Zen Micro or Ipod

Geeks, help me out. I want to get an IPod mini or a Zen Micro. I can't find a store with a working display of the Zen Micro which really ticks me off. I'm a little worried about the navigation on it and I wanted to test it before I bought it.

I like that the Zen has an FM tuner built in, plus my inner geek says to get something less trendy than the Ipod mini. Can't find a review that's willing to boldly lean either way so I'd like a personal opinion from somebody. Help!!

 

I have an ipod mini 6 GB and love it, ive heard bad things about the FM transmitters, I will be hooking mine up directly through RCA to my car stereo soon. I have used the one you are talking about but iTunes is easy as can be to use and there are easy ways of getting around their security if you want to share songs.

I did buy a protective case and the Best Buy 3 years warranty for 50 bucks that covers everything including battery unless its visibily damanged...whcih I bought a hard plastic protective case for mine incase I drop it while rollerblading down a hill or riding a bike on cement or whatever.

I do not have anything bad to say about the pod really, I wanted a mp3 player for years decided this looked the best, bought it and no complaints.

 

I've used my friend's Zen Micro and IMO the thing beats the junk out of Ipod Mini. the sound quality is better(even listed in the specs).

the only downside of the Creative is that Nomad Explorer (its equivalent to Itunes) is a little finnicky--but works just fine. if you have any extra cash, I strongly recommend redchair software's NotMad Eplorer, a custom tuned program that unlocks the full capabilities of the Creative players.

 

does it have a equalizer? Dunno if youve used the mini but you can change the sound with the equalizer...sounds much better than the stock setting if you mess with it.

 

Here is some other opinions

http://blogs.msdn.com/omars/archive/2005/03/06/386245.aspx


http://www.playerblog.com/archives/000454.shtml


http://www.mp3.com/iPod+Mini+vs.+Zen+Micro/stories/1149.html



Looks like the Zen Micro wins mostly

 

I dont think the Ipod Mini sounds bad, dont get me wrong, in fact, i prefer the ipod's included headphones to the ones that come with the Zen, but the Zen has a higher SNR (sound to noise ratio) than the ipod's-- since it's made by creative, who already lead the consumer computer audio market.

 

It seems like I should just go with the Zen Micro. I like the custom eq feature, and it seems like either way I get a great DAP. I'm not gonna lie, the glowy blue light is swaying me a little!! Thanks for the advice.

 

Played with one of the samsung players in best buy the other day
http://www.dapreview.net/news.php?item.1035
it was nice, menus were ipod like, color screen.