They've got the beats; MP3 players let you carry a virtual jukebox on your hip - B.E. Reviews - Product/Service Evaluation

Black Enterprise, Sept, 2003 by Tariq K. Muhammad

Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen

Capacity: 20GB

Pros: Well designed, sleek, excellent sound quality and options

Cons: Occasionally clunky interface

The Jukebox Zen is well designed and well appointed. The unit can handle both MP3s and WMAs and lets you hunt down music by artist, song, playlist, album, or genre. The Zen also lets you edit tracks on the fly. You can even create multiple playlists directly on the device. Alas, it is a more complicated process than would seem necessary, but it does work. But you'll forget about the occasionally clumsy interface when you hear the sound; it's truly zen.

Creative has relied on its considerable experience in the sound processing arena to provide excellent sound options. There are numerous digital signal processing options including the ability to simulate different listening environments. You can also change the quality of sound by selecting a spatialization option or compensate for external noise using Smart Volume. There's even a time scale function that allows you to change the speed of a song. The Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen has enough features, settings, and sound quality to make it almost possible to hear the sound of one hand clapping. Also available in 60GB version (www.creative labs.com; $299).

Apple iPod

Capacity: 15GB

Pros: Excellent design, intuitive interface, good sound quality

Cons: Can't delete tracks on unit; MusicMatch software for Windows needs an update

The iPod creates an emotional reaction as soon as you lay your eyes on it. It is without doubt the smallest, lightest, and most elegant hard drive-based MP3 player available. There is only one moving part on the iPod, the hold switch, which keeps you from accidentally pressing one of the immobile function "buttons." It's a good thing because the buttons and scroll wheel are incredibly responsive. Set-up was easy but not problem-free.

While Mac users have the tightly integrated iTunes software to control syncing with the iPod, Windows users must deal with MusicMatch 7.5 to sync with the iPod (A Windows version of iTunes is due out at the end of the year). At first, MusicMatch and the iPod worked well together, but shortly thereafter the software would not recognize the unit. The problem was fixed easily by downloading a patch from www.music match.com. Windows users will appreciate the $19 USB/FireWire adapter that eliminates the need to purchase a FireWire card to connect the device to your PC. The iPod is available in 10GB and 30GB sizes (www.apple.com; $399 for 10GB iPod).