Creative Zen Stone (1GB, Blue) - Expert Reviews

Review summary: What does $40 USD get you in today's consumer electronics world? How about a decent USB flash drive? How about a cheap portable DVD player? While neither may interest you all...

Pros: Quality sound from a budget player ; can be used as a USB mass storage device ; easy to use

Cons: Cannot play while charging ; included earbuds are uncomfortable ; where's the software

Review summary: creative zen stone review: Creative's pebble-like Zen Stone takes on the iPod Shuffle. It has a lower price and better sound but lacks the brand aura and tactility of the Shuffle.

Pros: Audio quality rivals bigger, more expensive players, Skip between folders/albums easily, Good looks

Cons: Lack of power switch makes pausing and switching on/off tricky, Sometimes forgets which track you were last on, Looks not matched by the feel

Verdict: Creative's pebble-like Zen Stone takes on the iPod Shuffle. It has a lower price and better sound but lacks the brand aura and tactility of the Shuffle.

Review summary: Creative and Apple have long been arch enemies in the MP3 player market. Now it looks as though Creative fancies another go, snapping at Apple's foreshortened Shuffle.

Verdict: In a year dominated by shiny surfaces and touchscreens, the Zen Stone is lacking a certain wow. But if you want a no-nonsense player to accompany you as you run, skate, or endure the morning commute, it won't weigh you down and it won't break the bank.

Review summary: For its price, the Zen Stone is a killer MP3 player with great audio quality. Its tiny size and minimal features make it perfect for a secondary player.

Pros: Price ; good sound quality ; size

Cons: No screen ; short battery life ; lack of clip

Review summary: Not everyone wants to own the reassuringly expensive iPod, so for those people who don't want an iPod Shuffle but would like something similar, Creative has unveiled the Zen Stone. And it is a good deal cheaper than the Shuffle too! (Although arguably ...

Verdict: Really, for the price you would be a fool not to buy it as a second mp3 player