From the makers of the hit Zen series of MP3 players, Creative has come up with another ultra sleek flash MP3/WMA player, the Zen Nano Plus. This portable digital audio player, FM tuner, Voice/FM recording and Line-in encoder, all rolled into this tiny player is a good buy. Measuring 1.3 by 2.6 by 0.5 inches, and weighing just 1.2 ounces, the Zen Nano Plus is surprisingly packed with features that one might not find in other products of its size and kind. It comes in 1 GB and 512MB versions and runs on a triple-A non-rechargeable alkaline battery. While others meet this non-rechargeable battery or inability to charge via USB with disappointment, it must be noted that the player allows 18 hours audio playback or 12 hours of FM radio use from a single triple-A battery use.
It is touted to compete against the more fashionable Apple’s iPod shuffle. But in terms of versatility, one can safely say that it has better edge over its rival. Just take a look at the unit and you’ll immediately spot the difference. Creative’s Zen Nano Plus comes with a 2-line and blue-backlit LCD that shows the title of the track, EQ settings, time, battery status and play mode. While it doesn’t necessarily allow you to line-up your own repertoire by a playlist option, at least you can see the title tracks while browsing through the list. It also allows the user to customize backlight timing, contrast, orientation, language, and idle power options.
And there’s the FM radio tuner you can shift to when you’ve had enough of the tracks inside your unit. It allows up to 32 preset stations, both mono and stereo and amazingly picks up strong radio broadcast signals with ease.
As if all the other features weren’t versatile enough, the Nano is a USB 2.0 Mass Storage device that allows the user to save documents in it. It has a built-in microphone that can record sounds anywhere in a room, which makes it a perfect gadget for recording speeches or lectures. On top of its multi-feature playback options such as repeat, A/B loop, and shuffle, among others, it has a five customizable and five preset EQ.
But just like any other audio device, the Zen Nano Plus also has its downside. Creative should have known better by its departure from other flash-based MP3 players that included built-in USB connectors. To be able to transfer files, you need to have a mini-USB cord to sync with the computer. This defeats its mass storage capability because lugging around a USB cord will somehow turn-off a lot of its target mobile users.
The Zen Nano Plus box comes with the following accessories:
· High quality Earphones
· AAA Battery
· USB 2.0 Cable
· Line-in Cable
· Quick Start Booklet
· Installation CD
· Neck Strap
Summary
In general, Creative’s Zen Nano Plus is better, if not the best among its peers or other 1GB or 512 MB flash MP3 players. While it holds less storage compared with other players of its kind, its appeal is mainly attributed to its more flexible and varied features. This device works best for students who can diversify its listening options between MP3/WMA tracks and radio music, plus the ability to use the built-in microphone for recording lectures.
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