Anybody have a Zen Micro?

[sbj405]

Ducks

I know this is ipod-land, but I'm curious if anyone have the Creative Lab's Zen Micro and what your review.

[Misunderestimator]

1. No, but I have a Zen alarm clock

[4_Legs_Good]

2. I have both! (a Zen and a Zen clock) so I WIN!!!!

Actually I don't have a Zen Micro, but I do have an Zen XTRA, and for all I know it's as good as an iPod.

/ducks

I did buy some RedHat software without even trying the Creative software, but I gotta say I love the thing. 30GB, changeable battery. Slightly annoying interface, but not that bad really, just kinda dangerous to poke around with while driving.

Let me know if you have any questions, but it's not a micro.

david

I also like my Zen alarm clocks!

[sbj405]

6. How is the software?

I read that their software is the only way to transfer music. I have a lot of music on my harddrive that i'd want to move over, so I'm curious what you think of the software.

[4_Legs_Good]

7. To be honest, I have no clue...

I use Red Chair Notmad Software for everything. It's $15 shareware, and it works fantastically. You can drag and drop stuff and use the Zen as an extermal data drive, etc.

I never even tried the Creative software. I had had a Nomad II way back and the software was kinda weak, so when I bought my Nomad Zen (from Buy.com - great deal!), I had read a planted review at Amazon about the Notmad software, and went for it.

http://www.redchairsoftware.com/notmad

Anyway, so I can't give much advice on the Creative software, but with the NotMad stuff, it works very well

david

[chelsea0011]

3. We gave one to my son for Xmas

As far as I know, he loves it. He uses Napster for downloads and has no trouble at all. He says the ear plugs are a huge step up from the iRiver he has used in the past. The touch scroll was the feature that seemed to get the most criticized in some reviews. He says it works fine once you get the feel of it. I've used the touch scroll and actually like it. Here's what I think you need to think about. From what I've read and from what others say, you can't find better than the iPod. However, do you want only one choice in music downloads with iTunes? They would have to have a contract with every musician to satisfy everyone. They won't. Zen and other will allow you to download from many sites with musicians that may not be on iTunes. AC/DC is one. They are in contract talks(or have signed) with MSN Music to have them on their site. Zen has FM radio. Is this an issue? Do you want a removable battery(my son's came with the extra battery included-you may still fine these out there-they were in the first 35000 units)? I'm not trying to sell Zen, but iPod is not the only game in town anymore.

[sbj405]

5. Thanks for the info

You pretty much hit all my concerns. Battery, download limitations, radio - all the reasons I'm leaning towards the Zen. Also, it's an extra 1 gb for a bit less $.

[Deja Q]

4. I only know of Zen from Blake's 7, but ANY portable device that is

solid-state and encourages people to simply throw it out is a no-no.