Creative Technology Nomad Jukebox Zen NX (20 GB) MP3 Player

Pros: Loaded with options, sounds great, and holds everything in your collection and more.
Cons: Software needs an update.

My last MP3 player was a RIO volt SP250. It played CDs loaded with MP3 files, but after 2 years of constant use at work, the laser in it died. It was time to get another player. When I saw what Creative had to offer, I liked the idea of not having to b ...

Pros: Sound is excellent! Price is right. Size is perfect. Controls are great.
Cons: Ear buds!! Warranty is only 3 months.

I have loaded roughly 1200 songs of varying size and have 13 gig free. I tried the USB 1.1 interface first. But man let me tell ya, the USB 2.0 speeds are blistering. I loaded the entire Static-X Wisconsin Deathtrip album in less than 30 seconds. And I ...

Pros: Very chic, great sound quality, great price!
Cons: Software is restrictive, keypad is harder to navigate.

*UPDATE -- Nov. 23, 2005* My husband decided it was time for me to have my own MP3 player so he purchased the Creative Nomad Zen Sleek for me last weekend. I was a bit skeptical about it at first, but seeing as my husband has not had any issues with ...

Pros: large memory, self contained
Cons: too many albums can be overwhelming

My boyfriend bought me the Zen when I graduated from college. He had been using the Nomad Jukebox for years and I didn't have an MP3 player. I have to admit, when I first got the Zen I thought, "what in the hell am I going to do with this thing". ...

Pros: battery life, storage space, usb 2.0, ability to usb charge
Cons: lack of customer service, non existant warranty, no way to fix it easily

The MP3 player in question that I own is the Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox Zen. I don't know if it's an NX, but it does have a 20 Gb HD. I didn't even know I wanted one... until I saw it on ebay for 100 dollars and bought it. It comes in really handy when ...

Pros: Its cheaper than an iPod
Cons: Flimsy, cheap, doesn't bounce very well. Customer service, it should be customer dis-service.

Lets start by saying, it isn't an iPod. Obvious you may say but I purchased one to save a few dollars and after reading the reviews I thought the Nomad would be a good alternative. Sorry but its not in the same league.
The iPod is solid, very well put together and with accessories galore. The Nomad's construction is poor, this I found when I dropped it on to a hardwood floor. Not recommended. I contacted customer services to ask if there was anything I could do and after waiting on the line for a decade I was told that it was my fault. Yes I dropped it, but you think the thing would survive a 5ft drop onto a wooden floor!
Anyone looking for spares... I'm looking for an iPod.

Pros: It's inexpensive.
Cons: Cheaply made, poor interface, hard-drive failed after less than two years.

I purchased my Zen Nomad in October 2003. Immediately I was struck by how cheaply made it was. The plastic face wouldn't stay attached to the body -- it appears that the only way it stays on is by two hooks on the top and glue (seriously) on the bottom. But you have to open it to get the battery going so that's more than a little odd.

The scrolly-thingie on the side is hard to use and not very accurate. I also found it very difficult to find particular music.

Then, to my dismay, one day the hard drive failed. Fortunately, I had purchased a two-year replacement plan, but unfortunately, a replacement product in the same price range doesn't exist. At least I'll end up with something, though, rather than a harsh lesson in not buying the extended warranty.

Pros: Good storage space, Good sound, nice look, cheap price.
Cons: Jog dial, no dock, no accessories, bad software, lack of upgrades from Creative.

Well, I've had my Nomad Zen NX for about 6 months, so I've learned alot. I'm actually not very happy with it. Here's why:

First, no dock. That dock makes a crap load of difference when you wanna listen to the music from your Nomad on your PC or even recharging. In order to do this with the Nomad, you have to first plug in the adapter then the USB port (which is a pain if you just keep your music and data files on the Nomad like I do).

Second, no upgrades to Nomad's software or firmware. Creative doesn't show very much love to it's consumers. The software is TERRIBLE. And the firmware needs to be more user-friendly.

Third, while other MP3 players are coming out with new cases, car holders!, in-line remotes, memory card readers, etc. Nomad has came out with....well, absolutely nothing. No accessories at all.

I know the IPod costs more, but it's probably worth it. The only thing close enough to the convience of an Ipod is the Rio Karma. I'm waiting for the new Rio Karma 2 coming out soon and then I'll get rid of this piece of crap.

Pros: Easy use, large storage, cheap
Cons: no extras, little or no accessories compared to the iPod

While it lacks the extra features the iPod has, it does the basics, and thats all you really need. It's music organizer program is super simple to use, but installing it is a hassle.

Pros: great sound quality, cheap, light, good disk space
Cons: headphones are only for sports

this is an amazing mp3 player for the price its at. creative labs have made many mp3 players, but i have to say this is one of the best for cheap. light, great for carrying it places, has a 20 gig hard drive which is great for stroreing all your songs and has many features.