Creative X-Fi

Best Price:
It’s almost automatic for computer users to assume that anything with a ‘Fi’ in the name must indicate wireless networking, yet X-Fi is actually a reference to ‘hi-fi’ sound rather than ‘Wi-Fi’ networking. It’s Creative’s system for enhancing the sound of MP3 files on the fly, to make them clearer and sharper, digitally restoring the peaks and troughs that are ironed out to decrease the size of MP3 audio files. Which isn’t to say this X-Fi device doesn’t have Wi-Fi too – it does.

Features:
Unfortunately, the device doesn’t go as far as letting you forego cables altogether – you still have to connect it via USB to the PC that you store your music, photos and videos on, in order to transfer them onto the device. However, if you’re just kicking around indoors, you can use the Wi-Fi to stream the media on your network anywhere in the house, with the device’s built-in speaker helping out in this regard, too.

A slightly bizarre extra function is that Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger users can chat on the device while it’s hooked up to Wi-Fi. The interface is trickier to type messages on than a mobile phone but the fact that it’s free (assuming you’re not the one paying for Wi-Fi) and unlimited might appeal to younger message-mad readers. On a more conventional note, it also has an FM radio so there’s something to listen to when you’ve had enough of your own tunes.

Performance:
The device comes with a good-quality pair of bud speakers that sit right in your ear. This means that a certain amount of background noise is blocked so you don’t have to turn the volume up high to get decent sound. By enhancing the sound of the MP3 files, the X-Fi creates synthetic 3D depth to the …audio, effectively filling your head with music. Video and photo playback is clear and sharp, though the 2.5in screen is a little small for extended viewing.

Ease of use:
Creative’s user interface is very straightforward, with a list of options that break down into tree-structured menus as you work your way through them. Interestingly, Creative has moved away from Windows Media Player and now bundles its own software with this device, which makes it easier to load files. This software also utilises a tree-like folder system that’s similar to Windows Explorer.

Value for money:
Creative products always score high on value for money and the X-Fi is no exception. The 16GB model is priced at £150, or you can double the memory to 32GB for £240 – it’ll also take a memory card for further memory expansion. This packs a much more powerful punch than the similarly sized iRiver Lplayer we reviewed in Issue 194, which maxes out at £105 for 8GB. The closest rival from Apple, in terms of unit size, is the Nano, which has an 8GB model for £129. To get an Apple product matching the X-Fi’s 16GB, you’d have to leap up the form factor to the iPhone-a-like iPod Touch, which would set you back £269, although that model does have the benefit of a significantly larger screen.