http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/ Engadget Comments for Hands-on with Creative's Zen 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/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
Why do you keep saying that? Theres no way the new iPod is going to have an SD card slot, Divx/Xvid support or even be 16GB]]>Aug 31st 2007 8:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 8:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
I sure hope you said that about the 5G iPod then seeing as though this has more features than the ZVM and the ZVM wipes the floor with the iPod for features.]]>Aug 31st 2007 8:24AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 10:17AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
"wait and see"?! -- it's started looking like some of these authors have a stake in apple. Could you have made this post about the merits and demerits of the ZEN (compared to other announced/released products) without making reference to something that might be a twinkle in eyes Apple?

Ryan, please do some house-cleaning with regards to who you hire and how they do their job.

Not to pick on you Paul, I just happened to have replied to yours.]]>Aug 31st 2007 8:26AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
For a device to beat an iPod it has to have more over an iPod than simply MORE features. Cramming more and more features into devices is how most of Apple's competitors respond and they continue to remain clueless as to why they continue to fail.]]>Aug 31st 2007 8:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
I personally wouldnt buy this ZEN as i require higher capacity devices but I do own a Zen Vision: M and appreciate not having to jump through hoops to put my TV shows and movies on there.

My complaint (yes that's what it was) is: Engadget authors should put their bias aside and review an item by comparing it to something that actually exists or has been announced... not fanciful stuff that they hope apple will release later.

For me personally it makes no difference as i'm not in the market for another player and wouldnt buy an ipod (whatever variation it is) unless it supports divx/xvid and not locked down.

TBH, i'm not a music person anymore as i mostly only do movies and tv shows, but this is not about me... it's about engadgets posts and how they push people towards the market leader even when they have nothing out to rival the item on review.

clean up you act!]]>Aug 31st 2007 9:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 10:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
You mean the UI that Creative owns...]]>Aug 31st 2007 11:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
Usually such comments about holding off are saved for the, well, 'comments' section.

I also agree with your other post about the 'wishy washy' language of this particular article such as "certainly passable", or the "not a standout on feature set" (which is a far cry MORE standout than any iPod out there). ;)

(and NO I don't work for Creative, nor own any Creative player)

I guess I'll just stick to the iGadget... I mean... engadget RSS feed, so that I can get to sources quicker.]]>Aug 31st 2007 2:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 5:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
Times change ... with the iPod we're locked into iTunes, which used to be such a cool way to manage my music, but the current version in my decent spec Vista machine takes ages to load and isn't half as snappy as Windows Media Player (which used to be shite but is now all right).

Verdict - I think we should give Creative a chance, competition is a good thing and I hate market dominance by Apple or Microsoft or any one else.]]>Aug 31st 2007 8:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 9:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 10:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 9:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 1:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
"Creative's ZEN makes the Nano look like a kids toy; Can Apple come close to these features? Wait and see Sept. 5th"
]]>Aug 31st 2007 9:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 9:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
It just seems like every post is a battle for the engadget writers to not flat out say "I hate it, it's not an iPod." All we get is an "oh, it's OK, I guess, if you like that kind of thing... but you shouldn't". We even get complaints about things in the Zen that are the same or better than the iPod nano/video:

() More features than an iPod? "not ... much of a stand-out on looks or feature set"
() Flash based player that's a little bigger than a nano, but has a screen the exact same size as the 5.5G iPod? "the 2.5-inch display isn't exactly large enough"

And let's not forget price. The current 4Gb iPod nano is $199 without discounts while this is coming out at 8Gb for $199. So unless Apple both adds video support to the nano AND drops the price point on the nano line you're paying a 25%-100% price premium for what is arguably a better UI and a smaller form factor with worse codec support and audio quality.

The point is, this is a good player being put out that isn't just getting a tepid response, but rather the cold shoulder, for no apparent reason other than Engadget writers (strongly) partial to Apple products.]]>Aug 31st 2007 9:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
Besides, the iPod still isn't a stong brand in the portable video department. Especially the Creative/Archos/etc screens are much better than the Apple equivalents.

But hey, everybody knows that a mp3 player is THE way to show your coolness and fashion addiction. So who cares if this player is cheaper and better?! Let's all just wait for the next iPods and then throw away your old one, because nobody likes a iPod that's sooooooooo August 2007.]]>Aug 31st 2007 10:12AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
And don't you dare try that BS about iTunes integration. WMP syncs just fine without being a media nazi. I personally prefer hooking my player up in MSC mode, then dragging and dropping, but most people prefer a syncing system.

There is absolutely no reason to buy an iPod anymore. It has less features, costs more, and makes you a tool.]]>Aug 31st 2007 10:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 10:39AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 12:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 2:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
Hardly a bias piece IMO. He said the Creative player was good, straightforward and responsive, with good format support etc. Why is it bias for Engadget to recommend to its loyal readers to wait just a few days to see what another company brings out before buying? The bias is coming from those that hate anything Apple!
]]>Aug 31st 2007 10:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
I might be reading too much into it but everyone who agrees with me... raise your hands]]>Aug 31st 2007 11:10AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 11:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 11:45AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 12:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/or does it work as a MSD?
i like this... but i think engadget advise is very sound. as a consumer i want to have options, so why not wait 'till the 5th to have more options available to me?

It seems like (after the 5th) this will be the best time in a while to get a great MP3 player or PMP...

i love macs but i have never own an ipod... i a very happy with my yeep y7, until now. it seems like finally, the new pmp and mp3 players are taking a quantum leap in technology.

as a yeep user i have YP-P2 at the top of my list and this new zen at a close second. BUT...(and this is why i think engadget advice is so sound) all of this could change on the 5th. having 3 great products to choose will be a great buying experience.

]]>Aug 31st 2007 1:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
give me a break.

I want this item actually. but I'll be waiting. The apple announcement is one reason, and think about it. just last sunday the 4 gig creative zen v was on sale for $60. on release this thing was around $150 and now its average price was $120. So really why rush?

And the bottom line is its not like this is already in store. so when it comes to waiting to buy this item, you dont really have a choice anyways.]]>Aug 31st 2007 12:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 1:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 2:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 9:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
Over time the database of artists/album art has gone corrupt, and music has simply removed itself from the Zen. It only lists artists by 'track artist' instead of 'album artist', so even though I have an 80's collection, it now added another 45 artists with one song.

Apple takes better care of its customers. I've owned both. Not trash talking Creative, sadly its the truth. Support your products better.]]>Sep 1st 2007 2:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 3:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
I mean what is the point of reading them if all anyone is going to do is attack the writers for there POV?

Funny thing is, this only really happen in three places:

Gaming blogs
Gadget blogs
Celebrity blogs]]>Aug 31st 2007 7:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 9:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 9:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
I think it's fine if people are into iPods, but they should also take the time to look around and see other options because maybe, just maybe, they might find something better suited for them alone. Everybody has different tastes and needs and just because a product is the most advertised one, doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best one (or right one for you personally).

My 2 cents.]]>Aug 31st 2007 9:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Sep 8th 2007 2:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
]]>Aug 31st 2007 7:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Sep 1st 2007 1:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Aug 31st 2007 8:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
Engadget isn't the only one to do this -- in fact, they're not even the worst offender (cough, CNET). CNET's crimes are particularly ironic, since former mp3 editor James Kim (RIP) was a pretty strong advocate of -- Rio, I believe it was.]]>Aug 31st 2007 8:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
And for those of you who don't know, h.264 is an open video codec that requires quite a bit of processing power to both encode and decode, unless of course you happen to have a special chipset designed specifically for h.264. If the Zen did support h.264, I'd be able to put MANY more videos on.]]>Sep 24th 2007 6:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Oct 20th 2007 11:30AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/Sep 1st 2007 6:44AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
Can you people go to the Creative booth and snap a lot of pics from there.

Please... some people really need to know what all products have Creative shown at its booth.


Thanks!]]>Sep 1st 2007 6:40AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/hands-on-with-creatives-zen/
When will creative learn that it doesn't hurt to give at least a little support to the Linux/Mac crowd?]]>Sep 1st 2007 5:56PM