Opinions on Creative Zen Micro

[jgbishop]

I'm looking at buying a Creative Zen Micro. I've read a number of mixed reviews, and was wondering what folks here think of it.

If you own one of these things, what do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Any and all comments are welcome!

 

[SrGuapo]

Originally posted by: jgbishop
I'm looking at buying a Creative Zen Micro. I've read a number of mixed reviews, and was wondering what folks here think of it.

If you own one of these things, what do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Any and all comments are welcome!

I had to RMA mine and I should be getting a replacement tomorrow... The USB port wasn't working. I assume this isn't a widespread issue though.

Overall, I liked it. I could play and record live radio, though the FM reception was a bit weak. Also, the sound quality (both the player and headphones) was excellent. The interface is pretty easy to get used to and I liked it. I would recommend it. My only complaint is the software (over 150MB!) but supposedly you can use MP10 and not have to install all the other crap.

 

[jgbishop]

Did you use the included ear buds? What's the quality of those?

 

[Mysteriouskk]

I like mine so far. Only a week old, and as of now, I have not had any problems with it. Its simple to use and works. I need to get better earphones though, so any recommendations would be nice for around $35-70

 

[jgbishop]

Thanks for the comments guys. Does anyone else have an opinion on the Zen Micro?

 

[robisc]

I had one and liked it, it is small. The only things I didn't like was the belt clip was junk and the FM reception is weak.

 

[MobiusPizza]

I haven't owned one. I prefer it over iPod. Suppose to have better sound quality than iPod
Even if the earbud is inferior you can always get a pair of Sennheiser MX500 cheap

The mass storage function is lacking due to the special file organisation on it. You have to manually set how much capacity you are using for mass storage function. It can then be used as a portable disk; You won't store music on the storage area; it won't play them. Music files still requires WMP or Media source for transfer.

 

[jgbishop]

I thought that the Zen Micro appeared as a new drive in Windows Explorer when you connected it to your PC, allowing you to simply drag and drop...

Any other opinions?

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: jgbishop
Did you use the included ear buds? What's the quality of those?

Most earbuds included with DAPs are trash. A few players (Rios and some Irivers, I believe) come with the lowest model of Sennheiser ear buds, which is a small step up. This is great imo - it provides the bare minimum for those who're ok with it, and not much of the purchase price (literally $1 at most) is wasted on phones that those more serious about sound would just replace anyway.

 

[ericlala]

I have one for a while and I have no problems at all. earplugs work great, usb was fine(im using my camera one though), drivers installed perfectly, rarely froze, and not overpriced like ipod.

 

[00obrimw]

I've got one and I think it's great. You can just drag and drop music once you have the drivers installed. And maybe it's because I haven't really listened to it using any other headphones but the bundled ones sound great to me and the sound quality can't be beaten.

 

[Maluno]

I got a creative labs zen xtra 30 GB about a year ago, and within 2 weeks the thing broke. It randomly would only broadcast on the left channel, and I had not abused it by dropping it or anything else. I RMA'd it and they sent me back another one with little hassle. This one lasted 3 months, just enough to screw me outside the warranty period. The player just crashed, and a blinking error logo comes up everytime i try to boot it. I cant reinstall the firmware, because the system says the hdd is messed up. Very dissapointed to say the least, and looking at their (creative's) forums, I see more than a few people having these problems.

I know this is a bit offtopic, because its not even the same unit, but I wanted to give you my opinion. The player was incredible when it worked; the interface was amazing, and simple, but that doesnt matter when your player doesnt work...

Oh, and btw, the software SUCKS. It is terrible, I somehow deleted the index of my music library twice and had to reimport the music each time. Dont ask how, I just am pissed off at the company right now. Just my opinion though, see what others have to say.

 

[jonny13]

I just received my Zen Micro yesterday and love it. I listened to some morning shows on the bus ride into the city this morning and it worked as wells as any other FM tuner on MP3 players. I did read that the tuner actually uses the ground wire of the ear phones as an antenea (sp?). So, depending on your earphones, you will get different reception.

The MP3 player works great and I love the random play all. Works great and haven't hit the same song again yet after about 50 songs. Overall, I love it. And for the same stuff that comes in the box, you need to spend about $260 or so for an IPOD Mini. So, this one is about $70 cheaper and a gig more memory.

And the removeable hard drive works great so you can transport your files around with you.

 

[ND40oz]

I got one before christmas when it first came out. Probably got ripped off a little since I paid 140 for the 512 model but I love the thing. You don't need the software, use media player or windows explorer. I had to upgrade the firmware on mine since the one it came with wouldn't let me browse folders. But once upgraded I could just drag and drop folders onto the device in windows. I also like the fact that it supported wma files because that's what I use to rip all my music. The inluded arm strap is great for the gym, but if your doing arms it will definitely leave marks on the skin, it could use a little more adjustability. The headphones sound great for something that comes bundled with the player. Only thing I don't like is they're white like the IPODs headphones. Other then that, great product and has a great battery life.

 

[jgbishop]

I have a few more questions:

1. Is it possible with the Zen Micro to skip to the next / previous track? If so, how is it done? I only see fast forward / rewind buttons on the device. Do you essentially tap the proper button to skip around?

2. I see that the "Plays for Sure" firmware updates reduce the number of media files you can hold on the unit. How much of a reduction does the update cause?

3. The "Plays for Sure" firmware update is apparently still in beta. Has anyone had any stability issues with it?

 

[Griffinhart]

Originally posted by: jgbishop
I have a few more questions:

1. Is it possible with the Zen Micro to skip to the next / previous track? If so, how is it done? I only see fast forward / rewind buttons on the device. Do you essentially tap the proper button to skip around?

The fastforward/rewind buttons are the skip to the next/previous track buttons. To fast forward you hold the button to skip you tap it.

2. I see that the "Plays for Sure" firmware updates reduce the number of media files you can hold on the unit. How much of a reduction does the update cause?

I have a mix of protected(Rhapsody) and unprotected WMAs ripped at 160 to 190. I currently have about 1000 songs on my Zen Micro and have a Gig free.

3. The "Plays for Sure" firmware update is apparently still in beta. Has anyone had any stability issues with it?

[/quote]
I updated the firmware a couple weeks ago to the beta So far, it's working great. no lockups or odd behavior. But, I only really use it while I'm in the car.

So far, I really like my Zen Micro.

 

[T9D]

I think I might pick one of these up today.

 

[Griffinhart]

Originally posted by: jonny13The MP3 player works great and I love the random play all. Works great and haven't hit the same song again yet after about 50 songs. Overall, I love it. And for the same stuff that comes in the box, you need to spend about $260 or so for an IPOD Mini. So, this one is about $70 cheaper and a gig more memory.

I noticed that too. I get the impression that the shuffle feature keeps track of what it played and won't repeat a song until it's gone through the list. In fact one shuffle setting will randomly play all songs on your playlist and then stop when it's finished.

Other than the cost difference between the micro and ipod mini, I think the two important differences (and there are other differences) is the 25% more space and the removable battery. $39 to get a spare battery for the Zen Micro vs $100(I've been told) and having to take you iPod to a service center to replace the battery.

 

[jgbishop]

Originally posted by: Griffinhart
Other than the cost difference between the micro and ipod mini, I think the two important differences (and there are other differences) is the 25% more space and the removable battery. $39 to get a spare battery for the Zen Micro vs $100(I've been told) and having to take you iPod to a service center to replace the battery.

The removable battery issue is indeed one of the major things I'm considering. The iPod really looks cool, but it sucks that you can't easily replace the battery after it wears out.

 

[TStep]

I got three of these things for my wife and two sons when they first came out. I mainly got them for Napster-2-go capability. After a little struggle and two or three firmware upgrades they work fine. I imagine they work perfectly out-of-the-box at this time. Sound is good, size is great. The boys had Gen4 Ipod 20g before this and they like the Zen better.

 

[fstime]

I'd take the Zen over that crappy Ipod mini any day.

Its great.

 

[jgbishop]

Which firmware do people use? The beta with WMP10 support, the "stable" one (without WMP10 support), or "whatever came in the thing to begin with"?

 

[TStep]

The beta with WMP10 support,

 

[T9D]

I got one today!

This thing rules. It's so sexy. And the sound qaulity is superb (Im using some really nice headphones).

 

[bjc112]

I don't have one, but get to use one pretty often.. Pretty nice litte unit overall, but I still like my iPod better..

The FM ability means nothing to me.. I have enough music that i don't need FM