Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player Orange

Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player Orange

Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
Ready for remarkably thin and powerful performance from your portable music device? The Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player is the ticket. Incredibly thin and lightweight, it's packed with the latest features to meet all your needs. Enjoy amazing, skip free, audio quality when you're listening to your MP3 and WMA music. The Nano Plus is much more than just a music player; it includes an FM tuner, voice/FM recording, and line-in encoding for direct connection and recording from any audio source. Use the Nano Plus to record music directly from your CD player, without a computer.

Of course, if you do have a computer you can transfer audio and data files in seconds with "drag-and-drop" ease -- and without software -- using the player's USB 2.0 connection. Meanwhile, the Auto Synchronization feature makes it easy to transfer your favorite songs and albums from CDs through the line-in port. Battery life is outstanding, allowing you to listen to music for up to 18 hours on a single AAA battery. Now you can keep the tunes rolling all day long, and do it in style, as the Zen Nano plus comes in ten fun, vibrant colors. The 1 GB model's flash memory can store up to 500 songs (WMA-encoding, 64 kbps).

The FM tuner lets you tune 32 stations. As mentioned, you can also record FM radio so you can catch your favorite tunes or talk shows later on. The built in microphone lets you record voice conversations -- great for those long lectures at school. You can also use the Nano Plus as a portable mini hard drive, allowing you to store data files such as photos and presentations. The unit's LCD is even reversible for left or right handed operation. Last but not least, the Zen Nano sports equalizer presets (Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock) that make your music sound better.

What's in the Box
Zen Nano Plus, high quality earphones, AAA Battery, USB 2.0 Cable, line-in cable, quick start booklet, installation CD and neck strap.

Product Description:
The Zen Nano Plus 1GB MP3/WMA Player blends fucntionality wth style, for a practical MP3 player that fits your life. This slim, trendy MP3 player was designed to fit perfectly in a pocket or backpack, or on your armband. Bring your favorite tunes with you everywhere, without having to lug around space-eating CDs. The built-in FM radio and recorder gives you access to free music, sports and news, twenty-four hours a day. Direct CD Recording pulls your songs directly from a CD player or other audio source, without using a PC. Includes sports armband, carrying case and belt clip Signal-to-Noise Ratio - Up to 90dB Frequency Response - 20Hz-20KHz Harmonic Response Output - <0.1% Requires 1 AAA battery System Requirements - Windows 98SE to XP, Pentium 350 MHz or AMD 450 MHz processor Dimensions(WxHxD) - 1.32 x 2.58 x 0.51 Weight - 8 oz. (without battery)

Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player Orange
Average customer rating:

Does the job it's made for

Very Good MP3 Player - but is it right for you?

Simple but useful

Great MP3 player! Small, sleek, and easy to use!

A $130 aquarium ornament...

Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player Orange

Manufacturer: Creative Labs
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

MP3 Players | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
1 GB | Flash Drive-Based | MP3 Players | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Similar Items:

Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player 1GB ( Pink )

Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player (Blue)

Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player (Black)

Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player Red

Accessories:

iTunes $15 Prepaid Card

Shure E4c Sound Isolating Earphones

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pro Earphones (White)

Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 EB Earphones (White)

Belkin F8V3080 TuneCast II Mobile FM Transmitter

Product Features:

Stores up to 500 songs on 1 GB internal flash memory

Includes an FM tuner, voice/FM recording, and line-in encoding

Super slim and lightweight design

Drive mode allows you to store data files such as photos and presentations

High-speed USB 2.0 connectivity

ASIN: B0009F3SGY

Product Description

The Zen Nano Plus 1GB MP3/WMA Player blends fucntionality wth style, for a practical MP3 player that fits your life. This slim, trendy MP3 player was designed to fit perfectly in a pocket or backpack, or on your armband. Bring your favorite tunes with you everywhere, without having to lug around space-eating CDs. Signal-to-Noise Ratio - Up to 90dB Frequency Response - 20Hz-20KHz Harmonic Response Output - <0.1% Requires 1 AAA battery System Requirements - Windows 98SE to XP, Pentium 350 MHz or AMD 450 MHz processor Dimensions(WxHxD) - 1.32 x 2.58 x 0.51 Weight - 0.8 oz. (without battery)

Amazon.com Product Description

Ready for remarkably thin and powerful performance from your portable music device? The Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player is the ticket. Incredibly thin and lightweight, it's packed with the latest features to meet all your needs. Enjoy amazing, skip free, audio quality when you're listening to your MP3 and WMA music. The Nano Plus is much more than just a music player; it includes an FM tuner, voice/FM recording, and line-in encoding for direct connection and recording from any audio source. Use the Nano Plus to record music directly from your CD player, without a computer.

What's in the Box
Zen Nano Plus, high quality earphones, AAA Battery, USB 2.0 Cable, line-in cable, quick start booklet, installation CD and neck strap.

Customer Reviews:

Does the job it's made for.......2007-03-05

FIRST OF ALL THIS DOES NOT COME WITH A NECKSTRAP!!! There is a misprint above, it comes with an armband - not a neckstrap. I was aware of this so it's fine with me but thought I would warn others.

In regards to the product itself I read all the professional reviews and this was basically tied with the ipod shuffle for best sound quality in the flash player category. If you are an audiophile looking for perfect sound you should get something more robust, because the sound in these small players can be slightly muddy. How to correct this? As with all portable players you need to toss the headphones that come with it. The Creative headphones are average and aren't really made to stay in the ear during workouts or running. If you are considering purchasing an ipod shuffle they will tell you the same thing - default headphones are always cheap. There's a huge difference in sound quality if you upgrade them to something better so it's highly recommended you do this.

I bought the Sennheiser PMX 70 headphones for this purpose. They sound great and stay in place while running. For walking around or light house-work I also bought the Sennheiser PX 100's which have even better sound and are more comfortable for longer use.

The armband that comes with this is great and you don't have to pay extra for it like you would with an ipod. I also own an older 256mb version of this product. It received alot of abuse but still works fine. It also comes with a rubber housing so if you bang your arm against the wall it won't break. Operating the unit is a no brainer, you just attach the USB cable to the player and your computer. It then acts as a hard drive which Windows will automatically read. A little window will pop up asking if you want to open files in the removal disk. Then, all you have to do is drag and drop your MP3 files and you are set. It comes with a CD with software but it's not really necessary. The software does have an owners manual that is much better than the written documentation that comes in the box so you may want to install it anyway.

A prior reviewer complained you could not put songs in folders. This is not true. You can organize your songs in folders on your computer then simply drop them into the player. When you want to change folders during use just press in the wheel and select "skip folder." You can then rotate the wheel to the folder you want. There are many options available, for example you can set it to play random songs or you can play them in order. If you like to play folders in order you may want to put a number in front of each folder or it will play them in alphabetical order.

There are several equilizer presets such as classical, jazz, rock, or custom. I set mine to normal because I read that you lose a little sound quality to distortion if you use a preset. Battery life is good, I didn't count the hours of use but it lasted quite a long time and the batteries are small and cheap so is not a large concern. I wish however the armband had a small slot in it to hold an extra battery. It's a bummer to run out of juice while on the trail or in the gym but that's a picky complaint.

There are other goodies as well such as FM radio, microphone to record voice and even mp3 encoding capability but I have not tried them out. I only use as an mp3 player.

The bottom line is that if you are looking for a player to take with you to the gym then look no further. It has good sound, good battery life, good options, good armband, and is easy to use. What more do you want?

Very Good MP3 Player - but is it right for you?.......2006-08-28

[Note: all 10 colors are available at the Creative web site at retail price. As I posted this, Amazon had about twice the current retail price here. Cambridge Soundworks stores also carry a good variety of colors.]

I would have given Creative Zen Nano Plus (abbreviated "CZNP") 5 stars, except for two small deficiences: it does not have gapless playback (see #10 below), and the build quality and controls are kind of cheap (see #4 below). Assuming it lasts, it seems a very good unit for the money. Here's why I bought mine, and some questions to ask yourself when you're choosing. [Updated 8/28/2006]

0. Do I want to make a fashion statement with my MP3 player?

Some people will only buy a trendy iPod. Buying a lesser-known unit like CZNP makes a different statement, and you can choose from 10 colors. I prefer function over form, but CZNP offers some of each. I bought an orange one because it is easy to find in my black bag.

1. Do I want to play more than just sound?

The CZNP is a basic MP3 player, FM Radio, and recorder. It has a simple monochrome display and controls that make it a good choice for playing music, podcasts, and ebooks, and listening to local radio stations. It can record from the built-in mike or radio, or from a line input, which may be handy for some.

Some players can play videos, show pictures, etc, and cost a lot more because of the required color screen and larger memory. I don't need these things and prefer not to spend the money needed to get them.

Of course this player can STORE any kind of content, just like a thumb drive, but it only plays audio.

2. Will I be listening to mostly music or mostly spoken content?

When you switch off a unit while it is playing, or pause it and it turns off automatically after awhile, some units will resume at the beginning of the current track, and others (e.g. CZNP) resume exactly where you left off. If you are playing music, you usually prefer to start the song over again. For ebooks or long podcasts, I need to resume where it was turned off (like CZNP does), because it is hard to fast-advance back to where you were.

3. What kind of accessories can I get?

Creative has a set of speakers tailored to the CZNP, and there are many generic accessories that will work with it. By comparison, there are entire catalogs of accessories tailored for optimal use with an iPod (and may not work with others). I have what I need, but pine for some things available for iPod only.

The best accessory of all is a cable that has a 1/8" stereo plug (like the headphone plug) on one end, and two RCA plugs on the other. Plug one of these into the auxiliary or CD input of all the stereos you use, and you can quicly plug this in and play on the speakers. Such cables are available at Radio Shack and most places selling electronics products.

4. How convenient is it to use?

MP3 players vary considerably on how easy they are to use. The iPod is famous for ease of use, though it does not do everything I want to do. The CZNP has relatively cheap controls that work well enough, and does what I want. You don't have to be a computer whiz to use it or its software.

I have been using it while driving with reasonably good results. It is easy to pause and start it, turn it off, adjust volume, skip or repeat tracks, back up or move forward in the current track, and small enough to hold in your hand and still be able to hold onto the steering wheel.

But if you want to skip to a different album, you have to skip, wait, listen, and skip until you find the first track of the desired album. Of course there is a menu way of getting there more easily, but you can't use menus while driving.

It is small and light. About like a Bic cigarette lighter except twice as wide. So far I have found the size very convenient; I don't think I would want it any smaller. But being small, it might be easier to lose - which is why I bought an orange one.

5. How long will it last?

On Amazon, click the link "See all ... customer reviews", then look for the dropdown "Show:" and choose "Lowest review first" and click the Go button. There are a number of reports from people who had problems with their CZNP, some bad enough to throw it away. Some are real problems, others might be a lack of understanding how to use the player.

Despite these complaints, the average review is high. You'll find about the same mix of reviews for most players.

I decided to take a chance. My unit will be well-cared for. If I have a problem, I'll update this review.

6. Can the battery be replaced?

CZNP uses an AAA battery which is said to last for 15 hours and can be changed easily.

The iPod Nano has a rechargeable battery that is not designed to be replaced, which means the iPod Nano becomes landfill when the battery no longer takes a charge in a couple of years. There will be millions of iPods being thrown away simply because the owner cannot make them continue to work, which has an impact on the environment. There are now battery replacement kits for iPod, with tools and instructions, so this concern is lessened for DIY people, but most won't bother.

7. How does it sound?

The CZNP sounds very good to when when I use good earphones like Koss "The Plug", or when plugged into a stereo.

The free headphones you get with it won't give you the best sound, and you should not judge any player on how it sounds with the included headphones. Go buy quality earphones for any new player, as this will make a huge improvement in your enjoyment at relatively low cost.

8. Does the player use flash memory or hard-disk for storage?

CZNP uses flash memory. Flash memory is more expensive per MB/GB than hard disk memory, and flash memory players are smaller than hard disk players. I would not want a hard disk, which I think is too heavy and too fragile for a portable player. Get a hard disk player if you want to carry a lot of content, but make sure you have a backup. Get a flash memory player if you want to hold the content you will listen to today or this week.

9. Does the player have enough memory?

I use Highest Quality VBR, which gives me MP3s usually 200-250 KBPS, and I get about 10 hours of MP3 music. For podcasts or other material recorded at lower quality, you'll get a lot more. With that much space I can have some new or favorite albums left on the player, and have plenty of room for content that changes (like podcasts). If you don't use a computer regularly, you might want more memory, maybe even a hard disk, but 1GB is very convenient for my purposes.

10. Does the player support gapless playback between tracks?

Some albums have music that flows continously from one track to the next. Examples: Radiohead "OK Computer", Dandy Warhols, Moody Blues. The listening experience is disrupted if the tracks have a gap as the player switches from one track to another.

I don't know of any portable MP3 player that offers gapless playback (without Rockbox), though it's bound to come. The CZNP has a brief gap with no clicks, but it is still somewhat disruptive. One solution is to rip the album as one continuous track. The Rockbox open-source technology essentially replaces the firmware on your player, and it features gapless playback. It is supported on a few players, including some iPods, but not CZNP.

11. Does the player require proprietary software or hardware?

CZNP includes software, but since it also works like a USB drive, you can manage content with Explorer / Finder if you want to. All connectors are industry-standard and you can find matching cables in electronics and computer stores.

iPod can only load music using iTunes, and other players require software supplied with the unit, or with Windows. The iPod and others also use proprietary connectors, so replacing a lost cable is more expensive. I would not be happy with such restrictions. Open standards promote flexibility and interoperability. On the other hand the iPod is widely supported and it's easy to find compatible accessories.

For me, at a minimum, the player needs to look like a USB drive when I connect it to the computer, so that I can load it by dragging files to the player's file system, and the CZNP does that. I want to have a program automatically create a custom listening program of various short podcasts that play in a particular order to support Radio on Demand, and I want that to happen by simply connecting the device to the computer, with no keyboard or mouse interaction involved. I have not found such a program, and may have to write it, but I can do that if I want to. With an iPod I have no choice but to use iTunes (or replace the firmware with Rockbox). iTunes will not do what I want it to do, and there is no option to use my own or third-party software.

12. Is the player file-based or tag-based?

The CZNP is file-based: it will play songs in alphabetical order for a given folder. Naming songs with a two-digit sequence number at the beginning of the filename ensures they play in the correct order. It also has shuffle play, etc.

I had tried the SanDisk Sansa, but returned it because all content is organized and played on the basis of tags, exclusively. While my music has tags correctly set to play the way I wanted, podcasts don't use tags consistently enough to play them in a particular order that I chose. With the CZNP you can at least control the order by putting a sequence number at the beginning of each filename.

Tag-based may have some advantages over file-based (though not for my uses), but only if all of the content you want to play is properly tagged.

Simple but useful.......2006-08-19

Reading the negative critiques above I'm almost certain I have a totally different player, but none of that.

I have the Creative Zen Nano Plus 1 GB MP3 Player and I'm very happy with it. Yes, although it's a very basic player with a simple interface, I have none of the troubles mentioned above. I don't even use the software you get with it. Just plug and play through a usb cord. My OS (Win XP Pro) has no problems att all comunicating with it. My guess is that the problems encountered by others have more to do with the system they use, but I keep in mind that there is such a thing as a bad seed. Probably that specific one they had didn't do it for them.

The only negative side of the player is it's display and functionality to browse through songs and maps. Although it works fine, it's not a very large display. You simply have to hop from song to song in the screen. I would have preferred a large display showing more songs at a time in a scroll funtion, but hey, there are other, more expensive player who can do just that.

My just for this one was a balance between price, size and quality. And I'm loving it.

Great MP3 player! Small, sleek, and easy to use!.......2006-05-01

I bought this MP3 player over Christmas and have loved it. The drag and drop was quite easy to maneuver. Unless you have terribly old and slow computer you shouldn't have any problem transferring songs to it. I love having the FM radio with all my presets, just in case I haven't gotten a chance to change out my songs in a while. I workout with it religiously and it always stays in place. It's a perfect fit if you are looking for a small, sleek, and easy to use flash drive player.

A $130 aquarium ornament..........2006-02-27

What a piece of junk! After four hours of messing with this thing and at least that many system recoveries, mine is repackaged and ready for return. The "simple" drag and drop loading of this turd has locked my computer up more times than I care to recount. The one time I was able to get more than 20 songs onto the thing without having to CTRL + ALT + DEL and start over from scratch, the player itself locked up! I consider myself to be fairly computer literate, but this thing made me feel like a complete and total idiot. I'm so disgusted right now, I'm not even going to waste my time with Creative Labs' customer support (which, by the way, is only open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday). Save yourself the time, trouble and headache and buy something else -- anything else. Aaaaaarrrrrgh!

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