Creative Technology - ZEN (4GB) Digital Media Player Review

I purchased a 32GB Creative Zen and added a 16GB SDHD card for a whopping 48GB of memory in a device that is the size of a credit card and is as thick as a CD case.  No hard drive means no moving parts that suck the battery dry as well as beign susceptible to shock.

Easy to use - downloading is a cinch.  I've added about 300 photos and 3000 songs.  I've also added about 75 hours worth of books on CD.  Still, the device is less than half full (my music is typically 192 or 256 Kbs, MP3 format while the books are 96kbs WMA - don't need the same resolution quality for speech)   Soon, I'll add some video but I need to acquire the appropriate ripping software first.

This device has a built in FM tuner and voice recorder, calendar, and alarm clock.  My biggest compliants - no removeable battery (just like the ipod in this category) and, like most mp3 players nowdays, includes very few accessories (case, car charger, wall charger, screen protector, and lanyard are not included - just a USB cable for downloading music and charging the Zen.  Also, the included headphones are mediochre at best.

Overall, I really like this device- great for my travelling around the country for work - and the screen is a thing of beauty to look at.  Recommended!!!