MSNBC's Gary Krakow calls it, “A video iPod from Microsoft” in his review of the new Creative Zen Portable Media Center, a Best of CES winner this year and now available in stores today (read on to the end for details).   A few choice quotes:

“Installation was pretty bullet-proof.   I upgraded my computer with Windows Media Player 10 and plugged in the Zen. As promised, the PMC was recognized and installed immediately.  Within just a few minutes all of my music and photos were available on the PMC.”

“The Zen PMC gets points for being quite easy to master. The startup/navagation screen looks just like the startup screen on a Media Center computer -– and that’s a very good thing. Without prompting, my wife picked up the device and was able to navigate through the menus with ease. She likes it. Thinks it’s cute. “

“Creative’s Zen PMC goes on sale today at Best Buy and Creative.com.   CompUSA, Amazon.com, Fry’s and Good Guys will be selling them soon.  MSRP is $499.99.  In the next few weeks expect to see PMCs from Samsung and iRiver as well.”

“Microsoft’s work centered more on the home computer -- and video -– with a Media Center Edition of the Windows operating system. Currently a second generation product, Media Center allows you to use your computer as a TiVo of sorts: recording and watching TV programs and videos at your leisure.“

I can attest to Gary's comments about the “Spousal Acceptance Factor”.  My wife and son love my Portable Media Center for family vacations, long car trips etc.  Yes, my son is only 14 months old, but believe me, having “Boobah” and “The Wiggles” as an emergency backup wherever you are is helpful.  That, I wasn't expecting.

If you're into Photos, Music, and Video, the PMC is a very cool product. It gets even better with a Media Center PC with seamless recording and playback of TV programs too.  If you want a demo today, go to your local Best Buy.