iPod versus Zen Vision:M , part 1
I just received a 60GB black video iPod, so my comparison of the iPod (and iTunes) with my Creative Zen Vision:M (with Windows Media Player and Media Center).
First a physical comparison: Both units are impressively sleek looking, with a shiny black face and some minimal controls below the identical 2″ x 1-1/2″ video displays. The iPod has its round clickwheel, with a button on the center and buttons at each of the four major compass points. The Zen Vision:M has a slider in the center, with four illuminated controls at the corners.
Width and height are nearly identical at 2-38″ by 4″. That size is defined by the hard disk. The iPod, at 1/2″ thick, is a little slimmer than the Zen Vision:M. The iPod weighs 5-1/2 oz, which is 1/8 oz lighter than the Zen Vision:M.
Both turn on almost instantly – the iPod when you tap any button, the Zen Vision:M via a switch on the top of the player. The screen is sharp and easy to read; Creative chose a slightly larger font than Apple for its menus, but my 50-year-old eyes had no problem reading either one.
From a purely physical standpoint, there’s little to distinguish the devices except the slight difference in thickness. They both look sleek and modern.
Next up: Getting music and video onto the player.
Hi Ed – Are you able to copy your music in lossless format to the Zen M? I almost bought one but read that you have to convert first. I have a Toshiba Gigabeat S30 on pre-order, but found out that Gigabeats don’t work with audible.com books. Since I’ve had an audible.com subscription for several years I should go with the Zen M.
Ed,
There is a difference in the screens between the ipod and Zen. The Zen does 262K colors, while the iPod is only 65K colors.
Recently purchased the Zen and I love it. I use iTunes on my Mini to use the Store for PodCasts since WMP does not have a built in PodCast list, but use WMP for everything else.
AustinA6
actually ipod has a 260,00 color screen. But the zen is still better. no dought.
^^you should probably at least try to look up your facts before you go blabbin. the ipod has nowhere close to 260k color. its always had 65k. ive got NO idea where you got that.
Thanks for reviews as all are appreciated. Gave me iPod to my son and have gone with the Zen Vision:M. One only has to read this review to make a smart money decision and the right choice: http://seventhheavens.wordpress.com/2006/04/23/ipod-and-zen-vision-m/
The only thing I now want is more capacity and and easy way to add songs to playlists. Zen – bring on 60Gb!
apple vs. zen is like the battle of the sexes. only apple has a huge advantage over zen.
I purchased a Zen M when they first came out, however reading and checking on it. First, YES, you can change the battey in the Zen M, instruction at the Creative web site, Ipod you can not. The Zen will play anything you put in it, and I haven’t found nothing yet it wouldn’t play. I am 65 years old, and even my OLD eyes can tell the sharpness, clairity, quality of the picture. When hooking it to our 32″ LCD TV, and I have to say is WOW. You wouldn’t believe haw great the picture is. I load entire movies in the Zen, from my PC, and wife and I watch them throught the TV. I can asure you, no-other player of the same price range can even compair to the ZEN, by creative. We also just recieved our Travel Speakers, also by Creative. The size of half of a carton of cigerettes. two speakers, 2 watts per speaker, and what a sound. Think BOSE may have a running mate, and very in expensive. They also run off of battery or house current, or car. For price, quality, preformance, clarity, and viewing pleasure, there’s none better.
im the guy who said the ipod has a 260,000 color display. and i was right! even steve jobs the ceo of apple said it himsefl while he was presenting the ipod. dont believe me? just follow the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyblf2P_q5Q