Ipod Mini vs. Zen Micro

[Boxster17]

I'd go with the iPod mini. Much prefer that interface as I've found it a lot easier to use and navigate. I also don't really care for the looks of the Zen Micro that much, and I always found it feels a bit cheapish.

[Brandon Live Veteran]

My only problem with the Zen Micro was that it didn't ship with the PlaysForSure firmware last I checked. Once you install that, using it is a dream. It's not a big deal for me, but it was a bit harder for my sister (whom I guided through the process over the phone).

It's my hope that the new ones ship with it.

The device itself is leaps and bounds ahead of the Mini (which, IMO, is also the ugliest portable player). And with other great offerings (the Rio Carbon and iRiver iH10), I don't see why anyone would buy a Mini unless they own a Mac.

[kak]

I'd go with the iPod mini.  Much prefer that interface as I've found it a lot easier to use and navigate.  I also don't really care for the looks of the Zen Micro that much, and I always found it feels a bit cheapish.

586006865[/snapback]

Cheapish? The iPods fall into the entire new 'plastic it out' look that is trendy. The Zen Micro has a pressure pad and a scroll bar. Up/Down is also more logical than using a ciruclar motion to move up an down. It also has a much wider acceptance for music file types.

[5Horizons]

I'd go with the iPod mini. Much prefer that interface as I've found it a lot easier to use and navigate. I also don't really care for the looks of the Zen Micro that much, and I always found it feels a bit cheapish.

Their interfaces are basically the same, unless you meant the scroll wheel. Menu-wise, there's not much difference.

[-hurley18]

zen micro all the way

[PaulCabby]

Zen Micro, hands down.

[phedot]

I love my Zen micro... But the only thing I dislike about it is the problem with deleting contacts (you can't)

[BigDaddy]

I'll go with IPod Mini too. Their model just seems more appealing to me..

[Slimy]

zen micro, ipods are only good for two reason: the clickwheel/appearance and their advertisement campaign. other than that, everything else is better.

edit: can you add a poll please?

[retri]

Zen Micro, Thumbs Up (Y)

but.... take a look at this:

http://creative.com/products/mp3/zenneeon/

[Andy07]

I've only had a mini in my hand.

[jeffeh]

iPod mini: sound quality, wheel, look, ease of use

[peterish]

I've owned both players and there's no question in my mind, Zen is better. Seriously dude, get the Zen Micro; it's truly a better product. When I see people holding ipods in their hands walking down the street, I laugh to myself; what a bunch of brain washed trend ######.

[jeffeh]

hahaha I was thinking about moving away from the iPod, I have a shuffle and think thats enough... whats the sound quality on the Zen... is it practically the same as a ipod? and how about price?

[levianthen]

iPod mini: sound quality, wheel, look, ease of use

586007268[/snapback]

Dude...are you out of your mind, the sound quality on the zen micro is way better. That's wanna of the good features for the zen. The ipod sound quality doesn't compare to my butt!!! And the last guy asked bout price.

Ebay's Buy it Now

Zen Micro

159, but i saw one for 154, buy it now, brand new yesterday

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...5778366145&rd=1

* Stores 3,000 songs on 6GB1 hard drive

* Stores 2,500 songs on 5GB1 hard drive

* Stores 2,000 songs on 4GB1 hard drive

* Micro-sized (3.3" tall, 2" wide, 0.7" deep)

* Available in 102 electrifying colors (Black, White, Silver, Dark blue, Light blue, Red, Purple, Citrus Orange, Lime Green and Pink)

* Features a removable lithium ion battery

* Get up to 12 hours playback time on a single charge3

* FM radio to listen and record

* Integrated voice recorder gives up to 10 hrs of recording time

* Vertical touch pad for easy and intuitive navigation

* Access over 2 million songs through Zen supported music services

* Highest audio clarity at 98dB SNR

* High fidelity earphones with dynamic bass response

* Contacts, Calendar and Tasks4

* Plays MP3, WMA, WAV files

* Functions as an external hard drive for backup of computer files

* Backlit LCD displays track info

* Repeat, resume, and random play

* 8 EQ settings (Acoustic, classical, disco, jazz, new age, pop, rock and vocal)

* Sleep and wake timers

* Customizable main menu, so the features you want are right at your finger tips

* USB 2.0 interfaces (cables included)

* Belt clip / stand

* Weight: 3.8 oz. (includes removable battery)

* Warranty: 1 year limited hardware warranty / 90 day service warranty

Ipod Mini

170 buy it now, some were cheaper but they were pink, so, that's fruity

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...5778174501&rd=1

* Enjoy long battery life: Up to 18 hours on a single charge(1)

* Charge and sync via one simple USB 2.0 connection

* Wear or carry up to 1,500 songs

* Use iPod mini with Mac OS X or Windows 2000/XP

* Take it everywhere ? it weighs only 3.6 ounces

* Find songs fast with the Apple Click Wheel

* Play MP3, AAC, Audible and Apple Lossless files

* Walk, jog or work out with up to 25 minutes of skip protection

* Sync music seamlessly with iTunes

* Store files along with your music

* Remind yourself with Text Notes

* Play games on the go

* Stay organized with contacts, calendars and to-do lists

I'd suggest buy it now on ebay, you can get a buy it now mp3 player for about 30-40 dollars cheaper.

As you can see Zen Micro looks way sexier

[pc2005]

zen micro

[giga Veteran]

As you can see Zen Micro looks way sexier

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The iPod mini is tall and thin while the Zen is short and fat.

[levianthen]

sorry, but i dont reall have a zen micro, i do have an ipod mini though, im getting a zen in the mail

[theyarecomingforyou]

I finally held a Zen Micro the other day... boy is that thing small. I've obviously held regular iPod's, and the iPod Mini, but I hadn't ever seen a Zen Micro in person. I really like the look/feel of it and sound quality is always great on Creative players, but I'm still waiting for better players (the Zen Neeon looks real nice, but has a lower SNR :().

[Brandon Live Veteran]

Wow, I didn't know they had a new 20GB full-size Zen coming.

It's not listed on the North America store yet, but you can see it here.

About time. Until I saw that I figured there was still a reason for some people to buy iPods. I think that anyone who bought an iPod Mini since the release of the Carbon and Zen Micro is insane.

But until now, I didn't think the big iPod had any clearly superior competition. Looks like those days are over.

[PrototypeX2]

Dude...are you out of your mind, the sound quality on the zen micro is way better. That's wanna of the good features for the zen. The ipod sound quality doesn't compare to my butt!!! And the last guy asked bout price.

EDITED

586007607[/snapback]

Not really.

It's just preference. Although the output SNR of Zen Micro is much stronger than iPod mini, the impedance of the headphones take a significant role, too.

I do personally like Zen Micro better, but when comparing sound quality, iPod has a very balanced, clean, neutral sound to it. Preferably good for Classical, Jazz, Blues and other genres related to that.

[NetRyder]

I had a choice to pick one as a birthday gift. I chose the Zen Micro, of course.

I think the reasons have been well summed up already - superb sound quality, tiny size, great controls, the user-replaceable battery, and the extras (FM tuner, voice recording) for when you need them.

I've had it just for a week, and I've already managed to make a few iPod Mini owners quite jealous. ;)

[sharpy2k4]

i have a Zen Mirco, and all my mates have Ipod Minis. I chose the Micro cause its small, changeable battery and the fact that EVERYONE has an Ipod/Ipod mini just irritates me. The only problem is, i think my battery is screwed....if i take it to school, i can listen to it for around 3/6 hours im there, but by the time im home the battery is like on the last bar. I think i have the 4Hour battery version which Pi$$e$ me off!!! other than that its amazing xD

[SkaterAustin]

zen micro, its nice looking, size, sound quality, features.

Im waiten on the new zen 20 thats based on the zen micro, its taking creative to dam long to get it out!

[eversor]

? Swappable battery

? better looks IMO

? Outlook snychronizing

? no need to have special software to use it (i don't like itunes)

? you can put any file on it ( ok. you can do this on the ipod but you have to allocate the space for other files in itunes - silly behaviur)

? everybody has a frickin iPod. They annoy me just like the Louis Vitton bags. It seems every second women her in the town has this combi....