Creative Zen Micro vs. Apple iPod Mini

Creative Labs wants its Zen Micro player to be the PlaysForSure compatible alternative to the iPod Mini. The Zen Micro comes in numerous color choices, it's smaller than the iPod Mini, the battery offers 12 hours of playback and easily swaps out with a spare. Built-in microphone and FM radio features mean no pricey upgrades to add to the cost of the unit. With 4GB, 5GB and 6GB sizes all priced competitively with the iPod Mini, it would seem the Zen Micro is a better alternative. After living with my Zen Micro since November, progressing through 3 firmware updates to the one released just after the Super Bowl, I've got some strong opinions about the good and bad points of owning a Zen Micro.

At first blush any flavor of Zen Micro looks like a winner over the iPod Mini in the features department. Both come in multiple drive sizes at comparable price points. The iPod Mini is available in a 4GB version for $199 or 6GB for $249. The Creative Zen Micro has three sizes: 4GB for $199, 5GB for $229 and 6GB for $249. The 5GB model was the original Micro and now looks strangely positioned between the two other models. Who wouldn't spend the extra $20 for 20% more space? Obviously Creative introduced the 4GB and 6GB models to make it easier for buyers to compare these two products more directly.

Here's a side by side comparison of features to show how closely they match up:

Feature	iPod Mini	Zen Micro
Available Colors	4	10
Height	3.6	3.3
Width	2.0	2.0
Depth	0.5	0.7
Weight	3.6oz	3.8oz
Sync Connection	USB/FireWire	USB
FM Tuner	No	Yes
Microphone	No	Yes
Battery Life	18	12
Battery Replacement	No	Yes
Charge Time	4hrs.	4-5hrs.
Included Accessories	Belt Clip, USB cable, headphones	USB cable, headphones