What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
Mon, Feb 6 2006, 3:00PM
Creative Zen Vision:M (30GB)
£
150
The Vision M is something of an iPod imitator, but it doesn’t quite match its inspiration
Write your own reviewFor
Nice iPod-like styling; very good picture and sound performance
Against
The iPod Classic is even better
Of all the portable video players we've seen, the Zen Vision M stands out as being the nearest in style and approach to the iPod Classic.
The Vision M has a 2.5in screen. We've said before that this is a little small to be watching a long film on, and the Creative's display doesn't change our mind.
However, picture quality is high, while the sound is full-blown and expansive, offering good detail and an attractively punchy bass.
At £150 this 30GB model (the 60GB costs £190) is pretty good value for money, but it's a little poorer than the iPod Classic for picture, usability and looks.
Overall, this once five-star product is still worth an audition, but if you're looking for a stronger Apple-alternative, check out its ‘W' sibling.