Rock out with the 8GB Creative Zen V Plus, $120 shipped

(Credit: Creative)

Here's a simple math exercise: should you spend $199 on an 8GB iPod nano or $119.99 on an 8GB Creative Zen V Plus? Answer: a big fat "that depends."

The nano has a slightly larger screen (2 inches, versus 1.5 on the Zen), a way sexier design, and vastly superior software for managing music, podcasts, and the like. But for $80 less, the Zen nets you an FM radio, a voice recorder, compatibility with subscription-music services like Napster and Rhapsody, and even line-in recording.

So it boils down to style over substance. If you're in the market for a flash player and want a sexy status symbol, pony up for the nano. If you want more features and a bargain price (Buy.com has the Zen V Plus for $119.99 shipped after a mail-in rebate), get Zen.

It's worth noting that Creative actually has the same model on sale for $129.99, no rebate required, but it's out of stock at the moment. I can understand why: that's a pretty sweet player for the money.

[baldgod]

Or for only $10 more after rebate from Buy, you can get the new 8Gb Creative Zen, which has all the features of the Zen Plus, but with a much larger (2.5") screen, an SD card expansion slot, and a much slicker design.

[rickbroida]

Excellent call... here's the link for that model: http://www.buy.com/prod/creative-zen-8gb-black/q/loc/111/205503771.html

[jrm125]

Agreed, however, I'm wary of Buy.com rebates...they often don't come or take a REALLY long time.

[rickbroida]

Well, the unfortunate nature of rebates is that they often take a long time. But I've never had a problem getting one processed by Buy.com. Seems like they're a large enough company that they won't leave you hanging.

[tarrantm]

After going through 3 Creative Zen players (all 3 with the headphone jack issue) and having Creative insist that I pay them 20 bucks to replace the device despite their crappy product design and warranty, I won't be touching a Creative product again. iRiver and Cowons all the way - not to mention the iRivers and Cowons also run Rockbox (rockbox.org) unlike the Zens. Splurge the extra 30 bucks and pick up a Cowon with 1.8" screen and FM Tuner/Voice Recorder.

[shrimper2]

Guess some people just don't have any luck. I have a zen vision I have been using for a couple years now with not one problem. My friends and my son went through several ipods each and finally gave up. Someone gave me a new ipod two weeks ago and it has already failed. There are a lot of good mp3 players out there, but I have found few that have the features and will play as many formats as creative.

[tarrantm]

After going through 3 Creative Zen players (all 3 with the headphone jack issue) and having Creative insist that I pay them 20 bucks to replace the device despite their crappy product design and warranty, I won't be touching a Creative product again. iRiver and Cowons all the way - not to mention the iRivers and Cowons also run Rockbox (rockbox.org) unlike the Zens. Splurge the extra 30 bucks and pick up a Cowon with 1.8" screen and FM Tuner/Voice Recorder.

[tarrantm]

woops, sorry for the doublepost.

[GadgetConsumer]

BEWARE of BUY.COM promos. They are currently taking $50 off on a $51 purchase when signing up for a RevolutionCard account. They don't mention that all sales are final when using a coupon. They gave me a return authorization for an unopened product. Buy.com confirmed that they received the product back, and promised a refund to my credit card within 7 business days. 3 weeks later, they said "no refunds" and won't even send the unopened product back to me.

If they aren't going to follow their own refund policy, they need to give the merchandise back to the buyer. BUY.com is obviously getting some kind of financial benefit from RevolutionCard. At the very least, they should send back the item to me, and not just keep it, re-sell it, and double their profit. As of this writing, there are over 600 consumer complaints logged with the Better Business Bureau regarding Buy.com?s handling of refunds. Buyers beware!