Creative Zen V Plus reviewed

Looks like CNET managed to get a Zen V Plus from Creative a while ago, and have already put the thing through its paces and posted their glowing review of the device. First, and fairly notable: for sheer value, the Zen V and V Plus really have the iPod nano beat, since not only do Creative's new players feature similar capacity for a good bit less, but the players also have the quite convenient line-in capability, and V Plus adds in FM and video playback for a bit of extra nano smackdown. As for design, CNET seems to be a fan; noting its cute, Tamagotchi-like feel and form factor as a definite asset. They also felt more confident with the sturdier design of the player in comparison to the nano, which is thinner but taller than the Zen V, and didn't complain about the "bulk" in regards to pocketability. Unfortunately, the joystick is a bit small and cheap feeling, and the player lacks two of the face buttons of its big brother, the Zen Vision:M. We're also concerned about the lack of scrolling capability which does show up in the Sansa and nano, but we're just worriers like that. Apparently, the 1.5-inch OLED screen is looking good, with a bit of an visible pixel grid, and some bright sunlight problems, but overall "vivid" performance. We can't say that changes our mind about the actual functionality of video playback on this thing, but if you need to know, the V Plus supports MPEG-4, WMV, DivX and more, and comes with the ToolBox software to convert files for playback. The device of course supports MP3, WAV, PlaysForSure WMA and Audible audio, and you can nab podcasts with Creative's ZenCast software. Other than USB host capability, or WiFi, the Zen V Plus has about every feature you could ask for, even PIM functionality with Outlook syncing. As for what really matters, Zen V shines with 20 hours of batter life (5 more than Creative's 15 hour rating), and solid audio quality and volume. Sounds like Creative could have a winner on their hands, and CNET's Editors' Choice award can't hurt, but we're still not sure we've seen something that can actually manage to beat the nano at its own game in this market.

[JT @ Jun 21st 2006 10:54AM]

You can be sure that a new nano is due between now and october, and my guess is they are going to increase (double?) capacities, add features, and stick to their pricing model.
Creative should enjoy it while it lasts... nice to see decent competition, though. It can't hurt.

[Erich @ Jun 21st 2006 10:58AM]

Though I don't think that this will beat the nano in terms of how great the audience is for Apple's iPod series of products, I do see this as a great alternative. That and it's one of the first few Flash based PMPs that beat Apple to the chase on making a smaller video capable mp3 player.

[UnseenLlama @ Jun 21st 2006 11:00AM]

All Apple has to do release that updated firmware and BAM! you have video.

[Jeffler @ Jun 21st 2006 11:03AM]

As an apple fanboy, I really like this player - I wish apple could release one similar. Unfortunately, nobody other then us will know about it, the iPod marketing hype is just too strong.

[rgm @ Jun 21st 2006 11:07AM]

It doesn't have everything I could ask for: I'm asking for .ogg support, and USB mass storage device support too. Screw that Windows-only MTP stuff. Props for supporting divx video without conversion though.

[Justin @ Jun 21st 2006 11:10AM]

to be fair, i have a hard enough time watching videos on a Video Ipod, what makes you think video playback on a 1.5" screen is even worth having? i hope apple doesn't put video functionality into the nano because it doesn't make sense. the nano is clearly for audio on the go, if you want to witness video, purchase the appropriate player.

i also think that this device should have the nano beat since Creative has had almost a year of development time to improve on it. i'd like to see the new nano revision to see how apple responds to this.

with that said, it's a great device and i think it should win alot of people over. i think creative can do without the ipod comparisons, on their own, they are superb players.

[dave @ Jun 21st 2006 11:15AM]

i absolutely for the life of me cannot figure out why no competing player of the ipod will include mp4/aac audio support. forget the drm fairplay version... just the plain ol' opensource aac. if this player had it, i would be so very, very tempted. but my entire audio collection has gone mp4 because i want the better quality, smaller file size from an open source and not microsoft. but if i want to go that route, i have to go ipod -- even though there is no reason for it.

[gio @ Jun 21st 2006 11:15AM]

I think it looks ugly. Im picky on product design. It reminds me of one of those "Take Your Pulse" readers.

[Craig @ Jun 21st 2006 11:23AM]

I think there are two main problems with this device. It needs some sort of well known video service, which the iPod has. Also it doesn't look very easy to use. Creative should have used a Zen Micro style touchpad, not some rocker.

[bob @ Jun 21st 2006 11:24AM]

"All Apple has to do release that updated firmware and BAM! you have video."

not true im afraid, not good enough processing power for video. plus i think theyll keep the nano without.

[Graham @ Jun 21st 2006 11:30AM]

The question is:

Has Creative figured out that in order for this to be a success they need to accessorize?

The answer so far? Nope. Call me when they're talking about the "Cottage Zen Industry"

[MacGeekGuy @ Jun 21st 2006 11:36AM]

It's cute, but a little cheap looking and the big seams between the buttons, etc. seems like it would gather a lot of lint and grunge. Closer though.

[Dan @ Jun 21st 2006 11:37AM]

Dave,
I'm with you on the no AAC thing. I would probably go out and get this if it had support for un-drm'd aac playback. Sony, interestingly enough, will be supporting AAC (though I'm not sure Id buy anything other than a cell phone from them right now).

[Huw Leslie @ Jun 21st 2006 11:44AM]

What would be a killer feature would be if that syncing with outlook includes syncing of Outlook 2007 RSS feed capabilities. That would be legendary, being able to walk out of the house in the morning with a good proportion of my music collection on it, a couple of tv shows from the night before and the mornings headlines (and, of course, engadget!)

[Matt @ Jun 21st 2006 11:49AM]

no mac support according to their website... guess that means this also goes on my not-buying list...

[Rex @ Jun 21st 2006 12:32PM]

Creative is capturing an audience that needs a bit of color in their lives. As opposed to the nano that's monotone and dull.
And i'm sure that smart people out there would probably use the video function for short clips such as Viral Videos or stuff from YouTube to show off to their friends...
I actually rate Creative's mp3players above that of Apples because they each have individualistic charateristics that set them off from each other, instead of the same color/characteristics that the ipods have which basically puts them in the "iSheep" status.
As you can basically see, Apple is taking the easy way out by recreating the same designs on their ipods...which probably is the main buying point for consumers who are too afraid to add a little spice in their lives with color...You guys really need to give Creative the upperhand here for having the best designs on their mp3players...And apple will one day have to move on from their basic design on their ipods because consumers want to see something new from time to time and not the same old boring thing with something "new" inside them...

iCreate :)

[jgiam @ Jun 21st 2006 12:41PM]

Zen V Photos - http://forums.monsternet.org/index.php?topic=24.0

[David Crowe @ Jun 21st 2006 12:45PM]

You know iPods (via free 3rd party software) have long supported RSS feeds. This is where the "But the iPod doesn't have FM" crowd forgets other features iPods have that other products lack.

[emaredubyou @ Jun 21st 2006 1:03PM]

I really hope that creative keeps making a zen micro photo sized player, get it up to 10-15GB range, have this one go from 1-4GB and the vision:m in like 30+ range and it can keep it's numerous

[Tomas: MyGigabeat.com @ Jun 21st 2006 1:09PM]

This player looks pretty nice. A little to much plastic for my taste, but not bad.

I hope that Toshiba follows up with 4-8GB versions of their new S Series. Scaled down to Nano size of course, but a little thicker.

Yes, I'm aware of the P Series... 512MB and 1GB just don't cut it. Not a fan of its design either, again too plastic!

[Peter Kirn @ Jun 21st 2006 1:13PM]

The lack of USB Mass Storage support to me would be a pretty massive deal-killer. And that's the interesting thing about the Windows Media device approach: Mac users are early adopters and gadget fiends. Why not lure Mac and Linux users along with PC users with the new devices?

Otherwise, it looks like a great device and I love the line-in support, but making it a challenge to connect to non-Windows machines is a big downer.

[Brendan @ Jun 21st 2006 1:21PM]

You can't beat the clickwheel by adding buttons. That's way the iPod out sell the everything else, it's easier to use!

[roberto @ Jun 21st 2006 1:33PM]

i gotta agree with p. kirn above. i have a vision m. (wife has ipod g5 so i have a reference)i really like it. it's a great little machine but at this point because it uses mtp i can't use it with ubuntu. it's one of 2 things that keep me booting into windows. i wouldn't hesitate recommending a creative product for a friend though and i actually think this design is nice.
and yeah and bring on the accessories...

[WK @ Jun 21st 2006 1:35PM]

I got a Zen for my wife last Christmas. It went back due to a power issue, but was not replaced. The software for synching is absolutely terrible. Nothing really beats iTunes and the integration to the hardware.

[marklar @ Jun 21st 2006 1:42PM]

looks like very fiddly controls, i agree with the last post, would much rather use the ipod clickwheel

[Craig @ Jun 21st 2006 1:44PM]

i hate it when people choose a certain technology (such as AAC or Apple OSX) knowing full well that it has less-than-universal support and then act surprised and complain when devices come out that don't support their chosen format. i'm 100% positive that the imperceptible difference in sound quality and slightly smaller file size of AAC vs mp3 is not worth limiting your choice of players. OSX vs Windows is certainly debatable (and has been extensively). But still, you knew what you were getting into...

[MacCanuck @ Jun 21st 2006 1:45PM]

Doesn't matter if "rumours" are to be believed.

If... WHEN... MS releases it's own mp3 player and related music service, you can kiss all it's present partners... oops, future victims, goodbye.

Creative, SanDisk, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, Napster, MTV/Urge, Real, etc, like Netscape, will find it hard to beat "good enough" and "just there" when it's imbedded within Windows/Vista/whatever...

Who could not have seen this coming?

(Watch out Dell, HP, etc when the xBox expands beyond it's niche as a "games machine"... it's basically a "regular computer" as it is and it's probably only anti-trust concerns that's keeping it that way, for now :-))

...

[blee @ Jun 21st 2006 2:02PM]

"As you can basically see, Apple is taking the easy way out by recreating the same designs on their ipods...which probably is the main buying point for consumers who are too afraid to add a little spice in their lives with color...You guys really need to give Creative the upperhand here for having the best designs on their mp3players...And apple will one day have to move on from their basic design on their ipods because consumers want to see something new from time to time and not the same old boring thing with something "new" inside them..."

Are you a moron? Your basically saying Apple should change just for the sake of having something different. The iPod is SIMPLE its intuitive people can look at it and just intuitively know what to do to get it to work. I've seen old ladies with iPods. Apple has been able to touch every age group with their easy to use interface. Accessories for iPods are transferable to the next because for the most part they use a standard port available on every iPod, iTunes is SIMPLE drag the songs you want onto your iPod or sync them and they are magically there. iTunes works with EVERY generation of iPod anyone who buys new iPod doesn’t need to install new software because iTunes again works with all iPods new or old.

[asurroca @ Jun 21st 2006 2:03PM]

I think the cute, chunky look is a plus, not a minus in the case of this device. The nano looks great, but it's so frail that I'd be afraid to touch it; this think looks like it could take a lot more abuse. I think the other asset here is that it doesn't look like an iPod wannabe. Heh, if anything, it's more like the original iMac.

[Zadillo @ Jun 21st 2006 2:10PM]

Craig, I don't think that many people are specifically complaining or insisting that other mp3 makers should add AAC support to their players. For the most part, I just see people saying that the lack of AAC support basically means they will not consider a player, because that is the format they have a lot of their music in. At the very least, it would take something very compelling for someone to convert all of their music to mp3 (not that this is that difficult to do, of course) or some other format. The main point they are making is, that it ends up being a barrier. It's not a complaint, or an insistence that they should support it. But it's something that Creative and others might want to think about. You have to look at what formats are gaining in popularity (and the popularity of iTunes and it's default settings of encoding in AAC is something that has to be considered), and decide whether you want to make your device easier to choose for people who have decided to use those formats. You can of course just ignore those formats, but that is the perogative of the people making the player.

[mike @ Jun 21st 2006 2:47PM]

I think the cute, chunky look is a plus, not a minus in the case of this device

--

Um, but you forgot something.. this thing doesn't fit in a human hand. Actually, it's too small, so your thumb won't be able to comfortably press the buttons.

Using two hands on an MP3 player? Nice, Creative...

[Rex @ Jun 21st 2006 2:48PM]

Blee: I'm just saying that people will be wanting something FRESH. And don't call me a moron.

[Allen Hazelhorse @ Jun 21st 2006 2:51PM]

To Rex:

So a little color change is the key to the buyer's heart? Obviously your basic logic control board is mulfunctioning. The real value of iPod lies in the clickwheel. THAT is the technology which captures audience. Color is an add-on or an extra but not the key.

If color really works that well, why doesn't Godiva just do candy coating and make their chocolate like M&M's? Or perhaps you think your other half will be thrilled over a pack of M&M's rather than Godiva?

[Allen Hazelhorse @ Jun 21st 2006 2:56PM]

To Rex:

And I agree with blee on the comment. But maybe he's too harsh on you calling you a moron. That's a bit too direct and hurtful.

You are just mentally challenged. :))

[Rex @ Jun 21st 2006 3:10PM]

Blee & Allen:

Everyone can work an mp3player that has the universal "Play" symbol on it...

It's just that iPods are for people that are scared sheep who can't be individuals (sorry for that, apple fanboys).

by the way, I own a zen micro, so sue me for not conforming to your low standards.

[Sam @ Jun 21st 2006 5:54PM]

This could have been a nice device but once again, Creative Labs hasn't a clue what they are doing.

1) It doesn't support UMS. Brilliant. That means you're stuck using Creative's ultra-crappy software to transfer music to it in addition to losing the sheer utility of that capability.

2) No AAC support. This one is exceptionally retarded but par for the course for Creative.

3) No OGG support. This is basically a freebie for them but they won't do it. Everything I have is in WMA and OGG. So no OGG means no deal. The code to support OGG is already written and freely available so I don't get their problem.

Creative continues to push out losers. They don't get it and they never will. I've only seen them improve the hardware. Everything else remains in stasis which is why they will always remain far behind anything Apple does.

[John Q. Public @ Jun 21st 2006 6:35PM]

I own a creAtive Zen Micro Photo, and I have owned an iPOD nano (sold it to a friend)

The thing I like about the nano; the Payment style Apple allows for the replacement iPOD cash check or credit card, and yes the nano has originality, one person may have a scratch here, while another person may have 3 scratches there, and one person may have a broken screen. You see, they are each unique! The best part is the can opener style of replacing your battery by hand.
But rest assured, I enjoy my easy battery swap with my Zen, I don't enjoy this new “V” player a lot, It seems like a weak jab at the iPOD crowd, you have way to much time on your hands if you can sit there and watch a video on a screen that small (this goes for iPOD also) And they took a page from Apples book with that stationary battery...
I’ll just walk around with this Zen Micro for a while until I find a better player (in my eyes a better player, not some “hype cults” idea of a good player)
If this one dies on me, I’ll wip out my 60$
SanDisk player for a while.

[Yem @ Jun 22nd 2006 2:05AM]

Pity about lack of USB-MS support. The Creative site is somewhat ambiguous.

"Simple drag and drop your data files between ZEN V and your computer. No complicated or messy driver installations necessary."

"Mass Storage Device: Yes. For data files only"

There are options for non-win32 peeps (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_Transfer_Protocol#Implementations) but really, who wants to jump through those hoops?

[Matthew Sweet @ Jun 22nd 2006 2:43AM]

Is it just me or is CNET anti Apple and pro everyone else?

What is the justification for their predjudice?

[Stephen Danelutti @ Jun 22nd 2006 7:58AM]

I haven't looked through all of the comments so this point may have been mentioned (excuses if so) but it strikes me that the one additional thing this device has going for it, which is often neglected: It's not Apple!

Apropos last comment, sorry like CNET (if true), I am not an Apple fanboy because of its closed nature and so as for many others, this may do the trick very nicely...

[Raphael Shilton @ Jun 23rd 2006 1:00AM]

gorgeous - time to ditch the sheep-pod soon methinks.

[Stash @ Jun 24th 2006 8:37AM]

Rex,
You are an idiot. Just as anyone that refers to iPod users as iSheep is! The iPod competes on equal footing to all other MP3 players, it's just more successful, why? cos it's a better product, it has better design, computer integration, compatibly and online store. Other players just don't have the same care and attention to detail that the iPod has and are really just hacked together to make a quick buck. Apple's range of iPods consists of 3 decent models, while Creative has about 15 models which are all crap.

Further players which have the Universal Play logo are simply NOT Universal as they only work with Windows and Microsoft based online stores.

[kris @ Oct 17th 2006 7:10PM]

stash your a dumb ass why is it that most ipods seem to have problems after the warrenty goes out, like with hard drive, etc. Ive had a creative zen micro for almost two years now and have not had a single problem and most people that have an ipod and see my so called peice of crap they want one ive actually had multiple people return there ipod to get a creative. Apple knows that there product is crap so why do you think that there costomer support sucks.

[Nick @ Jun 24th 2006 2:16PM]

I love all the complaints about music players not supporting formats like OGG and other codecs of the moment. 90% of people do not give a crap about codecs - much like 90% of people don't read tech blogs.

What I want to know is why Apple does not add an AM/FM tuner already - this is something 90% of the market would like.

Is it the aftermarket tuner manufacturer's they don't want to offend - does Apple want Belkin to keep selling $3 dollar radio tuners for $100 dollars?

I think its just a matter of time until people wise up to some of these "extra" features and start checking out other players like this Creative one - we have a whole generation of people who are now familiar with this technology and might look a bit further for the next purchase.

[v_dogg @ Jun 24th 2006 3:54PM]

Stash,
you are the idiot. Creative has many quality built mp3 players. I have noticed a huge difference between Creative and apple. iPods are flimsy peices of crap that dont last. Especially that crappy nano. Creative obviously has more features built in and are alot sturdier than iPods. And ooohhh..the iPods play videos, but you have to freakin convert them to mpeg4. At least Creative has some brains and allow many diff types of files to be put on their products. Oh wait, and Creative's products have universal usb jacks!!?? And they can be used with many types of software?? wow, too bad iPods cant do any thing great like that.

[mp3Guy @ Jun 25th 2006 11:16PM]

I have to admit that I wish to have one after reading review at here and cnet although I am not big fans of Creative. It looks cool for me. The only thing I don't like is it can't support Ogg.

[Jason @ Jun 30th 2006 5:15PM]

I am just wondering if the screen resolution is brighter than on the zen micro photo, and is more like the Zen vison M which has superb screen quality. if its more like its older brother as they say it is its defintly worth checkin out

[MasterCKO @ Jul 21st 2006 2:33PM]

the amount of misinformation in these comments is staggering. All the people who are like "you have to use Creative's crappy sync'ing software" are wrong. You can use WMP 10 (or 11) to sync your data/music/photos/video as well -- which, since WMP is a good media player and the sync functionality is easy-peasy, shouldn't be a problem.

Also, someone said it, but no one in the real world cares about lack of OGG support. Seriously. No one. For those of you that do have OGG files, use a player that supports it rather than waste your time complaining about Creative's "losers". Wow, that was hard. The AAC comments are more well placed as it is becoming a new highly used standard thanks to (the highly overrated, in my opinion) iTunes.

Oh, and have you ppl who complain about Creative not having an easy to use music store ever used Urge? Cuz it's really slick. And just as easy as iTunes to use.

Lastly, the comment "it's not universal cuz it only works on Windows," while technically true, in practice is false. How many computers in the world are Windows-based again?

[grindboy @ Aug 25th 2006 1:31PM]

I totaly agree with MasterCKO this is a brilliant little player. I own one and find it very user friendly, the line in support is a great bonus and the sound quality is ace, the screen is bright and colouful.

In response to the post by rgm on Jun 21st 2006 this MP3 does support mass storage.

A little competition can only be a good thing, It'll force apple to make some serious revamps not just "oooh lets stick in video support".

Overall I think that this player beats the Nano hands down in price, display, sound quality, UI (theaving apple bigots!) and overall good looks.

[tekkyjim @ Sep 1st 2006 4:49AM]

ok, ive just borrowed a zen V from work "for test purposes" and its looking pretty sweet, the gui is amazing, you can rotate the screen and customise the menu with the things you use the most, you CAN use is for data storage, but have to split the capacity for that via a menu in the player... kinda make a data partition that DOES support USB mass media drivers... the battery life is great... no time at all to charge and grat life so far... music is easy to put on, phots look great on it, i just wish i had the plus to test the video function. yeah, im a little annoyed at the mtp thing, but i can live with it... i use windows and linux about equally right now... so its not so bad. all in all i give it a thumbs up.