What you think of the latest ZEN mp3 from Creative?

[That Loaded Bloke]

It popped up in my news reader today:

http://www.trustedreviews.com/images...newzencopy.jpg

http://www.trustedreviews.com/mp3/ne...escreen-PMP/p1

16GB flash memory - can be expanded via SD slot, plays both MP3 and iTunes AAC files, can also handle video very well, so says the blurb.

Interesting isn't it?

[kilgoretrout]

I believe it only plays non-DRM ACC files; the vast majority of songs purchased from itunes are DRM encumbered. Also, like previous products from Creative, you must use that crappy Creative software to access the device. When will these manufacturers stop with their stupid attempts at vendor lockin and use a standard usb mass storage protocol for communication with these types of devices? That way you can access the device directly in windows explorer just like a flash drive.

[shadowpr]

Originally Posted by kilgoretrout I believe it only plays non-DRM ACC files; the vast majority of songs purchased from itunes are DRM encumbered. Also, like previous products from Creative, you must use that crappy Creative software to access the device. When will these manufacturers stop with their stupid attempts at vendor lockin and use a standard usb mass storage protocol for communication with these types of devices? That way you can access the device directly in windows explorer just like a flash drive.

actually, on my old creative touch, i can access it just like a usb storage device. it works perfectly well as a drag and drop.

[That Loaded Bloke]

Originally Posted by kilgoretrout I believe it only plays non-DRM ACC files; the vast majority of songs purchased from itunes are DRM encumbered. Also, like previous products from Creative, you must use that crappy Creative software to access the device. When will these manufacturers stop with their stupid attempts at vendor lockin and use a standard usb mass storage protocol for communication with these types of devices? That way you can access the device directly in windows explorer just like a flash drive.

I have zen micro and do not have to use any software, it is drag and drop. Do you recon this one will require special software like iTunes or SonicStage? That would cripple it, I do not like the idea either. Hopefully this works as drag and drop.
As for DRM I could not care less. Allofmp3.com worked out cheaper then itunes, they are alive and kicking and gonna be back

[kilgoretrout]

I stand corrected. Haven't used any creative mp3 players since the zen nomad days and their software was terrible at that time. Glad to hear they finally wised up.
The item in the original post actually looks pretty nice, but I wouldn't touch it unless someone can confirm you can access the device through normal usb without any creative software.