Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player
Creative Labs has created the Zen 8GB Portable Media Player with incredible features in a sleek, credit card sized design. With its 2.5" TFT screen displaying 16.7 million colors, your movies and photos will come to life. The integrated SD slot will handle memory cards up to 8GB making your ZEN very expandable. The ZEN has a built-in FM tuner and microphone for recording meetings and instant memos. Besides viewing MJPEG, WMV9, MPEG4-SP, DivX 4/5 and XviD file formats, the ZEN can playback MP3, WMA, WAV and even AAC files for seamless integration with iTunes.
- Compact Size
- The ZEN is smaller than a credit card but will playback music, video, photos and FM radio.
- 8GB of Memory
- The ZEN has 8GB of memory to hold 2000 songs.
- Visual Delight
- The 2.5" TFT screen can display 16.7 million colors.
- Multiple Formats
- The ZEN can play back MJPEG, WMV9, MPEG4-SP, DivX 4/5, XviD, MP3, WMA, AAC {supports iTunes}(.m4A), WAV (ADPCM), Audible 2,3,4, JPEG (BMP/ GIF / PNG / TIFF).
- Expandable
- The ZEN can handle SD cards up to 8GB for easy expandability.
- Intuitive Interface
- Control your ZEN easily with its user-friendly interface. You can listen to music and view photos at the same time. Create your own custom wallpaper as well.
- Integrated FM Tuner
- The built-in FM tuner has 32 presets for listening to local programming including news, weather and traffic.
- Zencast
- Partake in the vast collection of free video and audio podcast channels on www.zencast.com.
- Built-in Microphone
- The ZEN can record instant voice memos with its built-in microphone.
- Rechargeable Battery
- The ZEN can playback 30 hours of music and 5 hours of video.
- Calendar and Alarm
- Sync your ZEN with Outlook and keep track of appointments, birthdays, etc.
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 8GB |
| Type | Flash |
| Expansion Slot | SD |
| Audio | |
|---|---|
| Codecs Supported | MP3, WMA, non-protected AAC, WAV and Audible 2,3,4, JPEG and (with transcoding - GIF, TIFF, PNG and BMP), MJPEG, WMV9 and (with transcoding - MPEG1 and 2, MPEG4-SP, DivX 4 and 5 andXviD |
| Frequency Range | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Voice Recorder | Yes |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| FM Recording | No |
| Data Storage | Yes |
| Photo Viewer | Yes |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| LCD | 2.5" (320 x 240) TFT |
| Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB |
| Audio Input | USB |
| Audio Output | 3.5mm miniplug |
| Other Ports | SD |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| AC | No |
| Battery | Embedded Li-ion battery |
| Charger | USB |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Microsoft Windows XP (Service Pack 2) / Microsoft Windows Vista USB 1.1 port (USB 2.0 recommended for faster transfers) 130MB free hard drive space (1GB or more recommended) |
| Upgradeable Firmware | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Size (WxHxD) | 2.16 x 3.26 x 0.45" (55 x 83 x 11.3mm) |
| Weight | 2.23 oz (65g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 17 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
93%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Great sound (12)
- Simple controls (11)
- Lots of storage (10)
- Reliable (10)
- Easy to set up (9)
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel (10)
- Gym / working out (9)
- At work (8)
- Commuting (7)
- Sports (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual listener (7), Avid listener (5)
- Primary use:
- Personal (14)
Most Liked Positive Review
Has worked flawlessly
Bought this for my 10 year old daughter and this thing has been glued to her hand at least 3 hours each and every day. She's had it about 4 months now and loves it...Read complete review
Bought this for my 10 year old daughter and this thing has been glued to her hand at least 3 hours each and every day. She's had it about 4 months now and loves it. Her sister has a iPod nano 4GB model and this kid prefers her Zen. When her peer ask why she didn't get an iPod, she answers like a paid endorser. She says:
1. The Zen has a radio.
2. I can record your conversations.
3. I can take the chip out of my camera and put it in here, and look at pictures on the bigger screen.
4. It's a lot easier to put songs on it, I don't have to mess with iTunes.
As far as reliability, if it can withstand the vigors of an active 10 year old, I guess it's pretty sturdy.
She much preferred the Sennheiser PX-100's I got for her also, but THOSE broke.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
"I liked this product when it worked"
I have gone through 2 Zens since the beginning of 2008 because both have crapped out on me. Both Zens I've had would all of a sudden turn to a blank screen with the player...Read complete review
I have gone through 2 Zens since the beginning of 2008 because both have crapped out on me. Both Zens I've had would all of a sudden turn to a blank screen with the player still on, and I either had to wait for the battery to run out or hit the reset button. When it did work though, I enjoyed it, especially because of the ease at which files could be transferred on and off the player. I'm 0 for 2 though, so I won't go back to this product.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 17 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-17
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Lots of Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Sleek/Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- At Work
- Commuting
- Gym / Working Out
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
A simple, small, media player, that also plays video, with Radio, etc.
Overall I'm quite satisfied.
I like the controls, the experience of using it, and the screen. The sound quality is what you'd expect: quite good.
Things I would have preferred otherwise:
- That it did not require special software to be able to connect it to a computer.
- That it had a slightly bigger screen.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Picture Quality
- Great Sound
- Lots of Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Sleek/Compact
Cons
- SD slot has seperate menu
Best Uses
- Anywhere
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
this Zen is a really good product. it has worked for me all the time. the picture and video quality is excellent. the storage is adequate for my needs as a casual listener, and the sd slot comes in handy. the fm radio works well and the battery life is fairly long. my only complaint would be that the sd slot has a seperate menu and there is no set volume rocker, but both of these are minor issues. i reallyreallyreally do love this Zen.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Lots of Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Sleek/Compact
Cons
- Hard to upload movies
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Anywhere
- At Work
- Gym / Working Out
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
Very simple & easy to navigate. Had issues uploading movies to device. Love all other features.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Lots of Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Sleek/Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Anywhere
- Commuting
- Gym / Working Out
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
Wonderfull MP3 player.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Lots of Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
Cons
- There are NO cons
Best Uses
- Anywhere
- At Work
- Commuting
- Gym / Working Out
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
Everything you wanted in a mp3, is in a Zen. Don't miss out. I think this version is better than the newest one. Trust me, I just got one 2 weeks ago. Don't make a mistake. If you have a chance to buy it get. On this very website I got mines. Get yours: it's only [$]
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Lots of Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Sleek/Compact
- Tough
Cons
- Confusing Controls
Best Uses
- At Work
- Commuting
- Gym / Working Out
- Sports
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
I love the sound and especially the video quality on this little guy. It works with Linux (yay!) and I have been able to convert videos to the format it wants in very little time as well as use linux programs to push data across to the unit. Sometimes certain media can not be fast forwarded and sometimes it doesn't offer resume-support for certain media but I am working on resolving that issue. The button controls are not 100% intuitive if you are using while driving so it takes using it for a little bit before your fingers know where to go. Overall, I am satisfied.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Lots of Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Sleek/Compact
- Tough
Cons
Best Uses
- At Work
- Commuting
- Gym / Working Out
- Sports
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
You can download music, books, pictures and videos. That makes this product perfect for working out, travelling, studying and work. And you can use when you want to show your friends and family your photos:) It also have a radio, and that is so great! I love this product:)
Pros
- Great Sound
- Simple Controls
- Sleek/Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
Very good product. The problem is that only works with driver instalation in PC. Isn´t like other MP3s. But the best is that didn´t convert the files like IPOD. Easy to use, good battery life.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Great Sound
- Lots of Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Sleek/Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- At Work
- Gym / Working Out
- Sports
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
I love the sleek design and the incredible menu's that make it easy to perform functions. The Music is easy to setup and and to transfer onto the mp3 player. The controls are well placed for easy maneuverability.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Great Sound
- Lots of Storage
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
- Sleek/Compact
- Tough
Cons
Best Uses
- Commuting
- Gym / Working Out
- Sports
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
I've had a few creative mp3 players and an ipod or two and this is by far my favorite player yet. creative makes great products and this one definitely does not disappoint. it's versatile enough to use at the gym or shove in your pocket for a commute, and has enough storage capacity to never get bored with your song selection. all in all, an outstanding product.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Reliable Performance
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
This is a solid player I had for just shy of one year so far. It works pretty well except one problem I encountered quite a few times:
Crashing. Particularity when I rewind videos. It just freezes and I need to insert a needle to restart it. Afterwords everything seems fine.
It has everything an iPod has and more with an FM radio, SD card slot, customizable interface (menus and the background), and microphone. and with all the standers like pictures and video
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Great Sound
- Lots of Storage
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
- At Work
- Travel
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
I can hear my favourite music all day long
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accepts SD cards
- Downloads MUCH easier
- Great screen
- Has a radio
- Sounds fine
- Sturdy build quality
- Voice recorder
Cons
- SD card has separate menu
Best Uses
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
Bought this for my 10 year old daughter and this thing has been glued to her hand at least 3 hours each and every day. She's had it about 4 months now and loves it. Her sister has a iPod nano 4GB model and this kid prefers her Zen. When her peer ask why she didn't get an iPod, she answers like a paid endorser. She says:
1. The Zen has a radio.
2. I can record your conversations.
3. I can take the chip out of my camera and put it in here, and look at pictures on the bigger screen.
4. It's a lot easier to put songs on it, I don't have to mess with iTunes.
As far as reliability, if it can withstand the vigors of an active 10 year old, I guess it's pretty sturdy.
She much preferred the Sennheiser PX-100's I got for her also, but THOSE broke.
- How long have you owned it:
- Three-to-six months
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Great Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- At Work
- Commuting
- Gym / Working Out
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
Good mp3 player. Sound is good...although not as great as the Cowan D2. For the price this is a good buy. The only thing I don't like about the Zen are the headsets. If you are going to work out at the gym, you got to buy a different headset. They keep falling off..but maybe that's just me.
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy to transfer files
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
I have gone through 2 Zens since the beginning of 2008 because both have crapped out on me. Both Zens I've had would all of a sudden turn to a blank screen with the player still on, and I either had to wait for the battery to run out or hit the reset button. When it did work though, I enjoyed it, especially because of the ease at which files could be transferred on and off the player. I'm 0 for 2 though, so I won't go back to this product.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Good Value
- High Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
Slim, comfortable, functional. Sound that comes out of this thing is the best I have heard from many mp3 players. Currently own a nano and am considering giving it to my dog...only thing I'm concerned on the Zen is the scratchability, if that were a word. Need to get the case. The zen is sooo easy to transfer files...simply hook up the USB and transfer onto player. Love it! Much better than IPOD.
- Similar:
- ipod
Pros
- None
Cons
- Low Quality
- Never worked
Best Uses
Comments about Creative Labs Zen 8GB Portable Media Player:
If you are looking for a player then stay away from this one, Creative has some great products but they really failed miserably on this one.... Do your research and Read reviews, look around, many many many others have had issues with this particular player.. I thought that I might be one of the few that didn't but I was wrong...Do not waste your time on this, firmware upgrades do not help...
Displaying reviews 1-17
What's in the Box
- Zen 8GB Portable Media Player
- Earphones
- USB 2.0 Cable
- Installation CD
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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