Reckon the iPod is king? This will make you think again

The iPod may be a cultural phenomenon, but that doesn't mean it's the best media player ever. Take the entry-level model in the family, the iPod shuffle.

It's cute, cheap and easy to use, sure, but it's been rightly criticised for not including a screen or any additional functionality, such as an FM radio. Step forward the Creative Zen Stone Plus, a featherweight marvel that features twice the storage of the 1GB shuffle and yet manages to cost less.

Not only does its 2GB capacity have enough space for more music than the shuffle - we were getting between 350 and 400 songs on there - but it sports a screen, an FM radio with space for 32 presets, a stopwatch and a built-in microphone, all missing from the shuffle.

It's a mass storage device, so mounts on the desktop of any modern operating system for drag/drop copying.

Better still, it's recognised natively by iTunes, and though integration isn't as rich as with Apple's media players, and it doesn't play AAC tracks (whether protected by FairPlay or not), some clever use of Smart Playlists will see it right. Filling it is a little slow, however, even over USB 2.0; just under half an hour for a full transfer.

It's an initially tricky device to use - Creative's decision not to include a manual doesn't help - but easy enough when you've got the hang of it. The OLED screen is crisp and bright indoors, but nearly impossible to read in direct sun. The menu system can be sluggish, too.

The mic works, though the recordings are a little fuzzy; you can copy the resulting WAVs to your Mac using the Finder. The radio, too, does its job, although it depends on what earphones you use. The supplied buds are below par, but team it with a decent set, and the sound is terrific.

While it's not as Mac-friendly as an iPod shuffle, it adds a screen, FM radio and mic to a package that costs less for double the storage. We like.

Score

• 5 / 5

For

• Costs less than the shuffle for more
• Includes a screen
• Recognised by iTunes
• Available in six colours

Against

• Available in six colours
• Can be sluggish to use and fill

Verdict

Specification