Creative Zen Micro (5 GB, Nero)

Recensione: The Creative Zen Micro 5GB digital audio player packs a lot of functionality into a small space. This ambitious player does a lot of things ably, but we found room for improvement.

Verdetto: The player ships with two software applications: the inelegant Creative MediaSource (for ripping CDs and syncing your music library with your Zen) and the Zen Micro Media Explorer (which simplifies viewing, sorting, and copying Zen Micro contents from ...

Recensione: Mini MP3 players are all the rage, especially those of the credit card-sized, touch-sensitive, funky-coloured variety. Creative's Zen Micro is right up there with the cream of the competition, and actually offers more features and ...

Pro: Sounds great ; removable battery ; FM recording ; PIM software

Contro: Mono LCD ; no line-in jack ; not compatible with Apple's iTunes

Pro: Stylish ; features

Contro: Fiddly control system ; no line-in

Verdetto: First serious challenger to the iPod Mini

Recensione: This colourful, multi-featured player is a little beauty, offering a solid alternative to the ubiquitous iPod range.

Pro: Comfortable design, Can work with landline phones, Long battery life, Built-in FM tuner/recorder, Voice recorder, Excellent sound quality, A wide array of colour choices, Removable battery, Plays WMA format

Contro: So-so call quality, Touch-pad navigation won't impress everyone, Records voice and FM tuner in WAV format only, No dedicated volume control

Recensione: Finally, we're able to recommend a portable audio player to rival the iPod Mini

Contro: Creative (no UK number)

Verdetto: In all, we think that the Zen Micro is better equipped than the iPod Mini. A 20Gb iPod only costs another 30 but if you can live without Apple chic, Creative's player offers superior value for money