Creative to launch Zen Stone Plus

(Credit: Creative Labs)

Bless Creative's soul for offering me some relief from my parched existence in the iPhone desert. Tomorrow, the company will officially announce yet another MP3 player for its already impressive Zen line. The latest family member is an enhancement to the ultrabasic Zen Stone and carries Creative's signature Plus at the end of its name. The Zen Stone Plus looks almost identical to its slightly older sibling, but with one important difference: a small, round OLED screen which sits to the left of the control pad. Sure, it's tiny and only displays in one color (blue, on a black background), but this minor addition allows for some desirable extras. The player comes loaded with an FM tuner, a voice recorder, an equalizer, a clock, and even a stopwatch.

You know, I do believe the Zen Stone Plus could end up being a near-perfect workout companion. And, apparently, Creative has read my mind. The company will also be offering a variety of sporty accessory options, including my personal favorite: a wristband ($14.99) that "doubles as a watchband for the clock and stopwatch." That sounds pretty rad to me--I can only hope Creative took headphone cable length into consideration. In addition, Creative will offer a protective silicone case for the player, which will be available in five different colors and includes a clip ($14.99 for a three-pack), and an armband, which will come with one of the silicone cases ($14.99). Another unique accessory--a key chain with a case attached--will sell for $12.99.

The Zen Stone Plus, which is expected to ship next month, will have 2GB of built-in flash memory. Like its Plus-less predecessor, the player supports MP3, WMA (purchased, but not subscription), and Audible, and it comes in six flavors: white, black, pink, blue, red, and what Creative insists on calling green. (Am I crazy? It looks yellow to me.) The estimated street price for the device is a quite reasonable $69.99.

(Credit: Creative Labs)

[audiodonald]

I'm impressed

With a screen and EQ, this looks like a great summer MP3 player. It's cheap enough that you don't have to worry about wrecking the thing.

[jboswell2000]

Gotta Have It!

That definitely falls into the how-can-you-not-get-one category. And don't blame the Iphone for the desert...that's everyone else's fault!

[boopiejones]

neon green?

my vote is neon green, which looks an aweful lot like yellow.

[Woembah]

Must have one of those

This thing is... the perfect shuffle killer. Really want one with a wristband to use it as a watch with built-in mp3-player lol.
By the way, i think it's green, lime green. My favoutite colour. I can remember a discussion with some friends of mine about wether this is green or yellow haha.

[severick]

Creative Zen Stone Plus is cool

I have to buy one of those, by the way, its green.

[FatalAce]

creative zen stone plus

haha thanks for the news jasmine, although i think the screen detracts from the original zen stone's design. much more sleeker and nicer looking without the screen

[bilbo818]

Its definetly Green

That looks like lime to me... I can't see how that looks like yellow.

[bobbkt]

I'd love one - except no subscription music

[kickenchicken]

heh, no subscription music

well of course, its DSP isn't powerful enough, if anyones wondering, it will also have an option to change the OLED orientation, so it'll look like a mini Zen v!!

[earthroamer]

Definitely Chartreuse!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartreuse_(color)