Creative Zen Vision (30GB, Black)

Pros: Bright Screen, Intuitive Interface

Cons: In-Built Speakers Quite Weak, Buttons Quite Stiff

Summary: Overall, I like this gadget. The screen is bright enough and apart from some .avi files, the rest of the video files played seamlessly. Audio quality is good when using earphones. My major gripe is the screen. I used this baby for around 9 days then one day while I was on the way to work and had the urge to watch an episode of my favourite anime, I noticed a black blotch on the right hand side of the screen.

I had kept the Zen Vision in its box on my bookshelf and was sparingly used prior to that. So I made my way to the Creative HQ to get it fixed.

However, after analyzing the screen the Customer Service staff told me that the damage was not covered under the warranty and the cause of the blotch is due to putting a sharp object on top of the Zen Vision.

That thing was a SGD$699 investment and is still brand new. Why would I want to put something hard or sharp on top of it?

The staff, a lady, did mentioned to me that if it was returned within 7 days of the purchase date, it would have been replaced. Well, I'm stumped and stupified.

Well, here's the frustrating part of it all. I figured I wasn't gonna live with the blotch so I enquired how much would the charges be should I wanted it to be repaired at my cost.

Her answer -> THE SCREEN CAN'T BE REPAIRED SINCE IT IS ATTACHED TO THE HARDWARE INSIDE THE DEVICE.

Now, why would Creative create a device that can't be repaired?

What's the point of having the warranty if at their own assumption and discretion that I had put a heavy and sharp object and thus nullfying the warranty?

Right now I have a pristine Creative Zen Vision,a SGD$699 investment nicely tuck in its box. I tried to use that gadget again but everytime I switch it ON, it reminded me of the fact that the screen can't be repaired. I'm disgusted. Something with such a beautiful screen and yet so flawed.

I owned a SONY PSP, 3rd Gen IPOD and even had purchase a Creative Jukebox before.

This is by far the most painful investment I ever had.

So beware, be very aware of that SCREEN....

Just don't get the screen accidentally or purposely damaged.... You just might not be able to appreciate the screen anymore after that since it CAN'T BE REPAIRED.