Creative Zen Micro 5GB - Silver

First of all, it is so tiny! If you think the mini ipod's are small, you ain't seen nothing yet. It is a little wider and thicker than the mini, but much shorter. The screen is also a little smaller, but it looks so good.

After charging it for 3 hours, it only took me a few minutes to get the hang of it. I prefer the up-down scrolling instead of the wheel on the ipod. Installing the software was a breeze, but I wouldn't bother too much with that, as you get Windows Media Player 10 with it, and it only takes minutes to transfer your songs over to the micro with that. The software looks a bit too complicated, so I'm just going to ignore that.

As for the sound, well, it's pretty amazing. Much, much better than the ipod. It is just so clear. And for people who have said that the volume doesn't go up high enough, you must be deaf. I put it on the highest setting and it nearly blew me off my chair. There is nothing wrong with the headphones either. They look nice, and they are comfortable.

The belt clip that you get with it also doubles as a stand with the extra attachment that comes with it, and it looks so cool. In fact, I'm actually going to get shot of my CD player, and just hook it up to my speakers, after I buy the remote for it.

The extras that come with this baby are amazing. FM Radio is a big bonus. I had no problems setting up a few radio stations, and again, I found the sound quality second to none. I love the voice recorder too. I recorded sound from both near and far, and it was great. From farther away, the sound is slightly quiet, but you can still hear every word perfectly. This is going to be great for taking to lectures with me. No more writing down notes!

The fact that the zen micro also plays WMA files as well as MP3 files was the main reason that I got this. I was so sick of only being able to buy music from itunes with my ipod, and anytime I downloaded 'illegal' music onto my ipod, it would skip. Not with this. Every track plays brilliantly.

Removable battery is a great idea too. They are still doing the limited edition, so I got a spare battery with mine. Excellent! If the battery runs out, simply swap it for another. No need to charge it straight away!

I seriously can't sing this device enough praises. It is just fantastic. If I was to complain about anything, then it would be about the manual. There are only 13 pages of english, and it tells you nothing about how to use any of the features. Luckily, this is so easy to use, so you shouldn't have too many problems. A carry case would have been nice too, instead of the pouch, but that's just being picky. I couldn't be happier. It makes me wonder why I ever bought the ipod in the first place. Cheaper, More space, looks better, more features, the list is endless.

If you are thinking of getting one of these, but you are still unsure, then please, don't worry, you won't regret it! I don't.

The only down sides are:
1) My headphones broke within 5 hours of getting it - the right phone keeps on cutting out on me, so I'm using my own set now. Maybe I'm just unlucky?
2) The software provided with it (to use on the PC) is disappointing. I've never used an iPod or any of the competition, but sorting through 5Gb of songs using the Creative tool is pretty laborious. Better to use Windows Media Player or a third party piece of kit.
3) Radio reception is ok, but a bit weak and hissy somtimes

But in summary - get a Zen Micro!

The 5gb of storage is enough for most users, as it equates to about 240-250 cds worth of storage.

The touch sensitive pad takes a little getting use to, but once you get going its very handy and a joy to use.

The sound quality is good, although the earphones are basic and could be better.

I received mine today and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was still a Limited Edition and contained the extra battery.

Radio reception unfortunately isn't too great. Although for me it's not much of a bother as I rarely listen to the radio.

It's very easy to put music on to the player using Windows Media 10, so I've had no need to use the specific software.

On the whole a very good little mp3 player that's easy to use and looks fantastic. It's less expensive than the ipod mini, its got more storage and I personally think it looks better.