Creative Zen Vision user reviews (30GB, Black)

Pros Sharp screen, nice form factor

Cons Very limited screen angle, cumbersome process for videos

Summary I ordered the Zen Vision directly from Creative, after trying from Cambridge Soundworks. I wanted to have it sooner, and Creative was able to ship it to me sooner than CSW can. When I first turned the ZV on, the first thing I noticed is 1 dead pixel! I couldn't believe the luck I had. But, I thought I could overlook that if the device impressed.

I first browsed through the photos and videos preloaded on the ZV, and was blown away by the sharpness and the vibrant colors. Great screen, but you had to be at just the right angle. But, even when viewed at the right angle, the black areas in the photos seems to be a bit reflective, making the picture look kind of weird.

After browsing through all the preloaded photos, I tried the videos. Load times were acceptable, although not super quick. I noticed a bit of a flicker when viewing videos, which was adding to my tendency of returning the device. Video was smooth, but I only viewed the two that were preloaded.

After browsing through all of Creative's preloaded material, I decided to install the software. I found out that without the software, I couldn't get my laptop to recognize the device. I was hoping that it would at least recognize a removable hard drive, so I could also use it as a portable hard drive to share files/photos.

I couldn't get the Creative software to install at first, due to some issues with quicktime. I posted this on the discussion forum on Creative's website, and got a relatively quick response to the problem. Some conflict with quicktime, and I had to rename a quicktime file to get the Creative software to install.

After the install, putting photos onto the ZV was pretty easy, but videos were more difficult. I had wanted to put some clips from my dvd collection onto the ZV, but I think it takes a more tech saavy person to do it. I couldn't get the ripped dvd files into the right format for the ZV, and gave up after about an hour of trying. I didn't try any home movies or recorded tv.

Overall, I was very impressed with the screen resolution, but the viewing angle offset that somewhat. Also, I was hoping it'd be easier to put content on, and being less tech saavy, I was unsuccessful in loading videos onto the ZV. Combined with the one dead pixel, I decided to return the ZV, and wait for the next gen PVPs.

Pros The vast amount of features the baby has.

Cons only 30 gigs, and cant record from the tv

Summary This product has so much to offer, i was so happy to find it. Originally i was looking at the archos av500 but than i noticed the bad support it offered on media formats and the crappy screen resolution. I even looked into the Ipod video and was dissapoited by the battery life, only 2.5.
The Zen vision can handle the most popular video formats along with MP3 and WMA's. It has a removable battery and a standard battery life of 4.5hrs Video and 13hrs music. They even offer a better battery that gives 9hrs of video and 26 music. it just clips in where the other battery WOULD go. The player is really low profile and has a sleek design in 2 colors. The sound is so awsome, much better than any apple mp3.
I only ever saw one other ch as this. It was called the Vilvi P1. It was just as good if not better with more colors. only prob was it was from korea and hasnt made its way here yet. I have done my research, and with that i have completly fallen in love with the zen. This is the best alternative to having a portable dvd player or a cd player. Plus the price isnt too bad either.
-Andrew

Pros Excellent display, Ample storage, Good Sound,FMradio

Cons Pouch, Battery life of 13 hrs for me is average

Summary Let's start with the reason i bought the product. Primarily for storing pictures when I am on vacation. You may say there are more bulk storage devices out there for about the same price with more storage capacity. But I always carry a discman(with mp3) with me. And thought by buying this why not buy something that does it all. The Zen vision certainly complies with this.
Transferring pictures from the Compactflash is fast and easy. So it fullfils my primary objective.
With 30GB of storage I can easily store 5 to 10 GB of music and leave enough space to store my pics. 5 to 10 GB of music is days of playback without repeating a song.
The controls on the player you need to get used to but after a couple of days it is easy to use. Manual is not really good but it is is not really required.
The software coming with the player is easy to use at least for the basic thing like transferring media, setting up playlist and so on.
From all the devices I have seen this screen is the best. Razor sharp and nice colors. the only con is the angle you need to look right at the player. So looking wiht more than 2 people can be a pain.
Battery life is so so. Compared to the reviews of other players this player suppose to be reasonable. That says a lot about the other players. The battery life is as specified but 13 hrs for listining to music is short. I tend to spent more hours that that travelling.
BE AWARE for the ones who buy the white player. All player come with a black pouch. Inside this pouch there is a piece of leather feeling cloth attached which I think is for cleaning the screen. I still did not figure this out. But this piece of cloth will stain the white player. It will leave with a black marking on the back and it is very difficult to remove. Black colored players will not experience this I assume.

Pros plays videos, mp3, 20GB, removable battery

Cons No FM radio (so far)

Summary Most likely in response to Apple's iPod (which now has a standard color screen/photo capabilities), Creative has a great design for their lastest creation. For 20 Gb, hopefully will be in the $300-355 range. Hope to see it in stores soon.