Want more Media for your Money? Try a Hard Drive Based Player
Apple may have beat the rest of the industry to the punch, but it is catching up. There’s a host of high capacity digital audio players out there, most of which are increasingly video capable. From Creative Labs to the Zune, we’ll introduce you to three of our favorites, and of course, showcase the iPod. Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Creative Lab’s Zen Vision: M
The key to making a fun, functional foe for an iPod is to make it USABLE. And Creative Labs scored big on that front with the Zen Vision: M. This pretty little predator has a bright 2.5-Inch color screen that makes vibrant photos, album art, and menus come alive in stunningly clear resolution. The patented ZEN user interface is easy to use and intuitive to figure out, even for first time users. The Zen Vision: M 30GB model can hold up to 15,000 songs or 240 hours of video, and supports a variety of formats. (DivX 4&5, MPEG 4-SP, and WMV v9, just to name a few)
The sound quality of the Creative Lab’s Zen Vision: M is impeccable. Though not quite as sleek as the iPod, but does feature a built-in FM radio tuner and a voice recorder for singing along or just making notes on your way home from work (or the beach!) The rechargeable battery lasts for up to 17 hours of audio or 5 hours of video. If you don’t want to constrain yourself to iTunes or doubt the first incarnation of the Zune can defeat the Apple Inc. Portable music Empire, then you want to check out the Creative Lab Zen Vision: M. Just promise to share with us once you’ve got one!
Microsoft Zune
How many other digital audio players sport wireless capabilities? None, that’s how many. At least none in this review. While there is some fledgling wireless action amongst the highest end portable video players, iPod and Creative Labs have left their players lingering in the last century world of corded connectivity.
Enter the Zune! Microsoft’s long awaited shot across Apple’s bow made waves upon release, and there’s good reason. The 30GB Zune features a massive 3-Inch LCD, enough to watch your video content very comfortably. Larger than your average iPod, the Zune sports simple and straightforward controls, without complications. Other great features include an FM radio and exclusive Zune Marketplace for online content.
While there a few restrictions, the Zune allows you to share music and photographs with friends via a Zune-to-Zune wireless connection. It can detect and “talk” to other Zunes in its coverage area as well. Anything from book recordings to homemade podcasts are fair game. You can turn these wireless neighborhood features off as well, should you want to be alone with your music. With a rechargeable battery and 320×240 resolution, this is a portable digital music player well worth considering.
Apple iPod
You either love them or hate them, but the truth is that Apple, and its Iconic iPod, are not going away. The device lineup that changed the portable music industry forever now sports up to 80GB models, fully capable of video and enhanced definition music. The 30GB model holds up to 7,500 songs, full-color album art and up to 12,500 photos, the new iPod makes the most of your music and more. Yeah, you’ve heard that tune before. Only now, you can watch it, too. With support for up to 75 hours of video and a 2.5-inch color display, and at less than half an inch thin, the new 30GB iPod takes up about 45 percent less room than the original iPod.
Apple’s online store gives you access to tons of audio and video content, plus a plethora of games as well. These latest-generation players have brighter screens than the originals, longer battery lives, and have a massive industry of iPod accessories to boot. The old click wheel control function is easy enough to use while asleep, and there’s a search function included on the new ones as well. It doesn’t matter what side of PC divide you stand on, you still should have at least one iPod in your digital stable!
Related Links: Creative Labs Zen Vision:M 30GB Portable Audio Player, Microsoft Zune 30GB Mobile Video Audio Player, Apple iPod 30GB MP3 and Video Portable Music Player
HOW CAN I CHANGE THE BATTERU IN MY ZEN!!!!!!!! I CAN FIND THE BATTERY ON EBAY BUT I CANT GET THE THING OPEN TO CHANGE IT IS THERE A MENUAL ON HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM!!!!!!!!!! MY ZEN WILL PLAY IF IT PLUGGED IN TO THE COMPUTER HOW EVER WHEN I TAKE IT OUT IT SHUT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!