MP3 Reviews
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- 8.9-inch widescreen TFT active-matrix display offers sharp, bright image
- Plays DVD-Video and high-resolution DVD-Audio discs, as well as MP3 CDs, DVD-Rs, and VCDs
- ColorStream PRO progressive-scan component-video outputs (for use with compatible TVs and monitors)
- Surface-mounted keypads grant "remote-free" operation of all essential functions
- 3-hour battery life, picture zoom, and stereo speakers for headphone-free listening
List price: $899.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Buy one from zShops for: $370.00

Great Picture, No Sound
Great Picture. Poor Sound
Ditto, this is the one to have.Semi-short and to the point, most reviewers see this as being a superior product, I agree. Some express concern about the quality of sound output and that's the main reason for my authoring this additional review.
If one reads the manual bundled with the player it's easy to glance over the sound output options but they're important features to note. There are three different basic sound settings, one standard and two enhanced. For those having trouble hearing, 1) use headphones (the only logical way to limit background noise and 2) use the "Dialog" mode for sound output, you will find this makes all the difference in clarity and output volume in most cases. A few other reviewers have mentioned noise cancelling headphones. I'f you're spending this kind of money on a portable player the additional dollars may put you over the top. If you're willing to go all out, look into the Bose offering, a bit on the spendy side but wow do they work well.
This is a wonderful unit, look no further.
DC

- MP3 Audio
- Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M8976LL/A
- FireWire interface for fastest digital transfer available
- Download audiobooks from Audible.com; keep up to date with new calendar/scheduler and built-in clock
- System requirements: PC with built-in FireWire or Windows-certified FireWire card; Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Home or Professional
- Includes remodeled headphones, Musicmatch Jukebox Plus software and support for optional remote control

If your a yuppie with a wallet deeper than the oceanitsgreat
think twice
Sure beats a clunky portable CD Player
- 512 MB built-in memory
- Supports playback of MP3, WMA, and ASF music files
- Integrated digital FM tuner with presets and built-in voice recorder
- Record to player directly from FM tuner
- Comes with Sennheiser MX300 earphones, custom carrying case, adjustable arm band, neck strap, AA battery, USB cable, and printed manual
List price: $299.99 (that's 43% off!)
Used price: $139.00
Buy one from zShops for: $218.00

4.5 stars, a wonderful mp3 playerConclusion: this is probably the first go anywhere mp3 player with enough memory and battery life to be truly useful. Battery life far exceeds any hard drive player and doesn't require an electrical outlet. Simply pop in an AA battery and you're good for at least an honest 10-12 hours. Feature packed and mature in design. Hard drive players like the iPod, Karma and Zen are in a different catagory and shouldn't be compared directly with solid state players. If you need gigabytes of storage you'll have to go with a hard drive player. If you're ok with about four hours of high quality music or ~30 hours of high quality audio books, the iFP-195T is probably the best choice at the moment.
Technology Not There YetGood: Usability, Sound, Battery life, Capacity.
Bad: USB 1.1. Packaged software did not work. Had to download latest version from vendor web site. Does not come up as PnP logical drive letter like a flash drive.
Excellent MP3 player, but not perfectPros:
Very small: not much bigger than the AA battery it houses.
Decent memory: about 4 CDs fit on it at a time
Good sound quality: the headphones that come with it are good and the device puts out good quality base and high end
Power: Uses 1 AA and it lasts a long time
Features: FM, record voice or FM, lots of settings for equalizer and play modes (repeat, shuffle, repeat folder, shuffle all etc), power saving featuers and more...
Cons:
Cant upgrade the memory
No AM radio
Its difficult to put the tracks in order (to mimic an album)
I saw some reviews saying that the parts were low quality, and while it does feel a little flimsy, mine has not broken or shown any signs of problems. I've dropped it plenty of times and it works good as new. Pay $15 for an extended warrenty if you're worried about it.

List price: $499.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Buy one from zShops for: $200.00

Small on Size and FeaturesThe MP3 player software forces you to convert via a special process, but if you can get the music on to the camera then it's a great plus.
My first digital - this is a camera!
missing batterys
- Slim, sleek, and affordable
- Dazzling Transflective TFT color with LED backlight display
- Pocket versions of familiar applications like Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Removable/rechargeable batterand integrated keyboard
- Integrated Bluetooth
Used price: $399.99
Buy one from zShops for: $474.99

DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF JUNK!!!!The machine itself works great, it was when I started trying to install the software that the problems started. Active Sync would not install properly and ended up crashing the first computer I tried installing it on. (Putting the computer in permanent Safe mode.)I thought at first that it was a problem with my computer so I tried loading it on my other, newer one. Same problems with Active Sync only this time I was getting a message saying that the software was not compatable with Windows XP and might mess up my computer if I continued to try syncing it. This was strange since on the box it says it IS compatable.
I contacted HP today and yes, their customer service IS as bad as I've heard. They of course denied that it could possibly be a problem with their machine or software - BOTH of my computers must have messed up at the same time, coincidentally when I got the PPC! They were basically no help at all.
My husband spent 5-6 hours after work getting the first computer fixed, quite a job since he's not a computer expert. He finally got it done and I started over. Well, guess what - I got the software loaded, well only Active Sync - Outlook wouldn't load so I stuck with the version I already have on there. But of course when I tried to sync the computer could not detect the PDA, just like yesterday before my PC crashed. I tried it over and over, even using a cord from my old PDA. Then tried it all on the other computer. NO, it does not work at all and yes, I did get a message AGAIN about incompatible device drivers for XP like I got yesterday. (And the HP support people swore this is impossible.) There is supposed to be a Logo on the product box that says XP compatible, which there is not.
So I have this very expensive calendar/phone book/calculator/To DO list and that's about it. I can't download e-mails or add programs or anything if I can't connect to my computer. It basically useless. I'm so didgusted I want to throw it as hard as I can. Now I have to drive one hour each way and waste all that gas money and time to return this stupid thing. I have six children - I don't have time for this garbage! I just want to cry and HP could care less. I told them all of this and they just said, "See your vendor." Who's going to repay my husband and me for our wasted time and money dealing with the problems this machine has created???
I am taking this back. I might get a Dell but honestly I'm so disgusted that I may just forget PDA's entirely and stick with old-fashioned pen and paper. It's not fancy and may not be as easy to carry around but at least it's reliable and if it does get lost or messed up it's not that expensive to replace.
Pretty CoolAnother issue, which has been raised here before, is its wireless capabilities. The thing only supports the older WEP authentication, and not the newer WPA (which is more secure). I had set up my home network with WPA, but I had to downgrade it to WEP to use the iPAQ. This is annoying, not to mention puzzling. I mean, it's 2004 and they still haven't implemented 802.11g?
I guess this is partly the fault of the OS, which superficially resembles Windows XP. A problem I've had with the OS is that when you hit the 'x' in the upper right of the window (x=close, one would think), it only minimizes the program (it seems to stay on in memory and you have to shut it down in memory). This is retarded. A minus sign would be a more accurate representation.
A word about HP support. Their online knowledgebase is almost useless (I was searching to see if the iPAQ had 802.11g support), and no matter what you do, don't use their online chat support. The chat tech support guy I had was completely clueless, took 5 minutes to answer each message I sent, and didn't even bother acknowledging his ignorance. He just sent me a word document and told me to read it. The only thing he was good for was giving me the HP supprt phone number (which was wrong, but they automatically transferred me). Get their phone number (it's supposedly hidden deep somewhere) and call them. The phone tech support guy I talked to (after a long wait) was professional, helpful, polite, and knowledgeable.
Finally, if anyone else is using this for medical school, note that your friends will probably have Palms. They'll be beaming their cool programs to each other (for free), while you stand idly by with your incompatible iPAQ. On the other hand, our school has moved their records electronic, and they've chosen iPAQs. Take a look at what your colleagues and schools are using before you spend the big bucks.
I love this thing!!I, personally love the keyboard. I have never been a fan of handwriting recognition, and I have larger than average hands, so the size is actually perfect for me. While it's a bit longer because of the keyboard (1 inch longer than the 4150), the device itself is very thin. My girlfriend bought the 4150, which aside from the keyboard, and a slightly smaller battery has the same features.
Battery life is better than average, although like every other device, heavy WiFi use drains it pretty quickly. Simply buying an additional battery for emergencies would suffice for just about anyone's usage.
The keyboard is a good size, making thumb typing very easy. If it has a drawback, it's that there aren't stand alone number keys, so typing alot of numbers is a bit of a hassle at times. But that's really nitpicking. Overall, I can't really find anything not to like about this handheld. Except the terrible case that HP gives you with it. I'm still waiting for others to hit the stores so I can replace it.

- Behind-the-head design for comfortable fit
- Closed headphones keep your sound in and external sound out
- Straight-line .125-inch plug with included .25 inch adapter
- Single-sided oxygen-free cord resists tangles with less distortion
- Headphone mute jack
List price: $29.99 (that's NaN% off!)

Great headphones.... a little TOO great.I needed headphones for my PC because I live in a dorm and dont want to bother my roommate with my Digital Audio projects and such. I bought these because of thier impressive 5-25,000 hz frequency response. These headphones are great. They provide a "true to source" reproduction of the sound. That means that all the flaws of MP3s can be heard through these headphones. It also means that these headphones wont boost bass or cut treble, you will have to do that yourself with your source EQ. Not a problem with me.
What did bother me was the amount of interference I heard from the headphones. My desktop computer is all crammed on my small desk. These headphones are SO GOOD at a wide range of frequencies that it was picking up frequencies within the computer and monitor. I could hear my mouse cursor move across the screen, for example. It was a light fuzzy noise, not a big deal when listening to loud music, but when the audio is off or I was working with editing audio, it became annoying.
I plugged these headphones to the rear audio jack of my sound card, and the interference was less, but that is where i plug in my speakers and I didnt want to have to change the plugs out every time I wanted to switch between speakers and headphones.
So the moral of the story is, these headphones are GREAT if you have a high end, high quality sound coming into them from a high quality source with minimal interference.
Comfort wise, I have a huge head and these headphones were comfortable, they are huge.
I returned them and will probably get a model with less frequency response and an in-line volume control, which is helpful for computers you dont have to keep changing your system volume every time you want the headphone volume to change.
Hearken: a splendid investment!In conclusion, I'm not going to claim that this product is perfect, however they are the best closed-cup headphones I've tried (hence the 5 star rating), and I recommend them to all whom are willing to listen (no pun intended)!
NEW FAVORITE PAIRFirst - The sound is terrific, I havn't heard sound like this out of headphones before.
Second - I think these are very comfortable, heck I wear them even if i dont have them plugged in, in the 2 day's I've had them I can't even tell their on anymore.
Third - The sound quality is great like I stated before, it handles high's well, and also lows alot better then I thought they would. Although they can't get DEEP bass, they do not get distorded at hi volumes either. I also have a pair of Sony's that cost [more] and I believe the HP-X222's sound just as good if not better.
* - Only thing I don't like is the mute button on the left side, I constantly accidently press it while adjusting the headphones.

- Check the "See more pictures" section for a rebate on additional memory cards and carrying case
- Upgradable for future or alternative audio-compression formats
- Create your own MP3 or Real G2 digital music library by converting your existing CD collection
- Store files on removable CompactFlash memory cards (comes with 32 MB card)
- Includes headphones, batteries, software, CompactFlash, and CompactFlash Reader/Write
List price: $249.99 (that's NaN% off!)

Worthless proprietary trashThese days it's evem worse that it had been when it was new. Sure, you can [IN THEORY] upgrade the firmware, but that's only if you have [precisely] the sort of system configuration the developers thought you were allowed to have. Since this is from Thompson/RCA, who own the Frauenhoffer patent the MP3 format uses for encoding, and therefore have a vested interest in proprietary formats, they will likely [never] support the competing OGG Vorbis format. Tough luck if that's what you've been encoding all your vinyl recordings in.
Also, since it's so anal about how you upload your music to it, it seems you can't even use a newer card without some weird formatting utility for ity. (...)
unbelievable sound
Amazing highly flexible and expandable MP3 playerThe initial reluctancy to use it was the low amount of memory. However, with the significant drop in compactflash card prices, I bought a 128MB card for under $100USD and another 64MB card for around $40USD recently. With this expanded memory, the Lyra is awesome. It's sound is almost CD quality, and I now use Microsoft MediaPlayer software to play and to download songs. Very fast and high compatible. I agree with some of the other reviews as to this player eats up batteries.
Using Duracell Ultra's seems the best, I find that I can use the device longer with them. With a 128MB card, I can fit over 20 songs in the highest quality format. Also, what I found out that if you were willing to sacrific sound quality, you can opt for lower data quality files (96K) to have more songs on the same size memory card. However, I do not recommend this.
Now that there are 512MB+ cards available on the market, this MP3 is the best. It has great sound quality, the volume is very loud, uses upgradable reasonably price compactflash memory, has quick download speeds unlike MD's, uses regard AA batteries, is relatively small compared to a CD player, does not skip like CD's, and runs upgradable software right from the compactflash card.
The only drawbacks are that it could a a bit smaller, the light shuts off two quick, and it could us less power.
Nonetheless, all in all an amazing MP3 player even after a year.
HT

- MP3 Audio
- 32 MB of built-in flash memory
- Plays both MP3 and WMA files; upgradable to future formats
- USB interface for fast digital transfer; compatible with Windows and Mac
- Expandable using SmartMedia memory cards
- Comes with one AA battery and USB cable; does not include docking station, carrying pouch, wired remote control, or headphones
List price: $149.99 (that's NaN% off!)

Nice MP3 player
A great little playerThe best things include the quality of the sound, immense battery life, compact size, easy navigation of the menu and the fact that the headphone jack is tight enough to hold onto the MP3 player if you drop it - almost like a safety cord.
I won't lie - this thing isn't stratchproof, and the lack of a leather case is a bit galling, but the silver finish is great and really makes this MP3 player one of the best going for this kind of price.
Oldie but a Goodie
- MP3 Audio
- Hold up to 340 hours of digital music
- Available line-in jack for recording anywhere with an add-on microphone
- Manually adjust the amount of bass, treble, and mid ranges with onboard Digital Signal Processing
- Large 132 x 64 pixel backlit LCD display
- USB connection to your computer for quick transfer of digital music

Disappointment
I'm Happy With It...There have been a few annoying things about the Jukebox:
1) It doesnt put your songs in alphabetical order
2) Occasionally there are some buggy issues with it where it will shut itself down after I transfer songs to it from the computer. Also, of my 850 songs, it refuses to play one of them even though its in MP3 format
3) it turns on too easily
4)The battery gauge is completely inacurate (even tho the battery kife is pretty potent at about 4 hours per set of batteries)
In conclusion, the few flaws do not mar the great looks and monstrous storage space of the Nomad Jukebox 20 GB... its a great value and it is of good quality.
very useful2 it has frozen once or twice, but that only happens if i push too many buttons while it is switching songs
3 unpredictable battery use. i have managed to suck 5 or more hours out of the batteries, but dont count on it. expect 4, cause thats what you'll get. for your information, turning the device on uses 20-30% of the battery sometimes. if you can, leave it on when its on.
however these dissadvantages are minor compared to the advantages. my computer cannot handle more than 150 songs. but by storing music on my mp3 player, i can still have realtivly quick access to all my music. i dont have to carry around cds, and it is create to have such a flexible playlist. i usually put all my favorite and play them in random. i'll admit my nomad has some scratchs, but it still works great. the backlit screen is easy to see in pitch black, and the most important feature is the size i dont think i'll every come close to filling it.

- Enjoy more than 3 hours of music from one 8-centimeter MP3-encoded CD
- Supports MP3 and AAC formats, audio CD, CD-R, and CD-RW
- 100-second electronic skip protection (above average)
- 3-hour playback with 1 AA alkaline battery
- UDF support (record data files using drag-and-drop); earbud headphones and AC adapter included
List price: $149.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Used price: $50.00
Buy one from zShops for: $114.99

Great Idea - Needs work.
Overall great product, but some things to consider...HOWEVER... This unit absolutely DESTROYS batteries. It uses one battery per day EASILY, and more if you listen to music all day. So having to plug into the wall with the AC adapter (included, thankfully) removes some of it's portablity, which is presumably one of the reasons one would want a unit like this. That's one strike.
Also, it's a bit thicker than I would have suspected from the online advertising. It's almost an inch thick (about 3/4"), which again, for a "portable" unit, is a bit less than desirable. And one other minor irritation: the DBB (bass boost/enhance) doesn't stay "on" between uses. You have to explicitly turn it on each time you start the player. This could be a power saving feature (as with the ESP skip protection), but it's a minor irritant since I always want it on.
Otherwise, this is a great product by Philips and would easily warrant a 4-4.5 star rating outside of its carnivorous battery usage, its thickness, and the DBB issue. The sound and other features on the unit are more than satisfactory.
Small, Allows MP3 CDRWs, AAC-compatible1) You can't complain about the compact size. The Philips is just the perfect size to fit in a Lowe digital camera bag (LPD10, $12.99).
2) I don't mind the 3-hour battery life (1 AA battery), because I always carry 3 extra batteries in the camera case anyway. (The IPaq has better battery life, but using 2 AAA batteries.) You can boost the battery life to 5-6 hours by turning off ESP. If you're using the Philips for a 45-minute subway commute or for a marathon 5-hour library studying session, you don't need ESP anyway.
3) I don't mind having to purchase 8cm media, because the Philips supports UDF -- and you can playback CDRWs created using DirectCD. A five-pack of 8cm CDRW sold for $..., and these are good for hundreds of erase-and-rewrites.
4) The Philips also supports AAC. Using PsyTel 1.5, you need to encode WAV-to-AAC using the -lc and -adif command line options; the downside is that you cannot seek within the song when playing the AACs using WinAmp (e.g., with the out_aac.dll plugin). 64K-encoded AAC files sound just as good as 128K-encoded MP3 files. Since the AAC files take up half the filespace, you can fit twice as much AAC-encoded music on your CDRs or CDRWs.
5) ...