Zen MP3/Music Studio software

[tracik]

My dh got me an mp3 for my birthday today. It is a Zen, which holds 15000 songs and lots of pictures. My question is this...is this going to be overkill for me? Would I be better served by a more simple iPod? AC, you seem to be very knowledgeable about mp3's, as I recall...what are your thoughts?

He also got me some Sony software called Music Studio. Anyone familiar? I was hoping for MixMeister, but if this will do all the same stuff, it should be fine.

I hate to return everything (as I've returned previous mp3's he's bought :oops: ), but he tends to go over the top on tech stuff sometimes, and I'm just looking for good functionality. I'd love to hear from anyone who knows about either the Zen or the Music Studio software before I open the boxes! :)

Thanks!

[AC]

I'm pretty sure that the Zen entitles you to unlimited downloads and transfers from Napster, which is a huge benefit. You can create playlists from that and go right into the stereo. Zen might cost less than an IPod. I tried several different mp3 players before selling them off and going IPod like the rest of humanity. Now I use 4 of them (but that's another obsessive/compulsive tale for another time).

Mixmeister is a mixing software, not really a music management software (filing, cataloging, transfers, burning CD's, etc) which I think the Sony software is. I don't trust anything from Sony because they put tags on your tracks limiting their transfers.

Zen was always a good value.

[tracik]

Thanks, AC. I appreciate the info. Can you explain something else to me? I have heard that downloading music onto your iPod from sources other than iTunes can be somewhat complicated. I know you use other music sites. Is it really any more difficult to get that music onto the iPod?

Since you seem to love your iPods, can you tell me what the advantages might be over getting one of those than keeping the Zen? (I haven't opened the box yet...it's killing me!) In other words...should I take it back and exchange it?

I am not a complete tech moron...I just don't have experience with mp3's. Thanks for any assistance you can give!

[AC]

There is no problem what so ever transferring mp3 files from any folder you download to into ITunes. The problem is that ITunes saves it as an additional file, so it eats up hard drive space duplicating file space.

I do love my IPods because they are simple to use and the most generic to get accessories for, and I also love to accessorize my family of Ipods. From jackets, to assorted docking stations to charging plugs and cords and all kinds of headphones. That's why I like Ipods best. In addition to the ease of use of ITunes which had synching and purchasing in 1 program. I listen to about 4 different Podcasts every day in lieu of radio and also to class music, all on 1 of the family. In this case, I follow the crowd.

[tracik]

Thanks, AC! I appreciate the input from such a dedicated iPod user (somehow, I'm picturing your iPods all lined up in their docking stations inside a Barbie house or something...quite a family). :D

LOVE the new avatar!!! Hysterical!

[Legspeed]

The problem is that ITunes saves it as an additional file, so it eats up hard drive space duplicating file space.

Not necessarily. Go to Edit, Preferences and click on the Advanced tab. On the General tab, uncheck the box "Copy file to iTunes Music Folder when adding to library."

[midnight rider]

I just got a Creative 30 GB Zen Vision M player and I'm loving it. Both the audio & video quality are great and it's very easy to use.

I like the fact that I'm not tied to itunes to load the player and am able to load it by simply dragging & dropping files into the player. Another thing I like is that the Zen accepts almost all formats of audio & video. I did some shopping around and it seemed to me that this player gives a lot more bang for the buck.

[tracik]

Thanks for your input, Midnight! I haven't taken it out of the box yet b/c I was thinking of exchanging it for an iPod. Is it much different in size? What type of headphones are you using with it?

It's good to get a positive vote for the Zen. It sounds easy to use...a big plus for me! I just think the iPods are a little sexier (and you can accessorize, as AC points out). Hmmmm...decisions, decisions!

[midnight rider]

I've really never been one to follow the crowd and I think it's kind of cool to have something a little different than what everybody else has.

I think it's more or less the same size as the 30 GB ipod. I've been using the headphones that came with the player. The sound comes in loud & clear and I've found them to be very comfortable as well.

Please feel free to PM me if you have any further questions.

[midnight rider]

I came across this review comparing the two players.

http://www.everythingusb.com/creative_zen_vision:m_30gb.html

[AC]

Creative as a company has been out-specing the Ipod for many years. The difference is, like pointed out, Ipods are more universally accepted and if you like the external accessories, which can be bought even in Dollar stores, Ipod is a less rebellious way to go. I just hooked up a docking station on the cycle room stereo at 1 gym and just stick in the Ipod for classes now.

Music, TV shows, now games, podcasts are seemless on ITunes.

[NJspin]

I am only using my iPod for my classes now. It's so nice to easily change a profile/music list without burning a CD every time. Of course I always have a cd with me with an everything profile on it just in case the stereo is down or some such rot. My biggest problem is the need to jetson some of the music I don't use often and or get an 80gig iPod as I am just about out of room with 9567 files on the current one. NO accessories here tho... I'd like to find a good pair of earphones that fit my smaller than normal ears!

[stb]

I have a Creative Zen - have had one for about a year and really like it. There are several reasons I like it and bought it instead of an IPOD. When I bought it - it was a better bargain - price vs. memory. I also liked that I wasn't tied to using itunes (at the time, I was mainly downloading music from Walmart - but have since moved to another source). The other selling point for me was the battery and the fact that you can replace that if needed (I haven't needed too) - I know my sister had an Ipod and she had trouble with the battery and couldn't just swap out the battery. I'm not a big technology person, but Creative is supposed to much better in terms of music clarity than an IPOD.

Anyway - I think that it is close enough to an IPOD that functionality-wise you won't know the difference - so I say keep it!

[tracik]

Thanks, stb, for your good review of the Zen, and thanks, midnight, for the link! All very helpful info.

Now let me ask you this: can I dock the Zen into a stereo/boom box type of port to play music for class? My gym doesn't have the capability to use any kind of mp3, but we are moving in a few months, and I hope to pick up some classes at some place a bit more progressive. I'd hate to start making up all of my playlists and such on the Zen, only to find out I get a job at a gym that I'd need an iPod. Are they interchangeable in such settings? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question...I've just never owned an mp3 before! :shock:

Thanks again!

[megale3]

I'd hate to start making up all of my playlists and such on the Zen, only to find out I get a job at a gym that I'd need an iPod. Are they interchangeable in such settings? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question...I've just never owned an mp3 before! :shock:

Thanks again!

Yah they both need the same connector which is an ear phone jack.
Meg

[midnight rider]

You just need what is called a "Y" adaptor, which has one plug on one side that plugs into the headphone jack of your Zen and two plugs on the other side, which plug into the left & right audio input jacks of your stereo system. I was lucky enough to find a whole bunch of these type plugs at the local 99 Cents Only Store, so I have a nice supply of extras.

The headphone jacks for the Zen & ipod are exactly the same size as are all the the other brands of mp3 players.

[like2bike]

I've really never been one to follow the crowd and I think it's kind of cool to have something a little different than what everybody else has.

One of my favorite qualities about you! :D