bembang
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![[*]](./images/engage/default_icon.gif) posted on 13-11-2007 at 07:53 AM |
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Creative Zen Vision:M Review
Here's a short review of my Zen Vision:M (with YouTube video)
Originally posted from my blog - My Creative Zen Vision:M
YouTube Video
Introduction
Finally decided the Vision:M was my “iPod” of choice. I bought this last Monday (October 22) on BPI’s 0% interest, 12-month installment plan. It cost
me Php 16,999 @ Php 1416.58 monthly. Electroworld, Alabang Town Center was the only store down south that carried these, and only came in white,
hence, that’s what I ended up with. Also, it came with a free universal power adapter (socket charger) worth around Php 2,500. First, let me lead you
to some photos I took, and a short “experimental” video to match.
Short review
I never really liked the idea of limiting myself to iTunes so an iPod was never really in order. However, the recent release of a 160 GB Classic was
enough to tickle my fancy. In the end, I thought that having a 160 GB device without being able to use it as a sort of storage device was useless. I
don’t have that much songs, nor videos. Being able to “cut and paste,” as well as play a vast array of media file formats was what I really wanted -
download videos, copy straight to ZEN Vision:M, ala USB thumb drive.
Up to this point I haven’t read the manual. I did what was vigorously printed in the box and on the unit (via sticker). “Do not connect the unit
without installing the software first.” I’m not that “daring” so that’s exactly what I did. The installation disc came with Creative’s Media Explorer,
MediaSource 5, AudibleManager, and Windows Media Player (I think). Media Explorer is the only thing you need, MediaSource 5 has some handy music and
video converting tools, and a built-in player - I did try it, it was ok - but I already have programs for those.
Thanks to my free charger, I only waited 2 hours before actually plugging the Vision:M to my laptop - by the way, without an external charger, the
only way you can charge is via USB (yes, I know it sucks). It was detected in an instant. I opened Media Explorer, and dragged a couple of videos and
test tunes. It took me a good 5 minutes to fully navigate through the player. Prior to this I don’t know what a Touch Pad was. I figured it out and
thought “Ah, ala iPod!”
Videos are so dang clear. The screen is really small, but somehow, I find watching videos here over the bigger-screened P990i more pleasing - because
of the resolution and color depth. I tried watching a full episode of Heroes, I need not rewind to review “I don’t think I saw that clearly”
moments.
On to music and sound quality. I am really particular with sound quality, which is why I spent weeks researching how the Vision:M fairs with other
portables. First of was the stock earphones. It sounded better than my 10-year old JVC headphones, and my Php 615 Philips SHP 1900. These earphones
are not cheapo throw-it away earphones. I believe Creative spent much time getting it to match well with the player. I haven’t heard my music files
sound this good in a long time. Hooking a laptop or computer to your sound system does not do it in terms of sound quality. You need a good DAC
(Digital-Analog Converter) - found in your soundcard - to make it sound good. Now, unless you’re running a Php 10,000 soundcard, your stock DAC sucks.
In the Vision:M, I believe that everything from the DAC, to the small thing that amplifies the earphones are above par. This thing sounds good.
I’ll reserve the minor (unimportant) details of it’s sound quality in other forums. Overall, this player packs a wallop. It’s millimeters thicker than
an iPod (does it really matter?). It’s got style as well. Especially that ripple effect on the back. The back portion is made of metal, the front made
of standard iPod-like plastic. I’m sure it scratches quick so I really need a case for this. This is my first Portable Media Player (but I’ve had
numerous encounters with iPods and others), and I am in no way regretting my choice. Creative ZEN Vision:M, at 60 GBs, for me it has everything, and
then some.
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chubbysingson
Junior Member
Posts: 14
Registered: 30-10-2007
Location: Malabon
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Mood: Hungry
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| posted on 18-11-2007 at 08:18 AM |
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Nice review sir. Makes me want to trade my iPod for one. what other colors are available?
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bembang
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| posted on 18-11-2007 at 08:42 AM |
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I have the exact same thing! Congrats on your purchase sir. Hope u enjoy ur Vision M as much as I do.
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Rastaman
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Posts: 47
Registered: 15-11-2007
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| posted on 20-12-2007 at 04:16 AM |
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Are you guys encountering problems with the device diplaying the album art? I had a similar encounter with my Zen Vision. I recently started updating
every detail on every track info on my mp3s, via MusicMatch jukebox - even the album art. When I uploaded it via Mediasource, my player doesn't
display the art clip.
I found out that the best way for the album art to be attached to the track is through Windows Media player. So now I sync my Zen via WMP. I think it
works with WMP 10 and up only, so you have to upgrade older WMP versions.
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Rastaman
Junior Member
Posts: 47
Registered: 15-11-2007
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| posted on 26-12-2007 at 11:31 AM |
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I decided to get a Vision M for my girlfriend, instead of taking the iPod touch route. I figured it would be much easier for me.
I got it last Saturday, at 14999 + a free AC charger. I got the black one. (Bembang, is that a smirk?)
Here's the story:
I initially bought a white 30GB Vision M for P14999. The AC charger comes standard with this package. The 60GB, they're selling for 16999. I bought
the 30GB still, since I figured my girlfriend wouldn't need that much GBs. I brought it to the office, plugged it in, then hooked it up via USB after
two hours. Lo and behold, the black screen of death. It wouldn't boot up. It would remain black, with the Creative logo centered. I brought it back
to SM North, where I bought it. After about a half hour, they couldn't fix it. So they said I could get the 60GB for the same price, with the AC
charger. This one I had to test before I left.
I was contemplating on the Touch before Christmas, and even sought the advice of one of her friends, owner of two iPods. When I told the friend of my
adventures with the new Zen, she almost killed me. You see, I uploaded about 44 videos, close to 1000 photos, and 1000+++ songs (almost 30GB) in under
3 hours. Her friend has to contend with converting videos for hundreds of hours, before she could enjoy them on her iPod.
I'm playing with it right now, and I have to say, the video quality is really incredible. I showed it to a few iPod users here at work, and they have
the same reaction. It is much better. So much better that my boss is getting one, even with an 80GB iPod. Too bad for him, he's tied up with an iPod,
and close to 30k worth of speakers and docks.
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Rastaman
Junior Member
Posts: 47
Registered: 15-11-2007
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| posted on 26-12-2007 at 11:41 AM |
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Another thing to marvel at, by the way, is that the Vision M is also a USB host. Yes, this is the small strip where you have the standard mini USB on
one end, and a female USB slot on the other (in bembangs photos, it's the cable still in the plastic wrap). So you can plug-in your flash drives
(I'm not sure, though, what the capacity is) to the Vision M. This time, you can copy files directly from the flash drive to the Vision M. Since most
of us have flash drives, this thing is brilliant.
My Zen Vision accommodates the Compact Flash Card (great for SLR camera users), and has an adaptor for an SD/MMC (you have to buy it separately,
though). Sadly, I don't get to use that feature on my Vision.
I wonder if my girlfriend is willing to swap gadgets...
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Rastaman
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Posts: 47
Registered: 15-11-2007
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| posted on 26-12-2007 at 11:46 AM |
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| Quote: | Originally posted by chubbysingson
Nice review sir. Makes me want to trade my iPod for one. what other colors are available? |
Bro, the Vision M has 3 colors: Black, White, and Green. I'm not sure if a lot was shipped to the Philippines, though. You'll have a hard time
finding one here. Konting patience lang, if you really want to get one. Last Saturday, only one store in SM North Edsa's Cyberzone carried the Vision
M. Sira pa yung isa (see my other post).
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Rastaman
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Registered: 15-11-2007
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 posted on 7-2-2008 at 03:17 AM |
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And the (mis) adventure continues...
About two weeks ago, the Zen Vision M I bought for my girlfriend broke down, and decided not to boot up anymore. This time, there was no response at
all, no display, no lights, no nothing! I brought the Zen to servimax to be repaired,
claiming the warranty that comes along with the unit. I was told that the repair could take around 5-7 days. I called them up yesterday to check the
status of the repair, and whether I could pick it up by Saturday. No dice. This morning, I got an SMS from them, saying that the unit is beyond
repair. They could replace the unit with a similar one, but it would take time, since the Vision M is not in production anymore. So they said I could
get the Zen Vision W 60GB for an additional P1520. Not bad, considering I bought the Vision M for only 15k. But it's too big for a girl. So my girl
said... "Palit na lang tayo." Of course I declined. I don't want her to get a beat-up, old, 30GB Zen Vision, but it's very tempting. If you follow
my story, the trend is that I get upgrades for Creative's failures. Maybe I'll get a home theater system, or a decoder, the next time. Who knows?
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bembang
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| posted on 7-2-2008 at 06:43 AM |
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Oh my, oh my... I think this is the dreaded "Black Screen of Death" ng Zen Vision:M. Google nyo sir Rasta, marami kayo mahahanap information. But,
unfortunately, replace unit talaga pag ganyan. I still use my Zen (although not daily), and it's still alive. The other night I though "it" already
happened, yun pala restart lang ng unit and it re-booted. I hope you get a good replacement unit or upgrade soon. Sayang...
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Rastaman
Junior Member
Posts: 47
Registered: 15-11-2007
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| posted on 11-2-2008 at 02:03 AM |
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Actually, it's better that they replace the unit, mas may peace of mind ako. And yung replacement unit is a Vision W. So far, hindi ganun kadami yung
bugs. I'm also taking off from my experience with my Vision, the W's older brother. It's my constant companion on my daily commute, and sa weekend
marathons ng mga downloaded TV series and movies. The Vision hasn't failed me yet, and I bought it second hand pa.
It's a waiting game. I haven't heard from Servimax yet...
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