Creative Zen Nano Plus (1GB) review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Chris Stevens

Reviewed on: 12 September 2005

Tags: Creative, Creative Zen Nano Plus (1GB), bit rates, radio, audio quality

We like:

Small proportions; straightforward navigation; recording ability

We don't like:

Flimsy battery cover

You might also need:

A headphone to phono connector will let you rig this into your home stereo

CNET UK judgement:

While the Nano is attractively small and gives good audio, we were disappointed by its poor build quality -- the battery hatch snapped off after a few days of use. Anyone who needs a compact voice recorder will love the Nano's pocketable size, but true audiophiles will find the iPod Shuffle has a more refined output stage

Full review:

Given the recent launch of Apple's iPod nano, the Creative Zen Nano Plus -- which came out first -- has been pushed into the shadows. This is unfair, because they're aimed at different markets: the Zen Nano Plus is half the price, has only 1GB of memory and a small black-and-white screen. While the iPod nano is the more glamorous of the two, the Zen Nano Plus is usable, compact, relatively functional and good value for money. Though Creative doesn't come close to matching the interface offered by Apple, the Zen Nano Plus does have one unique advantage: it can record through a tiny internal microphone. For this reason it will particularly appeal to journalists or other professionals who use voice recorders. Continue Reading...