15GB iPod vs. 30GB Nomad Zen Xtra

[erikistired]

Originally posted by: fwtong
Thanks for everyone's opinion. I think I'm just going to use the Zen for now. I just don't want to go through the hassle of selling it and then turning around to buy an ipod. I'm probably only going to use it for only about a year and a half anyways. It's only going to be used mainly when I'm studying. It's really handy to have a jukebox to play mp3s instead of always having to turn on my laptop for the sole purpose of listening to mp3s or cds. After I graduate, I won't have much of a use for it anymore.

Although, I have to admit, I'd rather use an ipod, that jog dial just isn't the greatest thing in the world to use to navigate menus.

have you used an ipod? it's got a jog dial as well for navigating menus. that big circle thing. the one big thing i didn't care for on the ipod was how sensitive the buttons were. unless you had a skin on it then you had to be careful not to hit the buttons (i didn't have a remote, but yes you can lock it and avoid this). anyway.

 

[BoomAM]

Originally posted by: fisher

Originally posted by: fwtong
Thanks for everyone's opinion. I think I'm just going to use the Zen for now. I just don't want to go through the hassle of selling it and then turning around to buy an ipod. I'm probably only going to use it for only about a year and a half anyways. It's only going to be used mainly when I'm studying. It's really handy to have a jukebox to play mp3s instead of always having to turn on my laptop for the sole purpose of listening to mp3s or cds. After I graduate, I won't have much of a use for it anymore.

Although, I have to admit, I'd rather use an ipod, that jog dial just isn't the greatest thing in the world to use to navigate menus.

have you used an ipod? it's got a jog dial as well for navigating menus. that big circle thing. the one big thing i didn't care for on the ipod was how sensitive the buttons were. unless you had a skin on it then you had to be careful not to hit the buttons (i didn't have a remote, but yes you can lock it and avoid this). anyway.

I think he means that he prefers the jog dial on the iPod. The Zens have a "wheel" on their top left (i think), thats built in the side and is used as a button and a way to cycle through the menus.
I find the iPod buttons odd. If i press them with, say a pen top, then nothing happens, but go within a cm with bare fingers and it works! Very strange, yet very cool as well......

 

[seismik]

I've got a Zen Nx and I recommend that all Zen owners look into replacing the junk Creative software. I'm sure I'm not alone when I tell you I found the interface and music management capabilities of the Creative software to be lacking rather dramatically. I found something called Notmad Explorer by Red Chair Software and I've been running that since about day 4. Much easier transfers of both audio and data files, creating playlists and everything else is much improved. It will cost you a little extra, but it's well worth it.

 

[Derango]

Originally posted by: seismik
I've got a Zen Nx and I recommend that all Zen owners look into replacing the junk Creative software. I'm sure I'm not alone when I tell you I found the interface and music management capabilities of the Creative software to be lacking rather dramatically. I found something called Notmad Explorer by Red Chair Software and I've been running that since about day 4. Much easier transfers of both audio and data files, creating playlists and everything else is much improved. It will cost you a little extra, but it's well worth it.

For you iPod owners out there, this is also an alternative for iTunes. Check out their anapod software that works exactly the same way.

 

[0roo0roo]

Originally posted by: Sid59

Originally posted by: drag
I thought the EAX thing was just for special effects in games and stuff.

shhh .. he's an expert.

lol, i'm sure he jumped for joy when he saw a virtual surround stereo expander button on his cheap generic computer speakers! oh! a sound processor!


and a warrantee is a good idea of how much a manufacturer stands their products. creative only sees fit to give u 90 days... kinda sad.

 

[Sid59]

Originally posted by: fisher
*the following is my opinion*

i had an ipod for about a week. i ended up returning it (only 10gb, and my music collection has topped 500 cds). i used it mainly in my truck, to listen to music through the tape deck. at that point the 10gb ipod was 300 dollars, and i just got an in-dash cd player that plays mp3s for 150. the cost just didn't justify having an ipod, which is these days more of a status thing than anything performance related.

edit: added the opinion disclaimer.

btw, the nomad has a 3 month warranty, just to clarify the guesses in the posts above.

i agree with you. an mp3 /cd changer (10 discs or more) is alot more economical and better for car / truck uses.

but if you are a public transportation fiend (me - work and school) the ipod or any portable mp3/audio player is good.