COLOR ZEN IIOD SKIN
COLOR ZEN IIOD SOFTWARE
COLOR ZEN IIOD PC

There’s no software CD, though you can download a simple Drag and Drop software utility from Creative’s website. In the package Creative includes a set of earphones, a short USB cable and quick start guide.

COLOR ZEN IIOD SKIN

So, to be fair to Apple, to get identical functionality out of the Zen Stone does cost a little more than the retail price, though at £6.79 for the skin and clip the Zen Stone is still cheaper when all is accounted for. Similarly, Creative also produces a number of other accessories including an armband, and a key ring holder. This doesn’t mean Creative hasn’t thought of this however, just that you must purchase a skin accessory that has the requisite clip-on mechanism. The only other thing that’s obviously lacking compared to the iPod Shuffle is a integrated clip for attachting it to a belt or shirt – primarily, this is for looking hip and dancing in Apple adverts. This doesn’t mean you can’t use them, just that the player will hang at a slightly odd angle – and not a jaunty one either. This is all pretty standard stuff, though, if there’s one grumble, it’s that the headphone jack isn’t positioned centrally for easy use with neckstrap earphones.

COLOR ZEN IIOD PC

On the top edge you’ll find the 3.5mm headphone jack, a play mode slider and a recessed Reset button, while on the bottom edge is the mini-USB port, which is used for charging and PC connection. It has curves in all the right places while the awkward joystick as found on the Zen V Plus is banished in favour of a intuitive circular arrangement which features an inner Play/Pause button with Next/Previous and Volume buttons surrounding it. Crucially, the shiny plastic is also pleasingly scratch resistant so your Stone won’t look like an actual stone after a few days in your pocket.Īside from the colour, the basic design of the Zen Stone is both attractive and nicely laid out. Shiny coloured plastic is always a good look, and though Creative sent us the dourer black version the Zen Stone is available in a variety of bright and uplifting colours. Dare I say it looks better than the Shuffle? I do dare, it ”does” look better. Measuring 53.7 x 35.3 x 12.8mm, and weighing a mere 18.5g, Creative has certainly hit the nail on the head design wise. For two products that share identical features this is a significant saving, and Creative’s effort doesn’t lack any style either. Currently the Zen Stone retails at around £30, making it more than £20 cheaper than the iPod Shuffle which can be bought for in the region of £55.

Thus, with these being more or less identical products, Creative has gone down the only path available: making it cheap. Whereas the Shuffle is a small, light and screen-less MP3 player that features 1GB of flash memory. To summarise, it’s a small, light and screen-less MP3 player that features 1GB of flash memory. The not quite immortal words of our very own News Editor, Gordon Kelly, upon discovering the Zen Stone, Creative’s none too subtle take on Apple’s own iPod Shuffle. ””No need to guess what Creative is targeting with this one…””

Color zen iiod