Creative Zen Micro (6GB, Black) - Expert Reviews

Review summary: 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 ...

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

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

Pros: Stylish ; features

Cons: Fiddly control system ; no line-in

Verdict: First serious challenger to the iPod Mini

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

Pros: 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

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

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

Cons: Creative (no UK number)

Verdict: 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

Review summary: It's not difficult to deduce that Creative got the idea for its Zen Micro hard drive music player from the Apple iPod mini. Technically the two players have a fair amount in common, and they have ...

Verdict: We can best sum up the Zen Micro by referring to the On/Off switch. Toggle it one way and the player starts up with a funky blue backlight that surrounds the screen and illuminates the controls beautifully. Start an album playing and flick the switch ...