Creative unveils MuVo V100

We've gotta give props to Creative here. Not only are they gutsy enough to release such a minimal update to a fairly ancient form factor, but they're even taking their product numbering "backwards" with the new MuVo V100, a followup to the V200. The biggest improvements are the size gains, the player now comes in 1GB and 2GB capacities, compared to the max 512MB in the V200. The player also has gotten a hefty price slash (S$149 for 2GB, which is roughly $88 US) and a slightly shaved down size (3.5mm off the length, 1.5 off the width, and 1mm thinner). Creative also bumped the battery life by 3 hours, for a whoppin' 18 hours off of a single AAA battery, but the tiny monochrome display remains the same, and the player is still pretty clunky compared to a lot of similar players on the market. However, the MuVo still remains one of the best mini-players around with a full-sized USB port, and the improvements here, while minimal, are all plenty welcome.

[Via CNET; thanks Pimpy]

[Scabies @ Sep 29th 2006 11:57AM]

What the...
First the Zen Nano was a rebranded MuVo
Now the new MuVo is a rebranded Zen Nano?

[Papillon @ Sep 29th 2006 12:13PM]

Although I've loved my V200 (1 GB, so I think there's a slight mistake in TFA), it's battery management is bust after about 8 months of use and I now only use it as a decent thumb drive. So, I can't recommend Creative dmp's to other people.

I remain disappointed that it still apparently lacks listening opportunities for .aac files (marginal players should acknowledge the dominant player's formats!) and .ogg.

The clincher would have been some 8 or even 4 GB capacity. Too bad! Sorry, Creative.

[fubenkyou @ Sep 30th 2006 12:18PM]

the muvo isn't rebranded. it's the orginal name for it. the difference between the nano and muvo is that the muvo has a built-in usb connector. the nano is one solid peace with the requirement of a usb cable.

[omega @ Sep 29th 2006 12:59PM]

I bought a nano and I last me only 2 months. I wouldn't recomment anyone Creative stuffs again.

[jason @ Sep 29th 2006 1:34PM]

i have a zen nano 1gb and its easily the best player i've purchased (i have a 3rd gen ipod and a 1st gen shuffle, as well). if the MuVo V100 is the same form factor as the zen nano, i'll certainly get this for the 2gb of space. the UMS is the main selling point. i won't buy any other player that requires some crappy itunes-like program or drivers.

[Mark @ Sep 29th 2006 2:36PM]

The best flash-based drive for me is the Samsung YP-U2JQB. You can't beat the form factor, it charges off of USB power, allows drag-and drop music loading (no itunes crap), has a microphone, FM tuner, LCD Display, and USB 2.0. Like the MuVo, the samsung doesn't require an additional USB cord (the biggest annoyance for me in DAPs).

And it's cheap. Not as cheap as the muvo 2gb, but cheap.

[resource @ Sep 29th 2006 3:49PM]

I would get something like this.

Then I read that there is No FM and the USB doesn't charge it and I need a battery.

2 strikes was enough to kill this for me.

I want a small 2/4 GB flash FM/MP3 player that has a direct USB port charger. Why is that so hard to find?

- The Sony USB player is locked in to their crapware.
- This has no FM.

The search for a simple MP3 player continues

[Richard @ Sep 29th 2006 10:59PM]

To resource: There's always this Creative Zen V Plus. Google it, it fit your needs, I think.

[onix @ Oct 16th 2006 2:14PM]

I have the 1GB MuVo TX FM & voice recorder. I think its great, and it's a nice slip into the front pocket, and I think it's better than all the other form factors on the market. The only problem is its quiescent power drain, i.e. current draw when it's off is significant enough that it'll drain a AAA battery after a month of no use. I now take out the battery when I'm not using it, but a mechanical slider switch (vs. a software on/off switch) would be preferable, or just better integrated low-power wake-up electronics.

[justfine.us @ Oct 17th 2006 11:17PM]

I have always liked this form factor. the full size usb port saves you from having to carry a cable, and disposable batteries mean you can take it on vacation without bringing charger.

[kramer5150 @ Jan 3rd 2007 2:14PM]

I just got this player 3 days ago and I like it a lot. Heres what it has going for it...

Replaceable AAA, this IMHO is the single most important feature. While most players NEED recharging off the USB port, the V100 just needs a fresh battery. I left my player running the other night and with a 1000Mah NIMH AAA I think it gets around ~12 hours between charges.
Small square-ish shape
Sounds really good (for a AAA flash based player)
Full sized USB connector, No USB cable needed.
User adjustable EQ
Intuitive user interface, with a nice LED backlight
Windows Drag / Drop interface (NO ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE REQUIRED!!)

Here are some pics... just copy paste the URL...
Pictured with my D-Jayes IEM
http://img104.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn8537zd2.jpg

Pictured with a GovibeII and Grado SR60
http://img490.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn8541oa7.jpg

[Gary @ Feb 26th 2007 1:07AM]

I purchased the MuVo v100. I thought it was great only no case came with it like the one with my 1GB Zen. I can not find a armband with holder for this one at any stores. everytime I put it in my pocket I either shut it off or pause it. I need to clip it. Other than that I love having the extra space the tree libraries and also holds data. charging on the USB would have been cool instead of the battery.

[Mary @ Mar 18th 2008 1:28PM]

Gary, I'm having the same armband problem. You can buy one at creative's web site, but it's $19.99!! I paid only a little more than that for the whole player. I'm beginning to think that Creative marketed it this way on purpose - like McDonalds: "Would you like an armband with that? Oh, that'll be double the price!" Oy!

I really like the unit, but its coming without an armband and/or a case with a clip is really inhibiting my use of this product.