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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 37 reviews
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Product summary
The good: The Creative Zen Sleek is a solid, music-only WMA device with an FM tuner; voice and FM recording; and compatibility with Outlook contacts, calendars, and tasks. Large controls and a sleek body make this solid-sounding device a nice, affordable high-capacity option. It's compatible with Audible, MP3, WMA (DRM 10/subscription), and WAV files.
The bad: The Creative Zen Sleek lacks a color screen for viewing photos or video, and its overall design is uninspiring. In addition, the device has a messy proprietary dock-connector cabling system, and the touch pad may not be the right interface for some users.
The bottom line: The Creative Zen Sleek is a decent WMA alternative for those looking for a music-only high-capacity MP3 player.
Specifications: Device type: Digital player / radio ; Digital player supported digital audio standards: MP3 , WAV , WMA , ADPCM , Protected WMA (DRM) ; Digital storage media capacity: 20 GB ; See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 01/19/2006
We must point out that the proprietary dock-connector system can be a royal pain, since the USB cable also integrates the power input. Although you can power the Creative Zen Sleek via USB, you'll need to carry two cables to get fast charging on the go. In some cases, you'll be charging up the Sleek with the attached USB cable inelegantly hanging off your player.
The Creative Zen Sleek ships with decent white earbuds, a power adapter, a USB cable-to-dock connection cable, a software CD, and a protective soft pouch. You can opt for the optional wired remote ($20) or the docking station ($40).
Functionally, the Creative Zen Sleek interface is standard enough to be intuitive the first try, though the player features a submenu button that gives users choices depending on what mode they're in. The Zen Sleek will play back MP3, WMA, WAV, and Audible files, and it's compatible with music store purchases and subscription files. You should update your Sleek to the latest firmware (2.01.03) if you haven't already.Conveniently, the Creative Zen Sleek offers an FM radio with 32 presets and the ability to record radio content. The voice recorder gives the Zen Sleek an additional edge over the iPod(the iPod can't record without extra accessories), but most other WMA competitors have included features such as recording and an FM tuner. Those looking for extras such as photo viewing or video playback should try elsewhere. Needless to say, you won't get album art on this model.
Like most Creative offerings, the Creative Zen Sleek lets you sync with Outlook calendar, tasks, and contact information. The device ships with Creative MediaSource Player/Organizer and Zen Media Explorer, but its works best with Windows Media Player 10 for most tasks. You can also customize your menu by bringing oft-used options to the top menu.
The Zen Sleek has excellent data transfer speeds. Our test MP3s traveled to our Sleek via USB 2.0 at a charged 5.9MB per second. Overall, system performance is nice and smooth, though the touch pad might be a bit too sensitive for some folks, no matter how much time they've spent with it.We did notice the Creative Zen Sleek's proclivity to slip into shut-down mode of its own accord, then freezing up before completing the shutdown. We weren't curious about the inclusion of a reset pinhole next to the docking port on the bottom of the player for very long.
On a positive note, the Creative Zen Sleek supplies big and crystal-clean 97dB signal-to-noise sound, plenty of volume, a "smart" volume setting to compensate for uneven digital modulation, and a variety of music-specific EQs to personalize your sound. The FM radio provides good separation between stations, a must in Manhattan and other frequency-filled metro areas, and a bit of tinkering led us to the correct method of setting the copious 32 presets. Battery life is rated for 18 hours, which is decent but is nothing compared with that of the Cowon iAudio X5, the Cowon X5L, the Sony HD5, and a few other high-capacity competitors.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 37 reviews
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Showing 3 of 37 user reviewsSee all 37 user reviews
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9 out of 9 people found this review helpful
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7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
"Is great in every aspect cept mainly for 14 hr battery life"
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6 out of 8 people found this review helpful
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