Creative Zen Vision:M vs iRiver Clix

[YoungGun21]

Ok little question here... the 30gb Vision:M is White and its at NewEgg for $203, the iRiver Clix is 2gb and only $160. Now my music collection only totals like 800songs so its about 2gb. They can both play movies although the Clix can only play simple file, (like 12fps). Obviously the Clix wouldn't hold a very long video where as I could have several on the Vision:M. The clix can play flash games because it is flash based. I don't think the Vision:M can play games.

The only problem here is money. As of now I have about $580 cash to spend, I'm getting a Wii and extra remote and nunchuk so thats like $320+. That leaves me with $260. If I get the Vision:M I only have $60 left and I may or may not get money for Christmas. So that $60 would have to last me for quite a while.

Asking here because I need other peoples opinions... These Vision:M's are being called "iPod Killers" and wanted to know if it was worth it.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

I would go with the clix, I think its an amazing design with some great features. I prefer flash players because I dont ever have the need to carry 3 months worth or music at any time.

 

[chrisms]

iRiver products are horrible. My CD player died within months. Friend had a the same thing happen to his MP3 player. My rebate request apparently didn't have a UPC with it, although I stapled everything together and put it in the envelope. Thanks iRiver, it's bad enough your products life is measured in weeks, now your representative, conveniently located in the mountains of Rajasthan, is lying to me.

 

[YoungGun21]

Originally posted by: chrisms
iRiver products are horrible. My CD player died within months. Friend had a the same thing happen to his MP3 player. My rebate request apparently didn't have a UPC with it, although I stapled everything together and put it in the envelope. Thanks iRiver, it's bad enough your products life is measured in weeks, now your representative, conveniently located in the mountains of Rajasthan, is lying to me.

Ouch. Ok thats a big strike against iRiver...anyone else?

 

[YoungGun21]

Nobody else has any other opinions?

 

[Kelvrick]

I think the iRiver is a sweet, sweet player. The only thing is, its expensive for the space you get. I don't have much experience with the quality of their players, but I know my creatives always stayed working.

Do you know if the Clix is a plug and play device? Or do you need software.

 

[Connoisseur]

I really like my Zen Vision M 30GB. You should've bought it at buy.com last week for 180 using Google Checkout. For the extra 20 bucks, it's a no brainer for an additional 25GB of space. I've never seen the Iriver in person so I can't comment on that. But I definitely like the sound quality and video quality of my Zen. Plus, if you only have about 2GB of music, you may get bored with the same old stuff. To combat that, the Zen Vision M has a built in FM Tuner so you can listen to something new.

 

[YoungGun21]

For the Clix I'm pretty sure you can only use WMP11 to sync data becuase Microsoft helped iRiver develop the flash system for the Clix.

Other than that I would believe its plug and play.

The Clix is pretty cool but I think I'd have to buy a hard case for it. I usually just toss my MP3 player in my gym bag or backpack and get it back out once we are on the bus, plane, whatever. I think the Vision:M could handle that but the Clix's screen doesn't look like it could take much.

Anyone else?

 

[alembic5]

I have the Zen Vision:M and have to say it is the best player I've ever used. Every bit as easy as an Ipod, excellent battery life, wide support for codecs sich as divx, beautiful screen, excellent S/N ratio and the ability to use a number of different online music services. I use the Yahoo music unlimited service for $14.95 per month, and you get unlimited downloads with access to a couple million songs. I went through the same dilema, but think of the future. Sure, all your music might fit on there now. What about when you get more? How about if you throw together a media center pc and decide you'd like to be able to upload some TV episodes to watch on the bus or train? On the other side, if you're a runner, you'd want a flash based player. Other than that, the vision:M is sweet. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat over any other player out there. Just my opinion, FWIW. Cheers!

 

[Leeroy]

I own a Vision M. Upgraded from a 6-year old minidisc recorder. I couldn't be happier with it. PM me for any specific questions.

The downdside you'll need to remember is after the basic purchase, you're looking at seeling your soul if you want any accessories like the AC adapter, AV cable (to watch your movies on a TV), the wired remote etc.

Oh, and if you don't already own a pair, you'll ned to invest in decent headphones. I bought a pair of Ultimate Ears Supet.fi Studio 3s, that I really like. I also have an expensive pair of Sennheisers for home use, but these are great for walking around or sitting in te office.

 

[Tiamat]

Ive heard good things about the iRiver Clix. I had an iRiver mp3 player 3 years ago, and it worked well.

I just bought a Creative Zen V plus 8GB. Its not listed as available in the US yet, but it actually is. Creative america got in a stock of them 2 days ago. I should be receiving it on thursday.

I was going to get the clix but the 2GB is too small. 8GB is great as I can load a few uncompressed cds onto it as well as an assortment of mp3s.

Cnet seems to have a review on clix as well...

 

[YoungGun21]

I do run but usually don't listen to music while I run, I seem to get tired faster if I do.

Leeroy, so you are saying the headphones that come with it are crap or that they just don't unleash the quality in the music?

Also, found a "deal" at Mwave, $198 and might get $10 off for it being my first purchase there. Didn't read in much to the details on that but thats the cheapest price I can find right now.

From what all of you have said I'm almost deadset on getting the Vision:M.

 

[Leeroy]

You'll find any mp3 player comes with crap earbuds. No matter what you buy you'll almost definately want to upgrade to somthing decent, but it's dependent entirely on your budget. I challenge you to find anyone who's spent over $100 to replace their included earphones and hasn't noticed a huge difference.

 

[YoungGun21]

Ok thanks now I'm getting the Vision:M for sure. I just opened a Christmas card from my Grandpa and it had $100 in it so the money isn't much of an issue now.

I'll have to decide on the headphone issue when I get it. I'll probably just have my parents buy me some since they haven't got me much for Christmas.

I think its a pretty nice deal. $199 - $10 discount + $10 shipping = $200. Not bad but sure wish I could have jumped on that buy.com deal Connoisseur mentioned!!

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[michaels]

Iriver hard drive players are great, I have owned 3.

 

[Leeroy]

Oh, and MOST IMPORTANT THING, go here, nd buy yourself one of these.

www.bestskinsever.com

One issue with the Zen is that its front scratches VERY easily. Even their protective pouch scratches up the screen. This is very cheap, and everyone who has one (including myself) will swear by it. Those who don't get one very quickly find themselves swearing for another reason.

Another forum you might like to read up on is http://www.epizenter.net/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewforum.php?5

 

[GimpyFuzznut]

I haven't had any experiences like above with iRiver. My iRiver has been going for 3 years strong and still works great and also has great battery life. Definitely was a better choice than the first-gen iPod I could have picked up at the time instead. That thing would have broken down 2.99 years ago.

 

[Babbles]

I do not own either, but a coworker of mine recently bought a Zen Vision and he just absolutely loves it. About every day he tells me some cool feature of it that he likes. When I get some spare cash, based on his opinion I think I may go pick one up for myself.

 

[YoungGun21]

I recieved my Vision:M today and it is amazing!

Also VERY impressed with Mwave and FedEx!! That was FAST!!!