Creative Hard Plastic Case for Zen, Zen MX (Clear)
by Creative
|
List Price: Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
|---|
(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Creative Hard Plastic Case for Zen, Zen MX (Clear)
Customer Review: Provides protection, but...
Summary: 3 Stars
The example I got was rough along the edges (literally). Nubs of extra plastic molding ringed the edges of both plastic sections. Took a while to figure out how to OPEN the thing since no instructions were included, though I admit the sliding motion is more elegant than the snap-fit action that Sony's own plastic case that I use for my NWZ-A818.
The carabiner is cheaply made and the raised surface at its hinge makes no sense at all; it seems like the mini stud holding the hinge together has enough sharpness to scratch the case all by itself. The available opening is minimal at best; a true D-shape 'biner would more useful to clip onto a backpack loop, or onto one of the fabric loops sewn into the inner liner of my rain shell. Tempted to exchange the caribiner for a handmade lanyard instead, as I've done with other DAP cases in the past.
No doubt that this like ANY hard plastic shell case will be sacrificial to the cause of protecting the device inside; indeed, this Creative case received its first scratch on the first day of use, although perhaps a little TOO easily. I don't like that the case exposes the front panel controls; I'd instead prefer the use of a rubberized control diaphragm that fully protects the Zen's surfaces, like some third-party iPod case makers use, or like Sony uses for my previously mentioned NWZ-A818 case.
The plastic of this Creative case is relatively clear, with what little polarizing, rainbowing effect (when viewed straight on) over the screen fortunately relegated to the lower edge of the screen area. Could be a problem IF I viewed videos on a regular basis, but since I use the Zen almost exclusively as a music device it's not much of a concern for me. The biggest gripe about the plastic revolves around its thickness; getting at some of the controls along the edge of the cut-out is awkward because of depth of material, even with my relative small fingers; people with large fingers are forewarned. The built-in kick stand is a nice touch, but again it's a feature more suited for video fans. The opening for connectivity is also a concern; any larger miniplug housings for third-party headsets will have a tough time getting a proper connection to the now deeply recessed headphone jack (not iPhone bad, but close).
The biggest downside with this case is the relative bulk my 32 GB Zen inherits with its use; for sheer size impact alone it's tempting to just forget about using this case and run with the Zen naked instead. Still, it does seem to offer good protection, even though it's hard for a codger like me to understand how such a shoddily refined case could cost 15 cents, let alone the 15 dollars that Amazon charged.
Customer Review: Great case, Great protection
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay this case fits perfectly and I have owned it for a little over 2 years. It has protected my 4gb zen and has absolutely no scratches on the screen as of yet.
I will note a few things that I have had so you can be informed
-The case can get dirt in between the case and player, I recommend if keeping in pocket you take it out of case and whipe off with cloth every couple weeks.
-The case does get scratches on it but thats the point so your player stays nice.
-The lanyard circle I have hasnt broken yet and has never fallen off my pants
-The little cloth that connects your lanyard to my case broke after about a year and a half. I saw it ripping so I replaced it. I bought some comparable material at walmart and my wife stiched a piece together and it works perfect again.
-The little stand for propping it up for watching a movie surprisingly works well and doesnt fall, it stays clipped into the back and works out nice.
The case doesnt have access for being able to reset the player just a note.
Worth the money. I bought it the day I got my player was worth the money.
****Warning**** There are small extensions coming from the inside of the case that will scratch the other area of your player from prolonged use. It isnt on the screen but the outer area, for me its not a huge deal but if it is for you you can see the ribbed pieces and you may want to sand them but more then likely it creates the tight fit.
Customer Review: Acceptable and Serves It's Purpose, some downs.
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this case for my zen, wanting to protect that wonderful look that it had coming out of the box. When I opened the package for this case, there were a few smudges or scratches on the case itself, which puzzles me, but they are of no big concern. Now to the use itself. It works very well, protecting all but the buttons from damage, but there are a few things that could be done to improve the case. The case leaves very little room to control buttons close to the edge of the case, especially for me, the right direction key, and now I have to slightly angle the whole thing if I want to successfully skip forward or flip into a sub-menu. I have fairly skinny fingers too. Also, the case covers the reset button and the sd card slot, but it is actually not that hard to take the case on and off. The kick stand is very handy, so that I can prop up my player while I'm working at my desk to see what is playing. When I first put my player in this case, I had to try a couple of times to do it without letting any dust in. That may be clumsiness on my own part, but it is still to be noted. The key-chain is great for hanging the player on your backpack or briefcase, but I live in Central Seattle, not a great place to be walking around with an mp3 player hanging out for anyone to see and more likely take. All in all, great case, serves it's purpose, no major faults, and i definitely recommend it.Customer Review: I used this case daily for about 4 months when it began to deteriorate.
Summary: 2 Stars
I listen to books everyday, and this case has a round clip which is awkward when trying to clip and un-clip quickly--the direction is not predictable. The primary problem with the unit is the strap. It is made of "pleather", a non-durable fabric with a thin coating of some kind of plastic over it. With regular use, it deteriorates and needs replacing or reinforcing. I tried with some glue that hardens with flexibility. Still it becomes an unsightly attachment.
I quit using it, because it continued to degrade, and I didn't like to gloppy look of the strap. The case itself is very protective. I also had trouble reaching the on/off switch, so I had to use a drill to widen the slot so I could more easily get to the controls. I think a also filed to a slant the sides of the opening around the controls so that it wasn't such a steep drop, because it was hard to forward and reverse in books without moving to the beginning of a section by accident.
I went with a silicone case with a clip/band option, but it needs a cover for the screen. Those need to be replaced periodically and the package only comes with one. I like it better for security, but it collects crud under the unit on the back and on top of the controls if you don't take off the sleeve often to clean it.
Again, I use my Zen everyday, so I have put these cases to use.
Customer Review: Excellent case, crappy key ring
Summary: 4 Stars
The only reason this gets 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the ring. The circular shape doesn't work for carabiner rings, the latch can easily be misaligned and it doesn't snap quickly onto things. Takes a minute or two to clip it onto something (unless you're extremely coordinated, which I'm not). I switched the circle ring out with a standard D-shaped mini carabiner and that works much better, it snaps together securely and very easily. And why is there no access to the SD slot with the case on? The slot already has a dummy card in it to protect the slot, so why is it necessary to cover it with another layer of plastic?
Aside from these two issues, this is a great case, it protects the screen and I can access (almost) everything I need to. The case fits tightly but on mine there was no "oil-spot" contact point between the case and the screen- maybe that was fixed in later production runs. And for those who complain about the case adding thickness to the player- it's not that much, and how else are you supposed to protect the player? It's a non-issue for me. Unless you want to smother your player in a leather case, this is the best thing you will find for the Zen. And if it scratches, you can always buy a new clear case instead of having to replace the player itself.