Must own accessories for a Zen??

[Yesfan70]

So now that I have a MP3 player, what would you guys think I need to do as far as must have accessories to get the most out of it. I have:

the Zen Vision M (of course) 30GB
a pair of JVC marshmallows ear phones, black
a pair of AKG K701 headphones (which I use upstairs with my Yamaha stand alone 5 disc changer).
and I have a Maxpedition M1 waistpack that should arrive by Friday.

Seems pretty good for the basics. What else? Is a LOD really required for a future portable amp or will a mini to mini cable along with the supplied adapter work?

What about player protection? I saw a cool looking neoprene, like a wet suit, cover on this sight called Daydeal.com. Here's a pic:

link

If the above is good/not good, what are some other suggestions? For those that use the Maxpedition bags, is a outer skin even needed?

I plan on getting a wall charger so I don't have to plug it into my computer at night. I figured a cheapie at Radio Shack would be alright, right?

I plan on using my player in my Jeep, to keep from having to lug around CDs and running the risk of them getting stolen (my Jeep was broken into last year, lucky for me I never carried more than 3-4 discs). What is recommended as far as safety goes? I'm sure flipping around through the menu is just as bad as having your eyes on a cellphone dialing than on the road driving.

To quote another member's thread title "help me pimp my Zen"

Thanks everybody.

 

[rockin_amigo14]

www.mediamonkey.com

Great software for transferring your music and organizing your music tags. MUCH better than what Creative supplies.

 

[GreatDane]

I used the dock (refered to as dongle I believe ) with a mini to mini cable. Eventually I broke down and bought a Qables LOD...I was kicking myself for not buying it sooner. Then I turned to the darkside

(iPod) not long after.

The dongle works but is a big PITA. It falls out and is ugly.

Qables offers one for $35.

Mine had a right angle plug which was for a special purpose, get a straight plug.



So, now you need a nice amp and maybe an IEM upgrade $$$$$$$$$ No problem eh?

 

[sharkz]

I would definately invest in a BSE (Best Skin Ever). It is a $5 alternative to an invisible shield and works great. I would never use my player without one.

I also got a silicon case/ac adapter/video adapter from ebay for about $12 shipped. That was a pretty good deal. The silicon case is cheap and does pull in some dust, but it makes the player much more comfortable to hold and is very good at protecting the ultra scratchy plastic on the zen.

 

[qpoiz]

As for the LOD (please correct me if im wrong), the line-out on the Zen is no different than the headphone jack, except that the volume is out of your control.

In other words, the line out is not a true line out. The EQ, BassBoost, EVEN Smart Volume affect the line out. This is using the supplied dongle though. So again, if it's different with an LOD like the one from Qables, then i stand corrected...partially corrected.

 

[Yesfan70]

Appreciate the advice everyone. Thanks. I'll look into BSE. I was looking to get the Qable LOD in the future, so I'll add that. Does anyone know if those "bling, bling" LODs are available for a Zen? Seems like the ones I see are only for an iPod. I think they would look pretty cool with my black Zen and a future black Hornet or AE-2 amp

I didn't know that about the line out. I have heard the line out sounds totally different than using the headphone out. I have a RCA to mini cable so I might have to do some tastes myself to be sure.

Thanks again everyone.