ZEN 2GB Refurbished (Black)

Since the product description for the refurbished unit does not have any details, I will list them here. (For expediency, I am using CL in short for Creative Labs)


Unboxing
========
The package arrives in an A3 Amazon box. Inside the package there is padding and a Creative Labs branded box. On the front of the Creative Labs box there is a sticker that lists the contents and states that this is a "Creative Certified Refurbished" with a 90-day limited hardware warranty.

Inside the CL box, I found the following items:
* the mp3 player sealed in bubble wrap and another layer of wrapping
* USB cable
* earphones, sealed, inside a smaller box inside the CL box
* installation CD (standard CD size)
* quickstart leaflet
* warranty for refurbished products paper
* paper with instructions on how to download the manual in different languages


Cheapskate Tip
==============
Remove the player carefully from the bubble-wrap, use a cutter to carefully slice the one piece of sticky tape that holds it closed, so you can use the bubble wrap as a poor man's protector case for safety or long-term storage. But probably not a good idea to store it in the non-ventilated bubble wrapper during regular use?


Connecting to the computer
==========================
* The computer shows 1.8GB of storage available when you plug it in (not a surprise, just an FYI)
* you can't use the player while it is docked (connected) to a computer via a USB cable, even if the computer is not doing anything
* it appears to come almost fully charged, because when I plugged it in, the battery level was high and it finished charging quickly


Playing Video
=============
* The videos you buy from Amazon Video (Unbox) include in their price a mobile version of each program, in addition to the full size. I tried the free "Making of the National Parks" among others and they play straight up with no need for conversions!
* conversions themselves are painfully slow and cpu-intensive on the computer (not a surprise)
* Fast forward starts slow but after a little bit it picks up momentum so you can cover a lot of ground quickly


Bookmarks
=========
* The Zen has 10 bookmarks for audio files. You can do this on any music file, but they are ideally suited for audio podcasts and audio books and such. Very handy feature.
* you cannot bookmark things on the SD/SDHC card, only on the 2gb on-board memory


Music Fans Beware
=================
* On the 2gb of on-board memory, you cannot play the music files sorted by filename, so the old trick of "01 Song1", "02 Song2", etc does not work. It needs ID3 tags to play songs in the proper (album) order.
* However, there is a workaround - if you put the mp3 files on an SD/SDHC memory card using your computer (eg Windows Explorer), and the files are named "01 Song1", "02 Song2", then they will play in order. But the SD/SDHC card does not have the cool playback features.


Zencast
=======
I downloaded one Zencast (MAKE podcast) using the included Zencast program (on the computer), and it downloaded, transferred and played on the Zen without any problems.


FM Tuner
========
I was using a cheap line-out speaker when I did the FM radio autoscan but it did find some of the FM radio stations at a reasonable sound level. The internets say that the in-box headphones also serve as an antenna, but I haven't tested it.


Microphone recording
====================
I did a quick test of the microphone (in a quiet room) and both the recording and playback were good and clear enough.


Podcasts
========
You can quickly locate Podcasts in the "Music" area of the player by selecting "Genre" and then "Podcast".


SD/SDHC memory card
===================
* the memory card slides all the way in the device, so you don't have to worry about it bumping into things or falling out
* a number of features (eg bookmarks and browsing) don't work when using the memory card
* used a 4gb OCZ SDHC card with no problems (it was about half full)


Quick Start Leaflet Translation FAIL
====================================
One of sections in the otherwise english-speaking "Quick Start" leaflet is actually written in French! The rest is in English. Ironically this is a section titled (in French) "Important - Read Carefully". It covers (I am translating and paraphrasing) things like don't play with it while driving, don't break your ears with loud volume and other warnings of that sort.


User Interface
==============
The user interface is very fluid and easy to pick up without reading the leaflet or the user manual. A very organic user interface that you don't actually have to think to use.


Annoyances
==========
When you reach the end of the main menu, and scroll down, it won't roll over to the beginning and start over. You have to scroll up. Most of the other menus however do roll-over.


Overall Impressions
===================
I don't have a musical ear, so I can't really make any strong comments on the audio quality. It is more than good enough for me.

So far so good - considering the price of this refurbished unit, this has definitely exceeded expectations.

Also a big plus, the fact that Creative Labs has included all the accessories, even though it's a refurbished item!

My rating is based on the refurbished price, not the full list price of a new-in-box unit!

I bought my first one about 5 years ago, and have used it almost every day. The sound is outstanding, and the size and form factor is great. I get about a week between charges, use it several hours a day. I dont use the video at all, except once. I didnt like the conversion time required.Somehow i broke the screen. I just bought a refurbished to replace it. This is a toy I cant live without.

I liked the idea of the Zen because it is one of the few which accepts SD cards for extra storage. I bought the cheapest refurb too see how it operated. The thing rocks. The menu is what you are used to if you spend time on a computer. I'm ready to invest in the higher end product line memory. The screen was difficult to watch in direct sunlight, but I use the ZEN to listen rather than watch.