Creative Technology ZEN Vision:M (30 GB) Black Digital Media Player

Pros:
First I'd like to tell you what I find interesting that the Creative Zen Vision M (ZVM) can do. To start us off I really like the "scrubbing" buttons on either side of the scrolling pad. This allows you to fast forward and rewind, as well as skip and go back. Secondly the top right button can be programmed to access anything you choose. If say, you use the equalizer a lot, you can have it take you directly there, or perhaps it can take you directly to the FM radio or even voice recorder. Your options are limitless because ever options are available, even menu categories. I was a little mad that Creative ditched the Windows version of the Firmware. But They've really pulled it off with this new (updating) firmware. This comes with the Fastest File Transfer program I have ever seen! 20 gbs worth of stuff somehow in less than 1-2 hours. Amazing! Remember that Creative is the Worlds leader in sound cards for PCs, meaning that this device can achieve way better sound quality than its competitors (very true, I compared). It also looks better than the ipod or any other mp3 device with its glowing buttons, deep blue, very sexy.

Cons
Yes all items have some problems, but luckily none to major on this item. Lets start off saying I bought the Black ZVM and of course the sleek shinny black face attacks a whole lot of fingerprints. Of course this can be solved with a case, along with the next problem. One big turnoff (heh) is that it doesn’t have the removable battery like most of its brothers, meaning (like the ipod) you eventually have to have it repaired or thrown away. The ZVM is a scratch magnet, like all the other MP3-4 players on the market, including iPod (Apple actually got sued because the easy scratchablity and low durability of the ipod). Last con, it's a little chunky but when compared to an ipod, its not as wide. Little trade off, but still love it.

Compared to iPod:
Now it’s time to compare the Creative ZVM to the iPod video 30 gigabyte. I am by no means a fan of Apple or any of their products (anti-apple), but since they somehow became the leader in MP3-4 tech. I will compare these similar devices. I will counter everything that iPod users try to say is better. The iPod screen delivers a mere 64k colors while the ZVM has a stunning 256k. The screen resolution, color, and frame rate of the ZVM are all better than the iPod when compared in hand and stat wise. Next, why get a video player if you can't watch videos. Not only does the iPod make you convert everything though itunes (can you say total control?) the battery life of you ipod will not withstand a 2 hour movie, or eventually a 15 minute clip. I've seen it myself. The Creative I’m holding in my hand however has played one 2.5 hour movie and listened to music for 2 more hours and the battery was still showing 1/3 battery life. Next, the wheel on the iPod is just stupid. Once you get a music collection or playlist of over 100, your thumb is going to get tired of going in circles. With the ZVM however, you can just hold down on the bottom of the touch pan and it will scroll for you. If you like radio and having a microphone then all the better, these may be features you won’t use a lot, but are very nice when you have them. Next we have the firmware, recently Creative opened a lawsuit against apple for stealing their firmware components, that tell you anything? Last why o why would you buy an item with an apple bitten in half?

Thanks, I hope this review helped!