Creative Labs NOMAD Jukebox Zen (USB 2.0)

by Creative

Product Details

Product Manual [3.18mb PDF]

• Item Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00008AOKE
• Item model number: DAP-HD0007
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #141,764 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The latest iteration of Creative Labs' Nomad Jukebox line, the Nomad Zen, is a smaller version of the CD-player size 20 GB that, like its processor, can hold more than 8,000 WMAs ripped at 80 kbps or 5,000 MP3s ripped at 128 kbps. Similar to the older models, the Nomad Zen offers connectivity via Firewire (IEEE1394) or USB 1.1 but this model offers support for USB 2.0, versatility that the original Apple iPod (the device whose form factor the Zen imitates) lacked. Gadget freaks familiar with older Jukeboxes will recognize the familiar interface that's displayed on the Zen's 1.7-by-0.8-inch (132x64 pixel) backlit LCD and welcome the up to 12 hours of playback time (the USB 2.0 model promises up to 14 hours of playback time) that the built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery affords you.

The body is constructed of anodized aluminum, and while it's slightly larger than the iPod, it can still fit in your pocket. The Zen also ships with a travel pouch that clips to your belt. Seeking to build on an already strong product, Creative added a variety of touches that make the Zen stand out from other large capacity MP3 players; the included USB cable doubles as a battery charger, you can transfer titles between the player and your PC, and you can even create, organize, and edit playlists away from your PC.

While it’s easy to gush about the Zen it does have a few downsides. Unlike previous Nomad models the Zen lacks additional audio outputs, and FM tuning and audio recording capabilities are only available with aftermarket wired remotes. We had hoped that a device at this price would support these features right out of the box. Furthermore, in order to play songs randomly you have to first create a playlist and choose to play that list randomly. Other large capacity players allow you to simply play all of the songs that are on the device randomly. Lastly, we found the thumb jog dial a little difficult to scroll through, especially when compared to the iPod’s ingenious navigation system.

After all is said and done though, anyone who purchases the Nomad Zen will be pleased with it. With transfer speeds of up to 0.77 MB per second with USB 1.1 or 3.35 MB per second via Firewire, it shouldn't take long at all to fill up the device's massive 20 GB hard drive. Throw in a set of decent headphones (the wraparound ones that ship with the Zen are less than admirable), and you're good to go. --Wil O'Neal

Amazon.com Product Description

Creative Labs’ 20 GB Nomad Zen is a large capacity MP3 player designed for Windows users. Learning how to manipulate the interface will take some time, but once it’s been mastered even novice users will be able to use it. It connects to either the USB or Firewire port of your PC, so users of older computers will have to make sure that their machine has the ports necessary to fully utilize the Zen’s features. The Zen supports multiple file formats so you can use MP3s or Windows’ WMA file format. If you want to be able to record audio or listen to FM radio you’ll have to buy the wired remote accessory.

What’s in the box:

• Creative Labs NOMAD Jukebox Zen 20 GB
• Wraparound Headphones
• USB and Firewire cable
• Carrying case
• AC battery charger and power adapter
• Software: Creative PlayCenter 3, AudioSync, Creative File Manager

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific MP3 Player, February 24, 2003

By 

"fpsgamer2003" (Kingston, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Labs NOMAD Jukebox Zen (USB 2.0) (Electronics)

I have the Firewire version of this MP3 player. They're basically the same thing except for three things, Battery Life (the USB 2.0 version has 2 more hours), Connectivity (obviously), and Price (at the time of this review the firewire version has a rebate). Anyway here's my review.

"The Nomad Zen is simply the best MP3 Jukebox out there. It defintly on par with the Apple IPOD or far past.

Here's an overview

Features- 9.0
The Zen has Advanced features such as Enviromental Effects, that i have never seen on another MP3 Jukebox before. Other features include time scaling, Customizeable Logos, Spatialization, and Smart Volume which evens outs sounds when low depending on conditions, such as being on a plane or in a car. It has both Firewire and USB 1.1. There is a version that does have usb 2.0 alone. With a firmware upgrade, you can transfer non-copyright protected songs, between units. If you have a Sound Blaster Live, Audigy or Audigy2 sound card you can you use an EAX enhancement for your audio files. You can search for music that is on the unit. The Player Supports WMA, which is a vital feature for anyone who ripped all their CDs using Windows Media Player. You can also use the device as a portable hard-drive, however you cant run programs off it. In order to use at as a portable Hard-Drive you must use the include File manager Program, which kind of defeats the purpose.

Performance- 9.0
The Zen sounds fantastic. It has a 98dB Noise to Sound Ratio which one of the highest, if not the highest for a MP3 Jukebox.
Its quick to start up and charge. It takes about 3-4 hours to completly charge, which gives almost 12 hours of battery life (the USB 2.0 version gives 14 hours). It charges through the USB port or through an included adaptor, however not through the firewire port. Transfering Music is fast through firewire, and with USB it transfers at a rate of about 1 MB/Sec, not too bad. However, there is one major problem, swithching trough songs is sluggish. It takes the unit about 1 to 2 seconds the switch songs. This annoying at best. The included headphones aren't the best.

Software-8.0
In order to transfer songs you must use Creative Labs Play Center. This Program is simply mediocre. While it does have a nice interface and good feature set, it has several minor flaws, such as having to select each folder indivudualy instead of being able to just select a master folder, such as "My Music", in order to transfer music. The Actual Operating System on the unit is not that bad, it gets the job done effectively, and access to all the features is easy.

Aesthetics- 9.0
The Unit is Zen-Like, with it's smooth metallic case. It also comes with a black Leather-like case, that provides easy access to all the functions, except the Firewire and USB Ports. The included head phones are good-looking, how ever they dont sound that good. The operating system on the unit is easy to look at, and has well designed icons. Play Center is also good-looking and skinable. The unit also is a liitle heavy

Value- 9.5
The Unit is well below what the 20GB Ipod Costs. Even though the headphones aren't that great and the optional remote is costly, it still is worth the money. Even after buying better head-phones and the hard to find remote, it still costs less then an IPOD.

Overall-9.0 (or 5/5 for amazon)
The Nomad Jukebox Zen is the best MP3 jukebox player out there. Simply put, a must for any music listener with more than 20 CDS."

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great mp3 jukebox, April 19, 2003

By 

Joe Blakely "joe blakely" (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Creative Labs NOMAD Jukebox Zen (USB 2.0) (Electronics)

I got the USB 2.0 version and I'm pleased as punch with it. It is compact (although not as compact as the IPOD), sounds great, and has a really well thought out interface. The LED is very easy to read and once you get the hang of it, you can do really cool things like creating playlists while listening to songs. I created a particularly memorable list of songs on a recent trip to Death Valley. I saved that list of Desert Songs and plan on creating a Dance List, a mellow Massage List and others. And you don't have to be at a computer to do it; I did it in the car while listening to tunes.

I also listen to a lot of recorded books. I get them on CD from the library and rip them to mp3. That way I always have a few complete unabridged books on my Zen to choose from for long flights or drives.

I tried two other hard drive based players before settling on this: the Neuros, which I found to be a disaster. It's big selling point is that it can transmit to a nearby fm radio like your stereo or the one in your car. Turns out the sound quality when doing so is severely degraded if your receiver can pick it up at all. The download process was USB 1.0 and just full of bugs and freezes and slow as molassis when it did work. One positive thing is downright excellent customer service and apparent complete honesty on their website about bugs they are trying to work out.

I also tried the IPOD windows version. Well, I tried to. I installed two different firewire cards in my computer and still could not get a synch with the device. It is smaller and lighter but from what I read you can't create and name playlists while listening to music like with the Zen.

Frankly, I didn't have any regrets returning the IPOD because I'd fallen in love so with my Zen.

And the 20 mb Zen is WAY cheaper.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome!, February 23, 2003

By 

Greg (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Creative Labs NOMAD Jukebox Zen (USB 2.0) (Electronics)

This player is great! The USB 2.0 is ridiculously fast- I transfered my entire collection (2,000 songs) in just under half an hour! the sound quality is excellent, and the interface is great, as long as all of your ID3 tags are correct. It's a tiny bit thicker than the ipod, and fairly heavy, but compared to a CD player, it's pretty small. The carrying case isn't that great, and sometimes the buttons are a bit tricky to use with one hand if you're trying to do something quickly. Creative's EAX sound stuff is great- especially the sound effects (making the files sound like they're being played in an auditorium, garage etc) and the smart volume is awesome too. I used the airplane function on my flight, and the player completely blows CD players out of the water. The software is easy to use, but i still prefer Windows Media Player. This player is perfect for me, since most of my files are WMA's that I've ripped.

Overall highly recommended- and how can you say no when it's practically half the price of an ipod?