Creative Zen X-Fi 32 GB Video MP3 Player with Wireless LAN and Built-In Speaker (Black/Silver) by Creative
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List Price: Category: Network Media Player See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Creative Zen X-Fi 32 GB Video MP3 Player with Wireless LAN and Built-In Speaker (Black/Silver)
Digital camera Review: Awesome player
Summary: 5 Stars
I moved up from a Zen Vision to this X-FI model. I have to say I'm very impressed with this player. Transferring files were much faster than with the Zen vision. This is definitely an IPod killer - no comparison. The screen is amazingly clear and the colors are very accurate. I've got large thumbs and did not find the buttons to be small as others say they have. Response was much faster than I've seen on other players. The X-FI really restores the sound. The cymbals and the bass return in this player. 32gbs of storage and a 2.5 inch screen in a credit card size is as good as it gets. I would highly recommend this player to anybody.Digital camera Review: Awesome player for the tech savvy
Summary: 5 Stars
I love the Creative Zen series of MP3 players. My roommate went through a half-dozen incarnations of the i-pod, and my Zen 8 GB microphoto was superior in every way, including sound quality and definitely in software flexibility. I ran out of room and upgraded to the Zen X-Fi 32 GB. My previous Zen has worked for over 4 years, has been dropped down a flight of concrete steps, and still works perfectly. This Zen X-Fi is showing similar characteristics. The ear buds are superb; the sound quality is also superb. If you believe other players to have better quality, then your settings must be off. That brings me to the one major drawback of this player: ease of use. This is not a plug-in-and-go device as so many others are designed to be. I have encountered a few software issues, have noticed that different songs sound better with different combinations of settings on the player, and the menu takes some getting used to. In short, this player requires some tech savvy to live up to its full potential. If you have a bit of technical knowledge, you will not find a better player unless you are willing to pay much, much more.Digital camera Review: Awesome.
Summary: 4 Stars
I had the Zen Vision M and then the regular Zen, without X-Fi. I'm a fan of Zen's, and this one is extremely cool in every way. The ear buds are phenomenal!! The user interface is excellent, the color screen is nothing short of fantastic - though a little small, (but usable - I watched a 2 hour movie on it and had no issues; and my sight is bad) - and having a radio, expandable SD slot and built-in speaker (!!!), plus the extraordinary X-Fi sound and, for the money, you can't beat it.
Unfortunately, I ended up returning it, for one reason: I like watching recorded TV shows during my long flights. The Zen was fine for this, but I was seduced by the extra inch size of the iPod Touch, plus all the apps I could run on it. The only downsides to the Touch (2nd Gen) are the lack of expandable memory - a bummer, but not something I can't live without, given the 32gb model - and the much-hated, (by me, at least), iTunes. Or more the vice-grip it puts on you in terms of ease of getting music on and off your various computers. That's the reason I went to Zen in the first place. But, now that you can get software that gets around the iTunes issue, I'm cautiously optimistic about it.
The Touch is another $120, at least, and you're stuck with 32gb's; but, it's about as cool as you can get. It's more of a PDA than the Zen.
For those wanting just music and ocassional vids on their MP3 player, you truly can't go wrong with the Zen X-Fi. And everything runs fine straight off the SD card.
BTW: After ordering the Touch, I went and TRIED to buy the EP-830 ear buds that came with the Zen X-Fi, but they aren't available yet, except from Creative directly. I ended up buying the Creative Auravana in-ear models - which used to be $99 but can be gotten for $59 on Amazon - and I have to say that I PREFER the EP-830's!! I returned the Auravana's and bought the $49 EP-830's direct from Creative.
Good luck with your X-Fi. You're gonna love it!!!
Digital camera Review: Best Alternative to IPod I've Found
Summary: 4 Stars
I've been looking for a long time for a device that utilizes simple mp3 syncing via windows media player, but also has a ton of storage. I hate the bulky "systems" such as ITunes or Zune that tie you to a certain computer or require full syncing everytime you want to add files. Unfortunately, most devices that offer the simple Windows Media approach don't have close to the storage of an IPod or Zune-type device. Well, the Creative X-Fi is the almost-perfect bridge for this gap. With the 32 gig storage and nice screen size, this is the sleekest and most powerful "drag and drop" file-managing device I've found. I also think it looks great and works easily - the little button rows make it easy to skip tracks/change volume by feel, which is handy when running or driving. The power switch (as many others have pointed out) is annoying and placed in a slightly ridiculous spot on the back of the device. That is really my only complaint after 3 months of using this pretty much constantly- and actually I've found a good (partial) remedy for the switch- Just set the auto shut off to the lowest time of 5 minutes, and just pause the player as your shut-down. Works well with minimal power loss. So, in the end, very highly recommended for giving 40 gigs along with freedom and simplicity of windows media syncing.Digital camera Review: Better than Ipod
Summary: 5 Stars
I believe this is better than the Ipod, in my opinion. I believe the serious MP3 Player enthusiast will appreciate a player like this. Not many people do their research and think the Ipod are the end all of player. I challenge them to find an Ipod that plays FM radio, built in MIC, multiple video and audio format. Can display picture and has the ability to get on a wireless lan and stream audio and video files. I mean, this device has a plethora of features that truly make a worthy opponent to the iPod.
Pros: Multiple video and audio support, wireless lan capabilities, built in FM turner, MIC, built in speakers, premium headphones included.
Cons: Weak FM Radio signal at times, some album art don't tag properly, packaged software sucks.
Overall, this is a great player, I am satisfied. Sold an iPod nano 4th gen to get this.