Creative Zen Vision W 30 GB 4.3" 16:9 widescreen refurb $169.99 USD

[HunkaHunkaBurningLove]

Zen Vision W 30 GB Refurb (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?product=16378)

Here's a deal for a refurbished Zen W 30 GB 4.3" 16:9 widescreen format portable media player for $169.99. UPS expedited worldwide shipping is $32 USD so I think all you pay is GST (plus PST outside Oilberta) afterwards if I am not mistaken. There is a free shipping deal on right now for items over $99 so if you have an US address or US buddy all the better.

This is a refurb so keep that in mind. I hear though that Creative refurbs are usually pretty good. You can also get 1.95% cashback on this deal, but ah, I unfortunately cannot tell you from where as I fear banishment. Can I say DG?

Just for comparison, Infonec.ca sells a new Zen Vision W 30 GB Retail version for $280 CDN+ $15 shipping.

Infonec.ca Zen Vision W 30 GB Retail (http://infonec.ca/site/main.php?module=detail&id=342299)

http://images.americas.creative.com/images/products/large/16964.png

Carry all your digital entertainment—15,0001 songs, tens of thousands of photos and up to 240 hours2 of videos—wherever you roam. Beneath the ZEN Vision W player's classy surface is everything you've been looking for. The patented ZEN interface couldn't be easier to use. And the sound and video quality is really something else.

Watch movies and more on the large 4.3" widescreen
This premier MP3 player with a large 4.3" color screen allows for excellent TV, movie3 and photo viewing in 16:9 format.

You'll have room to spare
ZEN Vision W features a Plug&View™ compact flash card slot5 that lets you quickly transfer photos from your digital camera. No PC needed! Free up precious memory space in your compact flash during long photo shoots by archiving tens of thousands of photos on your ZEN Vision W player.

Share your memories
Enjoy your favorite photos and videos with a few friends over lunch. Connect your player to a TV using the AV out and share with your entire family. Add your favorite music to the photos and create a multimedia slideshow.

Listen to your music
Fill your ZEN with up to 15,000 songs1. Pull out your CD collection and rip your albums. Log on to the Internet and browse different music services for the songs and albums you want.

Your ZEN player gives you access to the widest array of content out there. Get yours today.

Tune in to FM Radio
Get the latest news, sports, music and more. You'll never miss another one of your favorite radio shows with your ZEN in your pocket.

Go and go and go using the rechargeable Li-ion battery
Your ZEN player's removable, rechargeable battery is easy to swap with another fully charged battery, there's no need to hang around waiting for your player to charge. Enjoy up to 13 hours6 of continuous music, 4.5 hours6 of movies.

Let your ZEN player really shine
Choose from the coolest accessories to help you make the most of your ZEN player. On the go? Opt for a handy travel charger or car charger. Control your ZEN player while you relax using a wired or wireless remote. Don't miss the carry case that doubles as a desktop stand, screen protectors, compact flash adapters and more. You may also consider moving up to one of Creative's premium sets of Aurvana headphones or earphones.

Intel® Viiv™ Verified
Enjoy digital content, anytime, anyplace with the power of ZEN Vision W and Intel® Viiv™Technology. Look for the Intel® Viiv™ technology identifier to be sure your content, services and applications have been tested with an Intel® Viiv™ technology-based entertainment PC. This identifier ensures the best portable entertainment experience.

Notes:
130GB hold 7,500 songs, based on 4 minutes per song at 128kbps MP3 encoding. 60GB holds 15,000 songs, based on 4 minutes per song at 128kbps MP3 encoding.
2Based on 500Kbps MPEG4-SP format. 60GB holds 240 hours. 30GB hours 120 hours.
3For converting TV programs recorded using Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition, it is recommended that you have Cyberlink PowerDVD™ or Intervideo® WinDVD® version 6 and above installed in your computer.
41GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. Available capacity will be less
5ZEN Vision supports memory cards formatted in FAT16 or FAT32 file systems.
6Actual battery life will vary with use
Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Viiv and Intel Viiv logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

[SKIDS]

I bought a couple of Zen refurbs from Creative before Christmas and they work great. I paid for the expedited shipping and all I was charged was tax...no duty. They arrived two days after I order them via UPS.

[morgasetrakand7]

I bought a couple of Zen refurbs from Creative before Christmas and they work great. I paid for the expedited shipping and all I was charged was tax...no duty. They arrived two days after I order them via UPS.

I bought one a few months ago too. It was in perfect condition, and works well. You wouldn't even know it was refurbished.

[jeffo_]

I was about to order the refurbed 20 gig Zen Photo for $59, but the $32 shipping VIA UPS killed it for me. The UPS being the killing factor. Didnt wanna pay the additional $50 brokerage fee

[nabby]

If the $32 shipping was for UPS Expedited/Express, it already includes the brokerage fee. You will only have to pay GST and PST (and duty, if applicable).

I was about to order the refurbed 20 gig Zen Photo for $59, but the $32 shipping VIA UPS killed it for me. The UPS being the killing factor. Didnt wanna pay the additional $50 brokerage fee

[mistermann]

Be careful that this isn't just the regular player with important bundles accessories removed....compare package contents carefully to the regular player!!!!!

By the way, this is an aesome player, and u can buy a 3rd party attachment to power it with AA batteries, for long trips.

[SKIDS]

That's right, if you select UPS Express, which is usually only a couple dollars more, there is no brokerage fee. So if you're buying multiple quantities it can make it worth it.

[HunkaHunkaBurningLove]

If you browse the refurb and clearance sections, there's a few more pretty good deals which if added in might make the shipping worthwhile. I haven't tried adding more than one item to the cart, but you can try it and see if buying two items increases the shipping significantly or not.

I've ordered a Sony MiniDV camera from B&H photo before using UPS expedited, and although it was pricey for shipping, there was just GST added on afterwards in the form of a UPS bill later. I think the brokerage is built into the expedited shipping cost.

EDIT: Yep, I just checked by adding the Zen W and a Zen Micro to my cart, and the shipping just went up $4 to $36 UPS expedited. So if you are ordering, you may as well order a few items to make the shipping worthwhile (eg. if you have a buddy who wants one too you could share the shipping costs dropping it to $18 per Zen W?)

Link to Package Important Bundle Contents of Zen W 30 GB refurb (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=&subcategory=&product=16378&nav=3)

[Eclipsed7]

Also note that there is no power adapter listed in the package contents. No power adapter means charging when plugged into the USB port!

[Dakras]

I bought one a few months ago too. It was in perfect condition, and works well. You wouldn't even know it was refurbished.

I got a refurb Zen sleek back in spring. It came in factory sealed retail package. At least in some cases they will not be refurb per se but just stock liquidation on brand new, discontinued products.

My sister fell in love with the Sleek so I gave it to her as a gift. I may buy one of these now.

[Dakras]

Also note that there is no power adapter listed in the package contents. No power adapter means charging when plugged into the USB port!

I'm up to my neck with power adapters so I'm just glad if a device comes with standard usb power option instead of a proprietary adapter. I have a couple of neat usb adapters from dealextreme (one for work, one for home etc) to take care of everything.

[Eclipsed7]

I'm up to my neck with power adapters so I'm just glad if a device comes with standard usb power option instead of a proprietary adapter. I have a couple of neat usb adapters from dealextreme (one for work, one for home etc) to take care of everything.

It's not proprietary, just a standard AC to DC charger. I have the 60GB vision, and the adapter charges the Zen much faster then the USB port.
Just my .02.
Friend got an Ipod video and thought he could just start watching show he d/l from the internet on it. Then found out divx is not supported...and is now browsing the creative site. The Zen or maybe an Archos unit.

[HunkaHunkaBurningLove]

Adding the power adapter doesn't increase shipping, but it does cost $29.99.

Zen USB Power Adapter (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?product=15050)

Zen Vision W 30 GB Refurb package contents:

ZEN Vision W player
Earphones
USB Cable
Installation CD

Zen Vision W Retail package contents:

ZEN Vision W player
Earphones
Power Adapter
USB Cable
A/V Cable
Pouch
Installation CD
Quick Start guide

So in summary, this refurb is missing the Power adapter ($29.99), the A/V Cable, the pouch, and the Quick Start Guide.

[Busiu]

SKIDS and morgasetrakand7, did your package contain a wall charger?

Adding the power adapter doesn't increase shipping, but it does cost $29.99.

Zen USB Power Adapter (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?product=15050)

Zen Vision W 30 GB Refurb package contents:

ZEN Vision W player
Earphones
USB Cable
Installation CD

Zen Vision W Retail package contents:

ZEN Vision W player
Earphones
Power Adapter
USB Cable
A/V Cable
Pouch
Installation CD
Quick Start guide

So in summary, this refurb is missing the Power adapter ($29.99), the A/V Cable, the pouch, and the Quick Start Guide.

[djzed]

Monoprice sells a wall charger for the Vision M for a lot less ($6.25).

In the compatible models near the bottom of the page it lists the Vision W as well.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=108&cp_id=10832&cs_id=1083202&p_id=3481&seq=1&format=2

[joeboo]

anyone know what the quality of the TV out is on this device? I was thinking about connecting this to the input of my 2 screen portable DVD player as it is having trouble reading most DVDs.

Also, anyone know if this plays the supported file types or does it have to convert the DIVX file, for example, to some Creative Zen standard before playing?

Thanks,

[HunkaHunkaBurningLove]

Good catch, and great price on the Monoprice charger. Are you sure it's compatible with the Zen Vision W? I know it lists it on there, but the adapter has a pretty wide looking plug. I don't have a Zen Vision W so I can't tell you whether that looks compatible or not.

EDIT: I wonder if that plug fits into the docking port to charge the Zen Vision W?

The video output apparently is 720x480 which is good for regular TV sets. You'd have to check the resolution on your DVD portable player I guess. I'm not exactly sure if you even have to convert the video on these Zen's. I thought I heard someone say that they play almost anything, but I could be wrong there.

Here's a CNET review:

Zen Vision W (http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-video-players-pvps/creative-zen-vision-w/4505-6499_7-32058044.html)

I like how the battery is removable so you can always buy an additional pack for backup purposes if needed plus if it ever dies, you can get a new battery.

[Pavel]

How's the FM on these babies and how complicated is it to convert standard AVI to play on the Zen?

[HunkaHunkaBurningLove]

This guy seems to report that his MP4 and AVI files work fine directly copied onto the Zen vision W.

http://www.askdavetaylor.com/review_creative_zen_visionw_portable_media_player. html

Review with some mixed info about Divx playback - read the reviews afterwards saying it does support Divx (http://www.geardiary.com/2007/01/21/the-creative-zen-vision-w-review/)

Upgrading the Zen Vision to a 100 GB player! (http://onemansblog.com/2007/07/20/tutorial-how-to-upgrade-the-creative-zen-vision-w-hard-drive/)

Compudio.ca Zen Vision Review on Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blUmdE_Y_sM)

Another Youtube Overview (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBP_3OM82LU)

Kid reviewing Zen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvMiO3-FKmM)

[morgasetrakand7]

SKIDS and morgasetrakand7, did your package contain a wall charger?

Sorry for not replying sooner, but mine was the USB charger only. Which is fine for me :)

[Eclipsed7]

I have one of these, the 60GB. Got it last year from Dell. But that aside.
The FM tuner is pretty good, but the headphones must be in for it to get a signal. The headphone act as the antenna.
It can play most anything, I have had some AVI files not play, but I could not figure out why. Divx, Xvid have worked, except AC3 sound is not decoded.
I also have a screen protector installed, well worth it.