MP3 players: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto
not entirely true
by Third_Mario - 1/22/06 10:47 AM In reply to: ipod nano or zen micro photo by nick lthe zen may have a removable battery. but it is hard drive based, im not saying thats bad, but comapred to flash drive, its bad. because it skipps and freezes, something the nano doesnt.
Apple has a great system!
by kstebleton - 1/21/06 8:36 AM In reply to: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto by davidmccreaI can't speak for anyone else, but I've only ever found one portable FM radio worth a darn - the Sony S-2 which had the best FM tuner I'd ever had for a portable, and one of the best AM tuners I have EVER used. I don't want a FM radio in my Nano. I listen to music or Podcasts.
ITunes manages podcasts so easily ... It searches music so quickly and easily, I believe it's the best music management software anywhere. I found Windows Media Player to be absolutely awful compared to the ITunes. And Apple offers it as a free download, ripping software included. I love it!
Apple does not FORCE you to use their codecs - you may rip with ANY MP-3 ripper and drag the MP-3 into ITunes. It ends up as an MP-3 on the IPod. I like the higher density of the M4A compression scheme - this frees up limited gigs, which is true if you're using a Nano or 60gig unit.
I do wish it were easier to take music from the IPod and put it onto other computers. Using ITunes and Windows Explorer, I found it can work, but Apple didn't want to make it convenient. But I did find a way to make it happen.
I am 43 and use my Nano to listen to music and podcasts all the time. I have the lanyard headphones, which works very very well. The unit hangs like an oversized necklace, and the headphones are kept around your neck even if they're removed from the ears. My Nano does scratch easily. But the scratches seem superficial. And 4 gigs is more than enough, since I don't mind changing out playlists and songs from time to time. My daughter has a Mini, and now she wants a Nano.
I never thought I'd play the "Name that tune" game included with IPods. It's addictive when you have a few minutes to kill.
Nano
by Third_Mario - 1/21/06 11:04 PM In reply to: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto by davidmccreaYes, the zen has 2 times the amount of space. But, The nano is compatable with both, mac and windows, AND the nano is small, but not too small, and its flahs drive, meaning a drop or 2 wouldnt kill it, now would it skip. the nano also is only 1.5 ounces, compare that to the 6 ounce or more zen, well, you cant. although the ipod scratches easily and can slightly effect how you look at the screen, put it this way, you cant even see the zen microphoto screen outside in broad daylight! but you can see the nanos.
Also, to prevent the nano from scratches, and make it look good, ordeerr from decalgirl.com, you cant get skins for the zen, but then again, scratching isnt a problem with the zen. next: sure the zens battery is removable, but the only thing that can be usefull for is extended playtime, which it will need(because it doesnt get anywhere new the 15 hours it says on the zens box) and for replacing it. But when i walk around town i see several people still listening to there 3gen ipods that havnt goten there batttery replaced yet, so think, thats at least 2 years of usage by then i wouldve boughten a new ipod or zen. so personally, i see no need to add an extra moving part just dieing to break on the zen.
also, the included case for the zen micro is way too big for it, there is alot of wiggle room, the nanos sleeve is just perfect fit, no chance it will wiggle at all 
i have also noticed that the zen microphoto has a lag to it when your surfing pictures, not an issue with the nano,
so yeah, get the zen photo, get that radio, mic, and memory. but beware of the battery life, case, screen visability, size and weight, skip free, and extra moving parts.
now im not saying the nano is perfect, but i am saying that the nano is more perfected than the zen
Suck it up: get both!
by MikeDson - 1/23/06 1:16 PM In reply to: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto by davidmccreaI happen to have both the Zen MicroPhoto and a Nano. You just about need both sides (iPod & non-iPod) to take full advantage of the audio services that are available. Interested in Audible.com audiobooks? MicroPhoto's not compatible, Nano is. Like Yahoo music subcription service? Nano won't work, Zen will. Want a lightweight device to run or go to the gym? The Nano is better. Do you like podcasts? Nano with iTunes is better.
Nano has a better tactile interface, manipulating the Zen can really drive you nuts. But obviously, Zen has better capacity. Important point: the accessories industry revolves around the iPod and ignores the Zen -- that's increasingly important.
So, I keep my full music library and the WMA's I rent from Yahoo on my Zen. I put podcasts and audiobooks and a handful of music playlists on the iPod Nano. My advice: start with the Nano, but don't feel bad if you decide you also need another device.
well can people actually afford both?
by Third_Mario - 1/23/06 3:09 PM In reply to: Suck it up: get both! by MikeDsonI have personaly had both, but not at the same time. i can afford it. i got the microphoto first becasue i was thinkin the bigger the better...right? well. in this case it isnt. the storage capacity is great 8 gb, awesome, but to me, for a microdrive player or a flash player, i dont "want" that much, if i wanted that much i would have boughten an ipod vid, or zen sleek or dell dj, but i dont want to fit my whole library on it, i just want the songs that i really like to listen to, thats why the nano is perfect, its nice, small, wont skip, good screen that you CAN see at daytime, unlike zens, and great interface.
I know its ipod, i know by perchasing it. it means your gonna get sucked into the whole ipod thing, but, all i want is good quality, and the nano offers it.
a helpful link
by bh80 - 2/1/06 3:04 AM In reply to: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto by davidmccreamaybe here you can compare both side by side and make a decision: http://alatest.com/MP3+%26+Media+Players/Apple+iPod+Nano+%284GB%2C+black%29/pro-reviews/en_GB/
good luck!
Decision
by davidmccrea - 2/12/06 6:24 AM In reply to: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto by davidmccreaWell everyone, thanks to your advice I have gone for the Ipod Nano 2GB. It arrived last week and it's absolutely astounding! The sound quality is very good and looks are to die for.
Thanks again!
ZEN
by dukefan23 - 2/13/06 8:29 AM In reply to: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto by davidmccreaIf you are going to take it to the gym or bang it around you would want the nano. The zen runs on a hard drive, but if you want more features go with the zen.
Also, consider where you get your music. Ipod will not work with any online music stores other than itunes or emusic. The zen will work with everything except itunes.
Simple - The Zen Micro
by CG-TG - 2/13/06 1:00 PM In reply to: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto by davidmccreaSo much more bang for the buck:
http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=14107
You don't even get the cord for the iPod. Make sure you add on in the price for all of those items.
Creative = Better sound quality......
by JoshHendo - 2/18/06 8:59 PM In reply to: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto by davidmccreaOk. Before I say anything, I will say that I have a Creative MuVo2FM, and the reason I chose a Creative product over a iPod was becuase:
-Removeable Battery
-More support with my OS (Windows ME and Ubuntu Linux)
-Higher sound quality (excluding the new "Video" iPod, where the sound quality is the same)
-More support for my music (I buy my music off soundbuzz.com. Lost of songs there iTunes doesn't have, and ipod doesn't support WMA I don't think)
-FM Tuner
Again, it is really what you need. If you don't care about sound quality, and the cost of replacing your batters, and you don't need a FM tuner, and you have a OS that supports it, go with a iPod, though you will miss out on those small things.
Most people refer to most mp3 players as iPods in general, because that is what everyone has. And that is why most people go with a ipod, becuase everyone had one. If you are someone who looks into different ones, you may change your mind.
My reccomendation:
Zen if you want space, value for money, and a player that supports most OS's.
iPod if you just want something that is small and looks good, though make sure you have a OS that supports it. Also make sure that iTunes has the songs that you want, becuase if it doesn't, most other places where you can buy music isn't supported by iPod.
zen micro photo or nano
by Timothy01 - 2/19/06 9:41 AM In reply to: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto by davidmccreaBenefits of zen micro photo and nano
1. The nano has a flash drive which means there will be no song skipping.
2. The nano will only scratch if you get black, i have the white one and mine still looks brand new
3. You can't beat itunes for pc or a mac, it is the easiest music service i have yet used.
4. the nano is much thinner and will fit easier in your pocket.
overall conclusion: nano
You guys...
by Peter Szeto - 6/18/06 5:36 PM In reply to: zen micro photo or nano by Timothy01Take it from someone who owns a Nano...
They suck.
I know, I was sucked into the "No Ipod holders are losers" craze and I ran out a bought a Nano, but I regret it.
The thing that pisses me off about the Nano is how it is easily damaged. Go on to apple.com and go to support. Look how many people complain of broken Nanos. Within a month my Nano was unresponsive, freakish, and just an annoyence.
Itunes, I had no problem with. It was easy to use and almost hassle free.
Thus, I end this by saying, DON'T GO NANO!
gonna buy one
by LuckyFaiz - 6/25/06 7:30 PM In reply to: You guys... by Peter Szetojust wondering if the zen microphoto fits in that fifth pocket in a pair of jeans.
cause im still wondering which to buy creative 190, nano 300.
im out
I doubt it
by drfloyd - 6/25/06 7:52 PM In reply to: gonna buy one by LuckyFaizMy zen micro won't fit in mine. I wonder about that new Zen V though, it looks pretty small.
iPod fanboy...
by hotwire379 - 9/2/06 7:49 PM In reply to: zen micro photo or nano by Timothy011. The MicroPhoto DOES NOT SKIP; all the bumpiest dirt roads and violent shaking (inadvertently or otherwise) will not make the MicroPhoto skip.
2. The MicroPhoto will not scratch easily either. But I would check on that, I have heard some contradicting information on the 'net.
3. Monopolism is never good for the market. Signing yourself off to one music service can't be good. Besides, that is subjective, and I have heard some very bad things about iTunes.
4. The MicroPhoto will easily fit in your pocket or hamd
And while I'm at it, I will provice my own list.
1. The MicroPhoto comes in a 4GB or 8GB variety, which ties with or beats the Nano.
2. The MicroPhoto has a user-replaceable batter, which should save you about $70. ($100 for an iPod battery replacement by Apple, plus shipping and handling, versus simply buying another battery and popping it in.) You can also have two batteries for double the battery life and switch them out on the go.
3. The MicroPhoto beats the Nano on battery life and the aforementioned procedure may not be necessary.
4. Durability. The reason for the extra weight and size is because the outer casing is made of Magnesium--a very durable metal. This allows the MicroPhoto, even with a hard drive, to withstand abuse a Nano would literally fall apart if subjected to. (Personal experience, these babies are sturdy.)
5. FM Tuner
6. Color Photo Viewing
7. General Quality. There are currently two class action lawsuits against Apple for deliberately use low quality plastics and mafunfacturing to cut costs.
8. Cost-effectiveness. Even after using shady practices to cut costs, the MicroPhoto still packs many features, greater or same capacity, for less than the Nano.
Please don't be like the above guy. At least read what I've said, think about it, and don't succumb to the cheap marketing hype.
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