It’s beautiful, isn’t it? Even my sister and her boyfriend, both iPod Video users, are impressed. They will readily admit that the Zen is the better device. Why? Because I was watching DivX episodes of Lost and 24 I copied directly off my machine. They have to convert theirs first. Plus, the screen is superb; the colors are better, the screen is brighter and the themes are a lot less antiquated than the tired, old iPod version of Aqua. Aside from a few useful extra features that the iPod doesn’t have, I can transfer files to it using Windows Media Player 10 or Windows Explorer. Another thing, though I haven’t tried it yet, is that it’s supposed to work under Linux. Later, I will try transferring media using Banshee under GNOME to see if it’s true. MTP is sweet.

There are some drawbacks though. The package I bought doesn’t come with a power adapter, it’s a separate purchase. Also, the A/V out cables are proprietary and I need to buy them if I ever want to play my videos on a TV. The accessories are less widespread than the iPod’s so I have to go to particular shops that sell Zen-specific accessories. Another tiny detail, the first unit I got broke within 12 hours and I had to run back to the shop the next day to get a replacement unit. I guess it’s a good thing that Zens tend to break while still under warranty.

My next purchase will be a non-white set of headphones or earphones. I’m personally blaming the iPod for making people wearing white earphones such a juicy target for muggers and thieves.