Digital-Audio Reviews

This is a good value, but the screen is very difficult to read in less than perfect lighting conditions. Under bright flourescent lights in the office, it is fine. The rest of the time, though, I have a heck of a time with it. The internal memory also isn't really big enough to store MP3s. I decided to go back to paper and pen.

While color is nice, the price of a color iPAQ is not worth it when compared to this unsung model. Often overlooked the 3135 has all of the same features as it color siblings, Excel, Word, IE, Outlook, Calendar, Contacts, MS Money, but albeit with less RAM 16 compared to 32mb or 64mb for the color versions. However with the inclusion of the CF sleeve, which allows you to plug in CF cards from 8 to 256mb, the 3135 is the best PDA bang for the buck. And let's not forget the iPAQ comes with Windows Media Player, making it also an mp3, wma player, and it has the ability to record voice messages. With the CF sleeve and a few flash cards one can literally carry ones music libary with you where ever you go. Compared with the Palm Pilot, and Handspring Visor, this inexpensive jewel is perfect for the enthusiast, student or professional. After spending almost 6 months researching, playing with and talking with friends, neighbors and co-workers about which PDA to get I have yet to regret my decision.

The 3135, monochrome, 16 MB version of the Compaq iPaq (all of the other reviews here seem to be for the 3600 color, 32 MB versions) is still, all in all, a pretty impressive machine.

The 3135 still has the iPaq 206 MHz StrongARM CPU, it comes with the CF flash memory sleeve, for memory/storage/communications upgrades, very fast USB connection for updates (my previous PDA was a Palm III, with serial cable link - daily sync would take 5 min on average; with USB/iPaq, daily sync rarely takes more than 20 seconds), and with Compaq support, can even upgrade its operating system to Linux (Compaq support...). The 16 MB is very limiting, though, so if you get this, plan to also buy CF memory...along with it. The advantages of the 3135 are speed, power, and price. You get a 206 MHz handheld system for [a higher price], compare that to the fastest Palm platform handheld, the Palm OS/Handspring Visor Platinum, [for less] for an 8 MB, 33 MHz unit.

The Microsoft Pocket PC OS (really CE v3) comes with MS Media Player (for MP3s - better get at least 64 MB of flash memory, though, to take advantage of that!), pocket versions of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook - maps VERY well to existing Outlook calendar functions, MS Internet Explorer (with AvantGo for offline web browsing), MS Money, MS eBook Reader, and MS Access. The conduits to convert from 'pocket' versions of files to desktop are built in and pretty transparent to the user. All you have to do to take information with you is to drag your existing files to a Pocket PC 'My Documents' folder which the install program creates on your PC desktop, and ActiveSync does the rest (by the way, if you install Linux, all you have to do is to FTP files into your handheld - same thing).

The killer app for this (for me, anyway) is the MS Reader utility. eBooks are relatively small, and with my iPaq, I can carry a veritable library with me in a device the size of a pager. The monochrome screen of the 3135 is much more readable than its color (and ...more expensive) counterpart - or is this just cognative dissonance on my part? Many free books are available on the internet, from the public domain works available at...sites...I believe that even Amazon.com has an "eBooks & eDocuments" section.

This is a good value, but the screen is very difficult to read in less than perfect lighting conditions. Under bright flourescent lights in the office, it is fine. The rest of the time, though, I have a heck of a time with it. The internal memory also isn't really big enough to store MP3s. I decided to go back to paper and pen.

While color is nice, the price of a color iPAQ is not worth it when compared to this unsung model. Often overlooked the 3135 has all of the same features as it color siblings, Excel, Word, IE, Outlook, Calendar, Contacts, MS Money, but albeit with less RAM 16 compared to 32mb or 64mb for the color versions. However with the inclusion of the CF sleeve, which allows you to plug in CF cards from 8 to 256mb, the 3135 is the best PDA bang for the buck. And let's not forget the iPAQ comes with Windows Media Player, making it also an mp3, wma player, and it has the ability to record voice messages. With the CF sleeve and a few flash cards one can literally carry ones music libary with you where ever you go. Compared with the Palm Pilot, and Handspring Visor, this inexpensive jewel is perfect for the enthusiast, student or professional. After spending almost 6 months researching, playing with and talking with friends, neighbors and co-workers about which PDA to get I have yet to regret my decision.

The 3135, monochrome, 16 MB version of the Compaq iPaq (all of the other reviews here seem to be for the 3600 color, 32 MB versions) is still, all in all, a pretty impressive machine.

The 3135 still has the iPaq 206 MHz StrongARM CPU, it comes with the CF flash memory sleeve, for memory/storage/communications upgrades, very fast USB connection for updates (my previous PDA was a Palm III, with serial cable link - daily sync would take 5 min on average; with USB/iPaq, daily sync rarely takes more than 20 seconds), and with Compaq support, can even upgrade its operating system to Linux (Compaq support...). The 16 MB is very limiting, though, so if you get this, plan to also buy CF memory...along with it. The advantages of the 3135 are speed, power, and price. You get a 206 MHz handheld system for [a higher price], compare that to the fastest Palm platform handheld, the Palm OS/Handspring Visor Platinum, [for less] for an 8 MB, 33 MHz unit.

The Microsoft Pocket PC OS (really CE v3) comes with MS Media Player (for MP3s - better get at least 64 MB of flash memory, though, to take advantage of that!), pocket versions of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook - maps VERY well to existing Outlook calendar functions, MS Internet Explorer (with AvantGo for offline web browsing), MS Money, MS eBook Reader, and MS Access. The conduits to convert from 'pocket' versions of files to desktop are built in and pretty transparent to the user. All you have to do to take information with you is to drag your existing files to a Pocket PC 'My Documents' folder which the install program creates on your PC desktop, and ActiveSync does the rest (by the way, if you install Linux, all you have to do is to FTP files into your handheld - same thing).

The killer app for this (for me, anyway) is the MS Reader utility. eBooks are relatively small, and with my iPaq, I can carry a veritable library with me in a device the size of a pager. The monochrome screen of the 3135 is much more readable than its color (and ...more expensive) counterpart - or is this just cognative dissonance on my part? Many free books are available on the internet, from the public domain works available at...sites...I believe that even Amazon.com has an "eBooks & eDocuments" section.

I had this player for a couple of months (4) when the headphone jack went out on me. Intel gladly returned it. One year later, the exact same thing happened. Even tho the warranty had expired, I felt this was a major "flaw" and they should help me out. I called customer support and because they no longer make these, there is no support. I LOVED the thing while it worked...

I am comparing my experiences to my use of the Rio 500 mp3 player, which I recently replaced with the Intel Pocket Concert due to storage constraints.

1) Look/handling: I'm not one for flashy looking things, but the Intel unit is a good size and easy to handle. The belt clip is handy (Rio did not have one) but I do miss having a case for it, which I understand I have to purchase separately from Intel.

2) Plug and Play Ability: The set-up and installation of the unit was flawless. I was listening to the unit as soon as I pulled it out of the box (it comes pre-installed with a few mp3s and a walking tour of the unit). The Intel file transfer software is several thousand times easier to use than Rio's. My one complaint is that you cannot reorder the songs once they are on the unit. I haven't used MusicMatch Jukebox, which came packaged with the player, to upload files to the unit, but for now the Intel software is more than adequate.

3) Sound quality and usage: The volume on the Pocket Concert is incredible. I had problems with the Rio in that I couldn't get it loud enough to hear well over a train or city traffic noise, which is a problem, since I use it to commute to work. The Bass/Treble controls are adequate, although I miss having pre-sets, which the Rio had. The bookmark, random and repeat features are fine. The volume control is at the top of the unit, and separate from the scroll wheel which controls settings; I appreciate having it set up this way. It is much more functional than combining them all on the side of the unit, which Rio did.

4) Storage: I am getting 23-30 songs on the 128 meg internal storage. This is pretty much what I expected, since I was getting 9-13 on the Rio with mp3s encoded at the same rate (128 or 160). This is more than adequate for my commuting and exercising needs.

5) FM Tuner: I'm not getting tremendous reception on the Pocket Concert, even in and around downtown Boston where the signal is the strongest on any other walkman type unit. But I didn't buy this for the radio!

6) Battery life: This is the one downfall to this unit. It is eating batteries like crazy. I think that if the scrolling info on the face of the unit could be controlled, it would cut down on the battery drain. The Rio upgraded its firmware to be able to cut down on scrolling and the amount of data shown, and even on the amount of time the backlight was lit, and I found I could extend battery life quite a bit if I cut down these settings. I think this is definitely one area Intel needs to look at. I get on average about 6-7 hours on a battery, whereas on the Rio, it was over 10 and close to 12 or 13 hours on a regular basis.

7) That annoying hiss: Yes, I do notice it, but only between tracks and in a quiet room. If you're using this to work out, jog or commute (which I do) then you'll never know it's there. I would assume that it's fixable with a firmware upgrade, since several people on the internet have complained about and returned the product without a noticeable improvement.

I look forward to firmware upgrades which I would assume are coming. As an Intel shareholder, I'm proud of this product, and haven't gone anywhere without it for the last 10 days!

The Intel Pocket Concert was my third MP3 player in a week. Yes, you read that right. The problems I had with the Rio 600 and the Kazoo made me very leery of low-end MP3 players, so I decided to hit the big time and pony up for the Intel Pocket Concert (aka IPC).

I'm very glad I did. The IPC is a superior product, delivering excellent sound quality and portability with fewer hassles than any piece of electronic equipment I've ever owned. I especially like these features:

* full-bodied, rich tone

* wide range of sound levels, from barely-there to ear-blasting

* comfortable, high-quality headphones that don't leak sound

* large built-in memory

* tiny enough to fit into a purse pocket

* supplied Musicmaker software easy to use

* aluminum case sturdier than cheap plastic

The only real quibble I have about the IPC is that its FM reception is abysmal. Purchasers in desperate need of a good FM receiver should look elsewhere.

It's also not easy to find the accessory pack in Canada (even at shops selling the IPC) - and retailers who sell the accessory pack online (including amazon.com, oddly) won't ship it to Canada. Outback.com will ship the accessory pack along with the IPC, but not separately! Lord knows why this is the case, but fill yer boots, there it is. Canadians should either buy the accessory pack separately at Amazon and have it shipped to a US address, or buy the IPC bundled with the pack from an online retailer like outback.com. (The accessory pack includes rechargable batteries and a dock/recharger, as well as a car converter and a carrying case.)

But these are quibbles. The Intel Pocket Concert delivers superior sound (superior to most home stereo units, in my opinion) and a large memory with small size and durability. I highly recommend it.

Ive been comparing Pocket PC's for the last 3 months and decided to buy the casio E-125. It has everything I need in a Pocket PC and more. The 150 mhz. processor gives me fast access to all the avalible programs and web pages. Along with that, the casio offers 32mb which is perfect for storing lots of information without buying an expensive compact flash memory card.

The Active Sync 3.1 is also quick to transfer information and comes with a backup program so save all my valuable information after recording it in the E-125. The TFT liquid display cant be beat and produces vibrant colors and pictures for easy viewing in any environment. The only hang up I can say about this product is that its software is a bit difficult for this first time Pocket PC user. Over all this product is four stars because even though the Pocket PC has come a long way, the Pocket Pc indrustry still has a ways to go before it produces a perfect product.

As soon I first saw a pocket PC, I wanted one. While I saved up for it, I made sure I did my research to make sure I bought the right product. Being in Canada, I had access to the IPAQ, the HP, and the CASIO models. The Casio E-125 has been a blessing. Here's Why:

1) SCREEN: It's screen is rich and crisp. The screen is visible in sunlight. While the IPAQ may be slightly better outdoors, it is not worth how much better Casio's screen is indoors. Casio has 65,000 colours, the IPAQ a mere 4,000, and it shows! The HP screen is horrible!!!! Don't touch HP Pocket PC's (I say this only about their Pocket PC's, I have an HP Pavillion Desktop Computer and it is marvellous)

2) PROCESSOR: OK, I'll give this one to IPAQ, but you can't compare their processors simply by the numbers. Each processor works differently, and the IPAQ's 206Mhz processor ends up being only slightly better that the Casio's 150Mhz. I would tell you about HP's benchmarks, but they are really bad. Again, stay away from HP.

3) SIZE: The IPAQ is definetely smaller than the Casio, but once you start adding expansion packs to the IPAQ, it is just as bulky, so no real difference here.

4) GAMING CAPABILITY: Problem with the IPAQ here. While it is faster, the IPAQ does not support pressing two buttons at once, which is bad if you want to play a game where you have to jump and shoot (or any two actions) at the same time. So if you want to play a lot of games, go with the Casio. The HP supports multi-button, but because its processor and and screen are so bad, stay away!

5) EXPANDABILITY: The Casio E-125 accepts MMC and CF type 1 and 2 cards. So does the IPAQ, but you must buy separate expansion packs to do so. The HP is similar to the Casio in this regard. As well, you can plug in a digital camera (sold separately) to the Casio E-125, something to think about if you want to get a digital camera in the future.

So that's why I told my friend who workd at a computer store to give me the CASIO E-125, even though he just got in a shipment of IPAQs. The Casio is not only better, but it has much less bugs than the IPAQ. As well, the IPAQ's battery CANNOT be replaced by the user, it must be returned to the factory. So for those reasons, go for the Casio!

This is actually very good handheld here, i recommend you to buy it because it has a very bright screen when i sychronise it doesn't crash like other TOO complicated machines. I added compact flash and had some of my movies in my computer transformed into window CE 3.0 usable movie item in windows media 7.1. REAL‚‡‚‚‚„II

Much and enough has been said about this unit. Was very happy with it for the 18 months I used it. Suddenly, without warning, (as with others) the on/off button ceased to function. Iriver responds with, "oh well, out of warranty and we do no repairs." Do their newer products still have this issue? Who knows, so I am moving on to iAUDIO CW300.

Just got this player last week. First thing I did was download the UMS firmware update so I could use it as a USB hard drive and not bother with the propietary transfer software. What I like:
1) small and light
2) sound is good, default setting of 20 is loud enough
3) uses cheap, easy to replace aa batteries
4) 256 MB holds 5-6 cd's at 128kbit/sec
5) can be used with linux or any OS after firmware update
6) fm reception is surprisingly good
7) battery life is pretty good (20 hour rating)

8) firmware can be updated, hope for Ogg Vorbis support
9) no restrictions on file transfer after UMS update

However, apparently iRiver just released a 700 series of players, which has the following advantages over this model (similar price point):
1) 40 hour battery life rather than 20 on 1 aa
2) built-in Ogg Vorbis support (higher quality sound, no patent issues)
3) USB 2 interface rather than 1 (MUCH faster)

If you want a player for the subway or the gym, don't need to carry your entire music collection with you at all times, this is a very good choice.

I researched MP3 players for weeks before buying one. I read professional reviews, and customer reviews like those on Target, and Circuit City websites. I found MP3 players break down into two basic types:large-storage, and small-storage. If you are one of those people who wants to store 10,000 songs on a player, your gonna spend around $500...i suggest the ipod. If you're like me, and you come home at least once a week, you probably don't need 700 cd's at your fingertips at once. A few cds, and a radio will do you well at the gym or during your commute. Then your looking for a quality MP3 player with the following:

1. Good sound quality
2. Good Radio Reception
3. Intuitive buttons
4. Ample Storage (128MB - 512MB)
5. Reasonably long Battery Life
6. Durrable

This is the ONLY MP3 player on the market that has all those at a reasonable price. It is exceptional in design, and has FM Radio, Recording of voice or radio, plays MP3s, WMA, and WAV files, and can double as a mass storage device.

Tips: If you are not technically savvy, call a friend who is to help you get set-up on your computer. If you download UMS firmware it will convert your player into a mass-storage-device...you 'll never have to use the iRiver software again. You can download it at www.iRiver.com. Go to Firmware updates.
Convert all your MP3s from 128kbps to WMA 64kbps. You will not notice a difference in the quality, and you can fit twice as many songs. I suggest JetAudio to do this. It's free, and easy to use. I have the 128MB player, and I fit 3 CDs + 25 Favorites (total of 60 songs), and I have 10MB free for radio recording.

Lastly, when reading reviews. Be scheptical of those who say "it works great, but the battery life sucks"...and like phrases. I don't know who grows these people, but we can't defy the laws of physics. The battery will run out, and a device can only use so-little-power. It's like buying a car and being dissapointed because you have to buy gas once a week. Go to Costco, buy a 100 batterys for 20 bucks, keep a spare in your pocket (like change) whenever you take out your mp3 player, and you'll never curse the player for needing energy to run. Go to ZDnet.com for professional MP3 reviews. This IS the best small-storage player on the market for the money.

I had been a Palm user for 5+ years - when I joined my new company, I received my laptop and it had NO GRP serial port to connect my Palm synchronizer. So I thought "why should I get a USB sync adapter when I can get a brandy new Pocket PC?" PLUS, I had wanted an MS-based sync application to go with my MS Money. I like to enter my transactions (including cash purchases) immediately so I don't have to carry around receipts for the weekend until I enter it into MS Money. I had it on my Palm previously, but a while ago my battery had ran out, and when I tried to reinstall it, it crashed and burned everytime. So I checked out reviews on all of the available ones and liked what I read for the HP iPAQ 2215, including on this site.
So my thoughts????
WELL, I like the continuous sync...update on either the iPAQ or my laptop while connected and ZOOM - instantly updated on the other, nice feature.
I like the SD drive because I can copy my digital pictures from my camera to the IPAQ for better viewing when I'm with family and on the road.
I LOVE the fact that you can sync more than just the Outlook INBOX folder.
Sync of word, excel, and access files without requiring extra software... NICE
I was able to beam over my contacts from the iPAQ to my phone, using the IR port so I don't need a special cable to connect my cell to my PC (which doesn't have an IR Port) - BUT I couldn't beam over pictures (I have a Nokia 7210 that can accept pictures from other phones)

Bluetooth??? eh. My cell and laptop aren't bluetooth enabled so not much use there. I have a wireless connection available at work, which I use for my computer, but it's not bluetooth enabled. I was thinking about buying a wireless compactflash card for my iPAQ, but then I realized that i'm hardly away from my computer at work anyway so why get it? The only other place I could really use it is at trendy coffee shops and I don't need to connect there. If i REALLY need to be connected, I'll bring my laptop.
BEWARE that the OS is PPC 2003 and some applications will not work!
A lot of the freeware for PPC available is "poo poo" (There were a lot of great freeware apps for Palm that are only available for a price with PPC). For instance, I tried to use "Shopaholic", a PPC based shopping list (I had something similar on my Palm, which was great) and it doesn't work on the OS PPC 2003.
But the BIGGEST disappointment I have is that the MS Money for Pocket PC DOES NOT WORK FOR PPC 2003. MS only has versions for PPC 2002 and lower. So I had to make an excel file to capture that info, then type into MS Money 2003 later. It's not realy a critique of the iPAQ itself, but its OS. I'll just have to be patient (1 month, 6 months, 1 year???) until MS creates it.

So the verdict? Well, I really like the things that I CAN do, but am a bit frustrated with all of the features I don't really need, and VERY frustrated with the limited ability to use PPC 2003 with other apps.

As a Sophomore student in college i had my share of PDA's and after trouble times dealing with my Toshiba and way out-dated Palm Pilot, i finally made the upgrade to the Ipaq 2215. First of all, the rubber grips is a nice addition from the accident waiting to happen Ipaq 39**, it also gives a nice, classy look to the interface. Second, the size is a welcome since in the earlier models they were big & bulky without mentioning the additional CF sleeve added.The memory is nothing speculator (64MB Ram & 32MB ROM), so if you plan on adding 3rd party software, be prepared to cough up extra cash for a SD or CF card.The bluetooth is a nice welcome, but in a campus where wi-fi is connected all over, does little unless i have to use my friend Ecrisson cell phone to connect for web browsing.Ladies & Gentlemen, who doesn's love how Hp once again step over their competition with the SD & CF slot already designed into the 2215.This is nothing new, but the newer models coming out on the Toshiba e405 and other HP ipaqs doesn't include both slots, another reason to shell out the cash for it. The 2215 model is very sleek and rounded perfect for a nice look to those non-pda users who often peek to see what you are doing. I love the 3.5 screen, which project the clearest and brightest screen around in the market. This a very nice PDA except sometimes the screen will freeze and crash you can lose everything, unless you save your files on a SD or CF memory card. Besides that, this is the perfect PDA to buy, until a upgrade is put out in the market.
Oh yeah, do yourself a favor and spend the $70-75 dollars 2-3yr warrant, because believe you are going to need it, if you use your PDA for everyday use like i do.

I have had an iPAQ 2215 for just under a year. I did a lot of work, asked a lot of questions before buying. It was in my price range, plus I added a SD card because my camera also uses a SD card. The case the comes with it is nice but replace it with a sturdier one to protect screen and features that fit your lifestyle (mine is a clipon to belt or waist. The only thing that I am thinking of adding is a foldable/protable keyboard for long documents. It's great

I've had mine for 1.5 years, and it's very useful, except for one problem. I can't sync. At all.

At first it synced fine, but after a while, I had occasional problems and would have to spend hours getting it to work, because my comp would not be able to find the device (I've found many reasons for this, and trust me - they are a pain to chase down - even fluff in the connector and an iffy signal to the interface will do the trick). This time, I've spent a week of evenings searching for the solution. When I checked the HP Web site, this item was totally lacking in help, I believe because it is no longer sold. My comp is fine, the device is fine, and the Activesync is there - they just are not speaking. I call this the "family feud PDA" - they are close, they are family - they won't talk.

I've given up on it - bought a Palm-based product for a bit higher cost. So easy, plus it has a camera, an MP3 player, and it syncs!

My trusty Handspring died recently (dropped from a height of 4 feet onto a tile floor) and it was time to replace and upgrade.
After looking at the Palm and Pocket PC devices available, I settled on two: the HP iPAQ 1910 and the Dell Axim. I chose the HP. The two main reasons that I chose the HP were size (it's the smallest Pocket PC PDA that I found) and the gorgeous color screen.

I use my PDAs in an intense business environment and for far more than as an electronic replacement for a Daytimer. For me, it's a briefcase replacement. With the larger PDAs, I ended up carrying them in my hand since they were uncomfortable in a suit pocket. Not so with the 1910. I can't tell that it's even in my pocket.

The screen is wonderful: very legible and I love the backlighting. I get several days out of the battery, and that includes spending a fair amount of time reading AvantGo content.

I interface the PDA with Outlook and have had no problems. I use the cable rather than the cradle. Just plug it in and the PDA automatically syncs.

Someone mentioned that HP does not make a case for this model. That may be true, but HP cleverly styled this one to match the size of the smaller Palms. I found a case (for the Palm M105??) at my local Best Buy that fit the iPAQ beautifully--inexpensive but sturdy. I use the case for transporting to and from the office but carry it out of its case in my pocket during the day.

My only gripes: I'd like to experiment with 802.11b wireless. The Dell Axim has that capability (as an add-on), but the iPAQ does not, to my knowledge. Another complaint: I'm very used to the Graffiti text entry from the Handspring. I used it to transcribe notes at meetings, etc. I'm having problems getting the hang of it with the iPAQ. It has been very hard to get the hang of it on the iPAQ and I may try switchin to the block method instead. The onscreen keyboard is definitely not made for heavy duty data entry.

In short, I'm extremely pleased with this PDA. There are a few little compromises, but size, screen, price, and overall quality are superb.

I received iPaq as a birthday gift from my fiance.I know quite well about electronics.
My initial impression was Wow..
The Display/Graphics is extremely pleasing.Navigation is very simple..so any starter who is not very techno savvy can operate this PC with ease.Since the operating system is Windows CE,its very simple to browse thru(as many are familiar with Windows GUI).The best feature ofcourse is Outlook Syncup (must for all Pocket PCs ofcourse) but its easy and quick.The software installation is not too difficult either.The sound quality is good and works great with a Secure Digital card as well.

Now for a few Cons,
The conventional "CROSS" at Top,right hand corner doesnot stand for "Closing" of the program but it means "Minimising" the screen.That leaves your program still running in Backgroud.So even if the display shows your "desktop" (Today screen) there are functions running in backgroud...This will make your PC freeze often if many programs are running.
This PC freezes very often and I have to reset it then.
If it freezes real bad then you will have to Hard reset it which means your data is lost.
So I would suggest that "Stop" all the running programs at certain intervals..You have that option in "Settings".

But overall I am very happy with the performance...
I would advise one to buy it.

I purchased this item over the Rio 600 Model. I ordered before the set date, so I will get a free 32MB SmartMedia Card for it. I should start by saying that if you are the type who can throw down cash like it's going outta style on things like this, skip over the rest of the review. This review is for the careful buyer, who likes to save some dough.

Pros-

Good quality sound
Nice Included Headphones
Fairly Simple Software
Small Remote
Good Battery Life
Fast PC to Device File Transfers (about 40 sec. a song on a good PC system)

Cons-

Too Light, Needs More Strength
'Bad' Battery Cover (includes two of them, I guess it makes up.)
'Bad' Belt Clip Pouch (the one on the remote is cool)
Way too small memory (7-9 songs, depending on size.)
Remote and Headphones Lines Get Tangled Often

I should add this unit is very cheap, and is well worth every cent. If you want a good MP3 player with out dropping mad cash, go for it. I highly recommend a Smart Media Card of 64MB unless you want to change songs frequenly. I would give it 5 stars, but it has some weaknesses.

well ive had my yepp for about 2 years now, its been dropped many times and the paint has worn off in many places. but there are no cracks on the case and the sound quality is just as good as the day i got it. i do suggest getting a new pair of headphones. And you should also use the yepp explorer instead of the realjutebox. overall a good product for the prrice i got it for.

Looked all over the net for a simple mp3 player that would allow me to take some music or audio book recordings on my 40 minute walk/bart commute and this was perfect. The 32MB limits the quality of files that I listen to, but I got the player while the coupon for an extra 32MB SmartCard was still in effect, so it'll be perfect for my needs (i.e. don't need to fit my entire CD collection on my player). I'd echo some of the concerns I've read on other reviews (battery door likely to break after some use, remote somewhat clunky, belt clip poorly designed and virtuously useless, the silver doesn't look as shiny and metalic as in the pictures, it's just plastic, cannnot transfer files from player to pc) Overall, though, I'm pretty happy with what I got (lightweight player, fast USB connection, cheap price, and free memory card). I've plugged this into computers running on Win 98 and Win ME. Both worked flawlessy. Can't vouch for other platforms. If you already having ripping and converting software, I highly recommend bybassing the included software and download Yepp Explorer from the Samsung Web site.

I own a Nomad II 64 MP3 player and it has broken for a second time - the warranty was only 60 days, and shortly thereafter, it stopped working, so I had to send it back and have it repaired for [$$$] (on the phone you can only talk to customer service reps, not technicians, and none of them could ever tell me what happend or how to prevent it from happening again in the future). The repair came with another generous 60 day warranty. The repair lasted about a year, and now it is broken again (in a similar but different way) - and I have always been very careful with it and it has never been physically harmed. Now that it is broken a second time I don't see the need to put more money into it, only to have it break again.

As an owner of the original Nomad player I am regretting the purchase of this product. It holds the same amount of music as the original player, the FM tuner reception is worse.. USB connection is better than the Nomad's but is still rather sluggish...and where the original Nomad included the rechargeable batteries and docking station in this version both are upgrades. The main difference between the players being upgraded LCD display/control with backlight, upgraded EQ control, more FM presets(If you can't get clear reception, who cares?), increased play volume, and the best new feature the wired remote control. My advice to anyone considering the purchase of an MP3 player would be to hold off for another level of technology, try out the original Nomad, or another manufacturer.

The unit broke a year after I bought it. I wouldn't buy another player from Creative Labs because it is too fragile. I only used the unit at the gym a few times a week. The first thing that broke was the wired remote, which I found to be very useful. The menu on the unit is easy enough to figure out, but rather slow to navigate. It takes several steps just to check the time. I liked the behind the head ear phones, they don't pinch my ears, but I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. The ear phone sound quality is just average. I'd have to say the quality of the product as a whole is just average.

This would be a really great product if it didnt continually need to be re-set. Its annoying because it resets for seemingly no reason at all, and I lose all my information, and then have to re-synch with Outlook, which defeats the whole point of having the unit. Im trying to find an answer from Tohiba, or to find out if I have the biggest lemon in the world

This is a great PDA if you know your tech stuff and don't mind soft resetting the unit often.

1. WiFi works great even with WAP encryption tunred on. However, setting up wireless ActiveSync was painful even for someone who is familiar with networking. The configuration just isn't intuitive at all and is scattered in many different places.

2. The extra large screen is a big plus. 3.8 inch vs 3.5.

3. Media player works fine. I am able to stream live TV program to this unit without skipping frames. This is a pleasant surprise.

4. I was able to get ActiveSync to work with Outlook after several tries. I havn't tried synching with Exchange Server. Again, if you are none technical, you will most likely run into problems.

5. The built-in speaker sucks. Most other PDAs have better speakers.

6. Soft Reset will be your daily activity. I don't believe Toshiba is at fault. It is a built-in Microsoft "FEATURE".

7. There is no COM port built-in. If you want to use serial GPS, you will need to get the software driver that turns USB into simulated COM port. Even then, it is painful to use and requires lots of resets.

8. 32MB build-in extra FLASH storage means you probably don't need memory card soon.

9. No Bluetooth

10. The manual is pretty much useless except for telling you how to soft reset the unit.

11. Be careful with hard reset. You DO lose everything that's not in the flash memory.

Upgraded from a Jornada 548, and very glad I did.

Pros: Processor is very fast; moving between programs and views is a breeze; screen redraws almost instantaneous; screen is bright and text clear; 3.8" screen vs. the usual 3.5" is nice; WiFi is a nice feature; has tons of memory--96MB RAM, CF and SD. Also nice to have a switch to turn the battery off completely.

Cons: comparatively minor for what you get w/ the 755, particularly at the Amazon price. The record button is located on the upper left side of the unit about where I put my hand to remove it from the docking station, inadvertently engaging the record function, so I disabled it. Not quite as easy to insert and remove from docking station as some units, such as the HP Jornada, but again minor stuff; WiFi switch a bit difficult to switch on/off. Manual doesn't have an index.

Great out-of-the-box experience. Purposely did not read the directions; took only a couple of minutes to set up the PDA (select proper time zone, align screen) and then I flipped the WiFi switch and 20 seconds later I was connected to my wireless home network. Wireless syncing is a bit more difficult to negotiate though--still working on that. And while some find the Toshiba design uninspiring, it has nice clean lines I would term as simple sophistication.

While some improvements come with the new MS OS, you'll still want to download the now standard plug-ins for the Today screen. Pleasant surprise: handwriting recognition appears improved from the 2002 version. Have tested it numerous times and it has worked near flwlessly--I might actually use this feature now. All in all, a great unit--if I had it to do again, I'd make this purchase again.