?]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Will there be anything new released thats better before that?
And can you only recharge via USB.
Anyway I like the review:)]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
As for the speaker, it's workable. Clearly because of the unit size, you shouldn't have any illusions of a theater quality experience, but it's slightly better than those old pocket transistor radios.

I've had mine for about 6 months now, and I absolutely love it!]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/I have used my Creative Zen Media center for a little over two weeks now.
The results are not impressive even before considering the cost.

To get a real feel for this unit just visit the Creative Website forums on the Zen and you will experience what a truly unworkable video / TV center it really is! As well as the touchy lack of support Creative provides!
The moderator Caterina is reminicent of an SS prison guard and just as helpful!
This attitude is quite typical of this company historicly though. IMHO

Now consider that if you would like to copy any LEGALLY OWNED DVD content to the Zen it is not at all straight forward and WAY LESS than convienient. No help from Creative, or Microsoft, and precious few resources on the net for the most theoreticaly useful function of the zen.

I now have over 25 links to codec's and conversion software sites that all do equallly poor work of SIMPLY transferring a DVD to the Zen Box!Most of which are wildly overpriced and intentionally vauge in describing just what they are capable of doing.

I have used DVD to pocket PC (posted above) and found it annoyingly crash prone and incapable of producing any quality product at all.

All of this performed on an
AMD 3200 with 1GB ram and 16X DVD R/W
Windows XP-SP2 & Media Player 10

For $500.00 USD I could easily buy
2 CD players and a DVD player with cash to spare and have working products. Why didn't I do that?:-(

CREATIVE please lets try to be a little CREATIVE when bringing this type of product to market.]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Is it really worth it? I want to get at least an mp3 player to listen to my music. The device sounds awsome with the video, tv, and music, but is it really worth it? I would like to make a purchase soon is there any reconmondations if this isn't the wisest choice?]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
Copying over video from MSN Video downloads and through the Media edition process has also been seamless.

Again, don't expect theater quality video. This is a portable unit. When in the store, view the sample video they have on the machine and you'll get an idea of how movies look. If it's not good enough for you, walk away. For me, based on the amount of travel I do, it's perfect.

As an MP3 Player it's also good quality. BUT, this is not a unit to buy to take to the gym or go jogging with. This unit is best for traveling and time killing. If you're looking for portability, look elsewhere.

Again, I don't doubt that Theller has had a bad experience, but I'm not sure what his expectation level was to start with. I personally did a lot of research both online and actually handling the unit in the store, and for me, it's been tremendous.

]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
My best guess on the price drop and rebate is that Creative hasn't exactly done the greatest job of marketing the PMC. They haven't made much of a TV or Radio splash, and they're print advertising has been limited to computer magazines for the most part. Plus, I don't know how your Best Buy and Circuit City stores are, but the one's in Northern California have the MP3 players and PDA's all in the same area and there seems to be a lot of holes on the shelf.

Frankly, I've had my device for over a year and it's been an outstanding investment. If you have the opportunity to acquire one with such a great rebate offer, I'd suggest scoring it if it interests you at all.]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
Thanks]]>Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/Dec 19th 2005 2:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/http://www.engadget.com/2004/09/02/review-of-creatives-new-zen-portable-media-center/
I used many Ipod, ipod nano..., they are really good for what it make for, listen music, and I just bought a Creative PMC about a week.

I would say what I feel about it, it is big, so don't think about put it in your pocket, the function music and photo are fine, video is really good and acceptable, but the problem are:

1 there is no stop button, so when you play music or video, you can not stop it, you can pause it but not stop, I tried many buttons and still can not stop, so if you want to stop it, you need to have a needle and do a hard reset, so I put one needle in the case, so if I need it, it is there.

2 I can not put video in a folder, say if I have music video and sex video, I can not put it in different folder, and when I open the PMC in my computer, I can not copy or delete or make folder by myself

3 the convert time are to looooong, and it will convert even the video already WMV files

4 I don't know what is the tv recorder?, I think it is just a file or files that you use what ever ..dvd recorder or tv tunnner, then convert it to a suitable format file and the PMC can play back, if that the case, it is just a video files player.

I don't think it is very good to buy, you will get anoying, upset for nothing, too hard to organize files.

But anyway, it is only my own think

Please let me know if anything I am wrong or any sussgestion.

thank

Le Hung]]>Dec 31st 2005 10:25PM