Creative Zen Stone (1GB, Black) - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Small and Shuffle-y, Creative's cheap and cheerful music player has all the essentials

Pros: Impressive sound quality, Impressive sound quality, Skip-folder switch, Excellent value

Cons: Supplied Headphones could be better, Supplied Headphones could be better

Verdict: The Zen Stone is a basic but great little player at an excellent price.

Review summary: Looking at and holding the Zen Stone, it's pretty obvious where its name comes from. It feels pleasantly like a pebble in the hand, though it's considerably lighter (18.5g) and the idea generally isn't to skim one across the water. But anyway...

Pros: Great price, Flash memory, Decent sound quality

Cons: Battery life could be better, Feels a little lightweight

Verdict: It has twice the capacity of the iPod shuffle and costs half as much. There really isn't much more to say

Pros: Quality sound from a budget player; can be used as a USB mass storage device; easy to use

Cons: Cannot play while charging; included earbuds are uncomfortable; where's the software?

Pros: Audio quality rivals bigger, more expensive players, Skip between folders/albums easily, Good looks

Cons: Lack of power switch makes pausing and switching on/off tricky, Sometimes forgets which track you were last on, Looks not matched by the feel

Verdict: Creative's pebble-like Zen Stone takes on the iPod Shuffle. It has a lower price and better sound but lacks the brand aura and tactility of the Shuffle.

Review summary: Creative and Apple have long been arch enemies in the MP3 player market. Now it looks as though Creative fancies another go, snapping at Apple's foreshortened Shuffle.

Verdict: In a year dominated by shiny surfaces and touchscreens, the Zen Stone is lacking a certain wow. But if you want a no-nonsense player to accompany you as you run, skate, or endure the morning commute, it won't weigh you down and it won't break the bank.