Creative passes Zen Stones
In a "we copied this directly from the iPod shuffle" move, Creative has released a new MP3 player called the Zen Stone. It comes in tasty colors just like Apple’s 2nd generation iPod Shuffle. Weighing in at 18.3 grams it’s heavier, but signifigantly cheaper at only $40 when it launches on the 14th this month. Apple’s iPod shuffle is double the cost at $80, while both MP3 players are 1GB players with a screen-less display. The Zen Stone has 10 hours of playback and holds up to 250 songs, while the iPod shuffle includes 2 extra hours of battery life. Will this cause Apple to lower it’s price on the Shuffle? Will anyone even buy this given iTunes dominance in the marketplace? Still, given it’s cheap price, it is certainly a contender.
Creative needed to do something about the Shuffle. If people would buy more of their stuff, they’d figure out that Creative’s player line is better than Apple’s, but then again I’m anti-Apple.
Screw Apple and their svengali tactics. A Creative Zen M demolishes an Ipod Video performance and feature wise but definetely not design wise. I will be picking up some Stones for sure. At those prices how can one go wrong.
Looks like its a standard USB connection, unlike the Sony, er Apple iPod. I’ll give up the extra charge time for the convienience.