zen M video or Ipod video?

davetherave2 · 12 Dec 2006 at 21:16

Simple really which one should I get?

I'm looking at the 30GB models.

nemtizz · 12 Dec 2006 at 21:19

Simple answer. 30gb iPod Video.

boosfuk · 12 Dec 2006 at 22:44

Slightly longer answer.

If you are happy with the restriction of using itunes, limited audio/video formats and the fact that everybody else has one then buy an ipod. If you want to play more formats with a more open system then get a Zen. Unless you are an audiophile (in which case you would probably buy neither) the quality etc. is the same.

I bought a Zen Vision M.

Vegetarian · 12 Dec 2006 at 23:59

Ive heard both - playing same songs - the Zen has a warmer sound - and with eq'ing can pump out much more bass! The Zen just sounds a lot biger and wider - if u get me!

Margaret · 13 Dec 2006 at 00:30

boosfuk said:
If you are happy with the restriction of using itunes,

Restriction?
Explain, I use Winamp for my iPod

Loads of programs can be used for your iPod.

I have a friend who has the Zen in question, my iPod video is far louder and more "In your ears". (Used my headphones in his Zen to compare)

@Vegetarian, same with iPods with Equalizers, however need a different EQ for every set of headphones I have found.

Stellios · 13 Dec 2006 at 01:53

ZVM, no contest. Better file support, better user control on the transfer interface, better sound quality, better video quality. I also prefer the user menus on the ZVM, i dont particularly like the scroll wheel, its a bit tedious.

Vegetarian · 13 Dec 2006 at 02:07

Jihad said:
Restriction?
Explain, I use Winamp for my iPod
Loads of programs can be used for your iPod.

I have a friend who has the Zen in question, my iPod video is far louder and more "In your ears". (Used my headphones in his Zen to compare)

@Vegetarian, same with iPods with Equalizers, however need a different EQ for every set of headphones I have found.

If you flash Zen with US firmware - you will go deaf before you hit max volume!

Re eq'ing - we talking about stock ipods v ZVM's here. Theres nothing wrong with ipod sound - its just a bit colder then the zvm's.

daz · 13 Dec 2006 at 02:47

Who uses an EQ?

Get some decent headphones...

davetherave2 · 13 Dec 2006 at 07:27

so will the ipod play xvid/dvivx files then. I see the tech specs say Mpeg-4 compatible files which I'm sure that the xvid/divx files fall into.

Caged · 13 Dec 2006 at 09:12

boosfuk said:
If you are happy with the restriction of . . . the fact that everybody else has one.

Good old reliable facts right there.

boosfuk · 13 Dec 2006 at 09:14

davetherave2 said:
so will the ipod play xvid/dvivx files then. I see the tech specs say Mpeg-4 compatible files which I'm sure that the xvid/divx files fall into.

No, you have to convert to Apples Quicktime MPEG4 format.
Restriction?

Explain, I use Winamp for my iPod

Maybe as an owner of one you can correct me but aren't you limited to iTunes if you want to buy music online?

Anyway, davetherave2, buy a Zen.

davetherave2 · 13 Dec 2006 at 10:21

will the zen work with Itunes?

Also any known issues with either player. I intend to get this a christmas present for the girlfriend so was just wondering which would be best. Well I'm going to be popping over to a highstreet store at lunch to compare the two and see which one I think she would prefer.

_PD_ · 13 Dec 2006 at 10:48

Get the iPod.

It looks better, has loads of accessories available, good support when you need it (through loads of massive forums etc).
If you don't like iTunes for some reason, use something else. Theres loads of programs available, including drag and drop style ones if that's what you like.
You can skin them, too, even replace the entire interface with RockBox, which removes the file compatibility issues.

Margaret · 13 Dec 2006 at 13:11

boosfuk said:
Maybe as an owner of one you can correct me but aren't you limited to iTunes if you want to buy music online?

Nope,
I can buy music of anything I like then just transfer it over using Winamp, I don't buy however but you can still do it that way.

iPod is the king at the moment and no Zen will not work in iTunes.

Get the iPod.

davetherave2 · 14 Dec 2006 at 10:51

well I have gone for the ipod as this will go nicely with her mini mac (as I said its for the girlfriend and I know she was more keen on the ipod than the zen). I personally would probably go for the zen but I have my eye on the archos players and with the 100GB capacity it should be able to hold enough stuff on it to keep me entertained.