Creative Zen video W any good?

I can get one for £200 easily enough and so lots cheaper than the Epson stuff ... seems nice, has a CF slot, does MP3 and video on widescreen and also acts as a portable hard drive. So, I can combo urgent photo storage (doesn't do RAW but assume if I do small jpg/RAW I can view?) and music on the move. I dropped my nice MP3 player and the HD seems knackered so I need a replacement. Worth killin' several birds in one go now? Won't need the photo storage 'til August really. Anyone know of this player?

I'll let you know my thoughts at the end of the week - I just ordered one and it should be delivered on Tuesday.

Dave

Be real curious to see if it supports viewing of Canon CR2 RAW files.

Jpg only.

Be interested to see any comments on this as well.

Similar logic to getting one as well. Time to replace my MP3 player and I was looking to get a HD based unit. I was considering a Zune as it offers a few more features than the equivalent ipod for a bit less money. And then there is this. About $50 more than a Zune with a bigger screen and a CF slot.

I'd really like to know how big big is. Sure a decent screen would be nice, and according to all the reviews Zen W > Zune > Ipod. But how big can it get before the device stops being nice and portable and turns into a chore to lug around.

Fair question ... my take is easily portable but more obviously noticable in the pocket. Definately not just an MP3 Player:

Dimensions:

30GB - 134mm x 75mm x 22mm
60GB - 134mm x 75mm x 26.4mm

Weight:

30GB - 276g (with battery)
60GB - 297.1g (with battery)

Just picked one up to try. Will post a mini review if I get chance over the weekend. If sparksdjs does the same should be a help to people who may be interested

Cost?

yoyoboy wrote in post #2514508
Cost?

About $280 for the 30 gigger in the US

Citizensmith wrote in post #2515841
About $280 for the 30 gigger in the US

About the same in £'s in the UK unless you shop around carefully

I looked at 'em but the fact they wouldn't display RAW turned me off. I really like the Epsons but the price tag is kind of a bummer.

I need the MP3 option most and the CF reader is a big bonus so all in a single device. I only need backup storage in the field and don't need viewing much as I will always have my tiny Vaio in the hotel with me to do that. You can shoot RAW and small jpg if you want to view.

Some quick words on it. So far, I think it's great. The screen is beautiful - bright and well-saturated. It's 4.3" diagonal, about 3.74" x 2.16" (16x9). I've loaded music, pics, and videos (DVD ripped to .avi). I tried the CF download and it is fast. Not supporting RAW is a bummer but I can shoot RAW+JPEG. I was surprised by the viewing quality - I thought the screen might be too small for good viewing but it isn't. As for video, The Big Lebowski looks and sounds great - it is definitely watchable (or can be viewed on TV via supplied cables). Sound is excellent - I use Shure E3c sound isolating earphones. The one complaint is the rocker navigation switch - the upper part is too close to the menu selection button.

So just a quicky here - post any questions and I'll be glad to answer. In the end I am very happy with this purchase, no regrets.

Dave

Cheers Dave ... that review is a big bonus. Mine hasn't arrived as yet. I travel around a fair bit and the video is gonna be a nice option for me on the train. I have the Etymotic Research ER6 'phones and they do a great job of isolating and also not disturbing other travellers. The CF transfer speed is also a bonus as that was my main worry. How's the carry pouch? I am thinking of getting something I can also keep my bankcards and business cards in but don't seem too many options at the moment.

The carry pouch is pretty poor - it's a heavy fabric with a drawstring. Seems like a recipe for a broken screen. I bought the Noreve case for it. While pricey ($59 US with shipping), it is very well made and should offer good protection. I ordered one on a Friday and it was delivered here at my home in Seattle in the US on the following Tuesday - excellent service.

I showed it to a friend at at work yesterday who owns a video iPod - he thought the Creative was great. They are different animals but he was really impressed by the display quality (and he's a serious techno-toy geek).

Dave