Audio Player USB Cables Keep the Music On
Probably the biggest frustration anyone has had when using a music or media player is running out of juice with nary a cable to be found in the vicinity. And while charging players like those in the Creative Zen lineup seems like you can just stick a cable into and connect it to a power supply, it isn't as simple as that. However, with the right connection type and the proper USB cable, you'll be jamming to your favorite tracks easily.
What Is the Creative Zen?
- Media Player: The series is a line of media players from the same audio company. They can play both music and movies in various popular formats to allow for flexibility and convenience. An example is the Zen Vision M, which is a media player that has a 2.5-inch color screen capable of playing video. Another is the Zen Stone, which is a small music player that fits the palm of your hand and can play music files like MP3 and WAV.
- Charging Times: This figure varies across devices, like that of the Zen Stone, which takes only about an hour to charge while bigger ones may take up to two to three hours. Uptime is one of their strengths because their batteries can last much longer compared to their charge times. The Zen Stone offers up to 9 hours of music playback on a single charge, while the Zen Micro may reach 10 hours.
- Accessories: The typical Zen device includes a pair of earphones so you can immediately enjoy your tunes after loading them up. Some bundles include a lanyard for smaller devices along with the USB charging and data cable.
What Should I Consider When Buying a USB Cable for My Zen?
- Length: The length of cable is important because, depending on your device and what you use to charge it with, you will risk dangling a heavier device like the Zen Micro from somewhere like the front USB port of your desktop PC. Make sure to purchase one that is at least a meter long in order to comfortably charge via USB or transfer data through a USB.
- Construction: Cable material is important because it gives you a clue as to the lifespan of the USB accessory. Those made of flimsy rubber are sure to tear or tatter at the ends, while braided cables have an extra layer of protection against cutting from the cable being kept among keys and whatnot.
- Design: Lastly, the design of the connector is important. While the business end is usually USB, the end that connects to the device may vary. For instance, the Zen Stone uses a mini USB connection, while the Zen Micro takes a proprietary type of connector. Stock up on those that are less common.
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