Everything Zen
Master of all except style
For something so small, the Creative Zen V Plus sure has a long name. But at least it's packed with features that live up to its long name despite its miniscule size. On the inside, you can't find a more worthy nano contender. The basic music playing capability is here, but the Zen V Plus is also loaded with extra features that aren't even found on the main competition's bigger players.
Despite its postage stamp-sized screen, the Zen V Plus can display video and photos. Journalists, students, and casual bootleggers will appreciate the built-in mic and line-in for on-the-fly audio recording. It's a do-all device that really doesn't try too hard to please. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface isn't confusing. In the event of a software crash, you'll appreciate the reset button. None of that hard-to-remember button press combo nonsense.
The screen, while being an OLED display, can be a bit blocky. Considering the screen size, we'll let it off easy. Those wanting to customize the ‘desktop' can do so with the Zen's changeable themes.
We've been accustomed to inflexible syncing software which comes with the popular players so we're very happy to discover that this teensy Zen gives us the option to drag and drop files – well, sort of. Once the Zen's software is installed, there's no need to launch a separate synching app. The player's icon pops up on the PC's file browser; you simply drag stuff in it. Another sweet thing about it is that the files i.e. DivX movies, are automatically transcoded for use by the player. Forget proprietary sync cables, the Zen can connect to the PC using a USB cable with a Mini B type end.
What the Zen wins over the nano for techie points, it loses out in the style department. With its all-plastic shell and wonky joystick, the Zen looks like a fat Zippo. It's also easy to mistake for a toy with its rounded edges. But the priceless thing about the Zen is the way you'll stand out from the white-headphone-wearing masses. Jerome Cordero Garcia
CREATIVE ZEN V PLUS 1GB | P10,950
www.creative.com
TECH 1GB capacity. 1.5-inch LCD screen. Transcoded video files. MP3, WMA, JPG support. Line-in, mic recording. 43.5 x 67.5 x 15.9mm. 43.5g.
LOVE Excellent sound processing. On-the-fly video transcoding
HATE Creaky plastic feel and tiny joystick.
WE SAY Technologically superior to the nano, it loses out for lack of design finesse and some build issues.
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T3 Magazine Philippines - January-February 2007 Issue
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 CREATIVE ZEN V PLUS 1G
Color combo
You can choose from two other color combos such as black-blue and green-blue.
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