Can anyone help me with my first MP3 player purchase ?

cookie_monster

In the same boat as the OP, very interested in the creative zen models as there seem to be good reviews on them. Looking at getting the 32gb model zen.

duncansby

I bought a Creative zen and one for my son 3 years ago and was very pleased with them.

However, I have since changed them both to Apple ipods and would recommend that you do the same for one simple reason - itunes is the very best software and music store bar none.

When I had the creative I used windows media player which was a poor imitation and clumsy to use. Tesco, woolies, wippit, hmv, msn - I tried all these different stores and they were complete pants compared to itunes - save youself a lot of hassle and get an ipod

Murphy_The_Cat

Backbiter wrote: »

I've owned a few Creative MP3s for several years and have NEVER had a problem. I keep buying new models just because I keep thinking 'That's cheap for a1gb/ 2gb player' and give the others to my wife and 3 kids.

Have you seen this offer?
http://uk.europe.creative.com/shop/product_bundles.asp?category=111&subcategory=125&product=1853&page=

thanks for the link (& other info)- I hadn't seen the offer, but for the extra £10 (on this occassion) I'm happy to have bought from someone who gives a 12 month warranty, rather than the 3 month for the refurbished item. :beer:

cookie_monster wrote:

In the same boat as the OP, very interested in the creative zen models as there seem to be good reviews on them. Looking at getting the 32gb model zen.

they do seem to get very good reviews, don't they ?

duncansby wrote:

I bought a Creative zen and one for my son 3 years ago and was very pleased with them.

However, I have since changed them both to Apple ipods and would recommend that you do the same for one simple reason - itunes is the very best software and music store bar none.

When I had the creative I used windows media player which was a poor imitation and clumsy to use. Tesco, woolies, wippit, hmv, msn - I tried all these different stores and they were complete pants compared to itunes - save youself a lot of hassle and get an ipod

thanks for the advice -- thankfully, it'll be Mrs Cat who is going to use it most of the time, so if its a PITA to use, maybe she won't spend so much money on it :rotfl::rotfl:.
Hopefully it will do everything that we are looking for (i hope so, as we've now ordered it :j)

Sput2001

I've got an iRiver H320 (now a few years old) and it (just about) beats an iPod in terms of sound quality, but walks all over it as far as transferring music files goes, mainly because it uses a simple drag & drop system, rather than tying you in to syncing with iTunes (which is not the best ripping software available, incidentally, although it's OK). I don't know much about the Creative models you;re looking at, so I can't offer a comparison.

iRivers normally have recording capability (including a built in mic) and FM Tuners, too. The interface initially flummoxes some people (largely because it's different to an iPod) but it's easy enough to get the hang of. I actually found it quite intuitive. It probably won't get voted "sexiest mp3 player in the world" by Bimbo Airhead Hairdesser magazine, but then, who cares?

I'd seriously consider the iRiver E100, the Clix2 or the L Player.

I wouldn't get too hung up over video playback (although the three models above do have it). The screens are too small for it be be much more than novelty value.

Marty_J

iTunes is drag and drop too though, isn't it?

I watch video on my iPod all the time. Watching an episode of South Park when I have 20 minutes to wait for a train is very nice, and is certainly much more than a novelty. The only inconvenience is that sitting by yourself laughing in public tends to get you some funny looks. Still, it means I always get a seat to myself.

Anyhow, the OP has already ordered, so it's a bit late for recommendations now!

eamon

I don't think much of the FM transmitters either. I've two of them. They are just not powerful enough to compete with the plethora of FM stations that exist in most of our urban areas. Wish now I'd that I'd bought one of those car head units with front line in socket that LIDL were selling last year instead of wasting £15 on almost useless gadgets.

Eamon

Murphy_The_Cat

NickMidgley wrote: »

I'd seriously consider the iRiver E100, the Clix2 or the L Player.

I wouldn't get too hung up over video playback (although the three models above do have it). The screens are too small for it be be much more than novelty value.

Hello Nick

If the Zen doesn't work out for me, then I'll remember your recommendations.
Mrs Cat has absolutely no intention of using the screen at all, whatsoever, never, ever - me on the other hand, thinks that it may be of some use whilst I'm stuck on cross trainer for an extended period :beer:

Marty_J wrote:

Anyhow, the OP has already ordered, so it's a bit late for recommendations now!

aye, but if it all takes the discussion onwards and helps other people, them I'm all for it :j

eamon wrote:

I don't think much of the FM transmitters either. I've two of them. They are just not powerful enough to compete with the plethora of FM stations that exist in most of our urban areas. Wish now I'd that I'd bought one of those car head units with front line in socket that LIDL were selling last year instead of wasting £15 on almost useless gadgets.

Eamon

Hopefully with living in deepest, darkest Cumbria, where getting ANY FM signal to lock for an extended period can be 'ahem' challenging, at times, we may get more look (besides which, my car has a MP3 compatible 6cd stacker in it ), so I won't be to upset.

buglawton

My wife got a Creative Zen Plus for last Xmas, I was so impressed I got the same model (4gb) off Ebay some months later for 1/3rd of the price. It needed a full reset and is just as good as hers. A brill machine.

pavlovs_dog

hey murph, nice to see you round - you have a good holiday?

im probbaly too late to be of use :rolleyes: but im another creative fan who avoids ipod mania at all costs :wave: i have an old generation creative zen which is still going strong *touch wood* unfortunately, its a bit bulky by todays' standards, so i tend to use it in the house as a replacement for the stereo system. get fab sound through one of these nifty little things

as for use in the gym, i have something similar to this. its small, light, ideal for the gym and running, if it does get lost/pinched/damaged its not the end of the world because its cheap and cheerful. that said, whilst it is the cheapest mp3 player ive ever bought, it is also one of the best. drag and drop interfacing means it is beyond simple to load, usb connectivity is superquick, an aaa battery lasts forever and a day so its also cheap to run. there are no bells and whistles (which are hard to use when on gym equipment anyway), its just plain, simple and CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!!!

Murphy_The_Cat

pavlovs_dog wrote: »

hey murph, nice to see you round - you have a good holiday?

im probbaly too late to be of use :rolleyes: but im another creative fan who avoids ipod mania at all costs :wave: i have an old generation creative zen which is still going strong *touch wood* unfortunately, its a bit bulky by todays' standards, so i tend to use it in the house as a replacement for the stereo system. get fab sound through one of these nifty little things

as for use in the gym, i have something similar to this. its small, light, ideal for the gym and running, if it does get lost/pinched/damaged its not the end of the world because its cheap and cheerful. that said, whilst it is the cheapest mp3 player ive ever bought, it is also one of the best. drag and drop interfacing means it is beyond simple to load, usb connectivity is superquick, an aaa battery lasts forever and a day so its also cheap to run. there are no bells and whistles (which are hard to use when on gym equipment anyway), its just plain, simple and CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!!!

its possibly the best month of my life so far (definitely the most expensive :beer:) - but its back to England with a bump now

can anyone give me a Zen Virgins guide on how to get visual/movies onto my Zen ?