Creative Zen Microphoto 8gb review

The Zen MicroPhoto is essentially a Zen Micro that has been updated with a 262,144 colour screen capable of displaying photos in order to keep up with the likes of the iPod. It also has a large 8GB capacity in order to store them.

The colour screen is the Zen MicroPhotos main selling point. The 262,144 colour screen is clear and crisp but at 1.5” width it is no larger than the screen on most digital cameras. However, it is nice to have a colour screen and it makes navigation and viewing playlists so much easier. It has what Creative call “revolutionary display technology” which enables photos to be viewed from any angle. Also convenient is the one-touch photo slideshow feature, handy for remembering your summer holiday as you travel into work on the bus! Things get more colourful than just the display as the Zen MicroPhoto illuminates with a neon blue glow every time you use it.

Let's not forget this is primarily a music playing device. To make your tunes sound exactly how you like them use the Zen MicroPhoto's custom EQ (equaliser) or, if you music falls into one of the included genres, there are 8 pre-programmed EQ settings so your music always sounds at its best: Acoustic, Classical, Disco, New Age, Vocal, Pop, Rock, and Jazz.

The vertical touch pad for navigation is easy to use and the whole device is small and ergonomically curved to fit in the palm. The rechargeable Li-ion battery included offers up to 15 hours of continuous playback time and because it is removable if you carry a spare you need never worry about running out of juice or sending the player back to the factory when the battery fails permanently. To charge the Zen MicroPhoto you can connect it to your computer, or use the USB travel charger when you're on the move.

Being a fully portable hard drive means you can store more than your photos on the Zen MicroPhoto. Using a USB cable (Hi-Speed USB 2.0 of course) you can transfer all kinds of files from your computer to it: so there's no excuse for not taking your work home with you!

Another nice feature is the built-in FM radio. It has 32 pre-set stations to make it easy to switch between stations and you can record your programs onto the Zen to listen to when it's convenient.

Other handy features that might influence you to choose the MicroPhoto over other similar players are the voice recording functions, so you can record memos and meetings, and Microsoft Outlook integration so you can organise appointments, business contacts, or even wake up to your favourite song.

Box contents:

• Zen MicroPhoto
• High fidelity Creative earphones with dynamic bass response
• Removable rechargeable Li-ion battery
• USB 2.0 Cable
• Pouch
• Installation CD
• Quick Start Guide

The colours the Creative Zen Microphoto is available in are: White | Dark Blue | Black | Grey