MP3 Reviews

This is the top of the line of the pocket pc. Get this, and you will have many bragging rights. No other handheld can say it has bluetooth, wlan, and a fingerprint reader included. But make sure you know abut how those features work before you buy.

Bluetooth- you can buy a usb bluetooth adapter for your computer. If you're wondering what bluetooth is, it's a new tpe of wireless connection (to put it simply). The usb adapter allows you to activesync your handheld from anywhere within a hundred meteres (also alows for internet). There are also bluetooth printers, GPS units and headsets. It can be a little tricky when you first use it, there are not much instructions (but there is a basic overview)

WLAN- Get internet on your handheld! Large pages are hard to scroll, it's more of a special feature than a useful one. Does allow email to be sent directly frm your handhed, which can be useful.

Fingerprint reader- 007 style security. If you need security, this one's for you. But it isn't easy. Reader is finicky at times, and depending on how you set it up, a certain number of bad scans results in a complete hard reset. Hasn't happened to me, but sometimes I get scared when it won't take my print. (can be turned off, it asks for print after soft reset, and an amount of time you enter in). Other security methods include password, pin number.

The Bluetooth and WLAN can be used on the Ipaq 3955, all you need is the card for them, which ends up being cheaper. It all depends on if you relly need the features or if you want to brag.
The ipaq 5455 does freeze up from time to time, a soft reset is necessary, not a major problem, though. The windows media player allows for mp3 playback (buy a secure digital memory card and you're ready to go!) which is nice to have. Other things that are good are an extra battery, becasue battery life is good, but not the best, especialy on WLAN, and a keyboard for extensive typing. Inputs are okay, but not for alot of typing. Can use keyboard, grafitti (palm)-like block letters, or it can recognize your handwriting.
There isn't much documentation with the unit- just a pamphlet on wlan, bluetooth, and fingerprint reader. But t isn't too difficult to set up. As for weird power errors- it did hard reset itself for no reason after i first got it (so it wasn't turning on, had to re-activate battery). Hasn't hapened since (2 months ago). The ipaq 5455 is the first to have all the features, so there are a few bugs, like some of the other power issues in the other reviews.
Overall, i am pleased with the unit. Don't expect perfection and you will be happy too. 4 stars because of price/function ratio.

These guys who are palm lovers just have a hard time switching to the Pocket PC! I am a switcher. The transition was tough at first back a couple of years ago. The Palm OS is surely faster and more user friendly but has much less to offer. This IPAQ is a powerful one and the screen quality, handwritting recognition and wifi options are unmatched by any Palm device. I have not found much use yet for the Bluetooth and the security features are good but I don't know that I need them. Still, what a great tool for word processing, spreadsheets, web surfing and more. Lighten up Palm boy!

I picked up this PDA mainly to streamline my business(contacts, appointments, to-do list, etc.) after seeing review in PC Mag, but it has proved so much more. Utilizing bluetooth(IFR) wireless connection between my SE T68I phone, desktop and PDA all the data entered throughout the day is automatically downloaded into my home computer as I walk in the door(systems actively searches for each other to communicate when they get within 20 feet or so line of sight). By the time I grab a beer
it's done and I did'nt have to do a thing. There are a couple of other Compaq models that have a higher rated display, but this model has the feature of programing all my remote home electronics and I get to play "KING OF THE REMOTE". Very cool.

It's good to be da'king...

I guess some poeple have found a lot of happiness in this product, but I have had a very poor experience. I've gone through two of these. The first one began malfunctioning a few months after I got it. When I went to email Archos, they never answered. Then I tried their customer support phone number and finally got through after about 5 tries. I succesfully returned it, (which was hell in and of itself), and the Archos poeple gave me a new one in the mail a few weeks later. It came with about 7,000 fragmented files. When I managed to recover them, I was unable to delete them. I was also unable to remove any mp3s that I put on the player. I dont even try to turn it on anymore, because it takes over a minute to turn on, and if it gets hit in the slightest, it restarts or freezes. I wasted 300 dollars on this.

The thing worked great for a year. The recording function did a great job transfering a bunch of vinyl to mp3, and the sound was good. Then the AC adaptor cord broke. Couldn't just use a Radioshack replacement, so I gave ARchos another 30 bucks for their version. Then the power started crapping out for no apparent reason. I've tried new batteries, new software and everything else, including Archos customer support, which is absolutely non-existent crap. Now the thing only runs when plugged into an AC outlet, making it rather useless. Archos buyers beware!

This thing is permantly attached to my hip. I've used most of the 6GB, mostly from recording my vinyl collection. The sound is good. Rechargeable batteries and no discs make this preferable to most portable cd players.

Some issues: 1) hard drive sometimes freezes, forcing me to restart the player; 2) hard drive has crashed once (I now keep most files backed-up on computer); 3) A/C cord was poorly built and subsequently frayed, making it inoperative. I could not find an equivalent at Radioshack and thus had to give Archos another $$$for a replacement. 4) Archos customer service--if you manage to get through to them at all--[stinks].

Still, the Jukebox recorder is a great product for me. Even if I had extra cash I'm not sure I'd go w/the iPod as it doesn't record. If I hadn't blown $$$ on a replacement AC adaptor, I probably would have bought the microphone kit from archos.

I bought these to use with my ipod, I just couldn't see spending the $100-150 for the high end Altec Lansing and Creativ speaker units, especially given the fact that reviews seem to be love 'em or hate 'em for those models as well.
I quite like these speakers, the sound quality is good and reasonably full with Jazz, Classical or Rock music. True given the rather limited output, these would not be suitable for a display at a convention or a raging party, but they are perfect for a hotel room, (quiet) dorm or office. Yes, there are three wires (2 for the speakers the other from the music source (ipod, mp3)) but the advantage is that you can space the speakers farther apart then with other speakers I've seen. The unit does not come with a power adaptor but has an input for one which can be purchased on the manufacturer's website www.si-5.com. Otherwise it uses 4 AAA batteries.

These speakers are well designed, and give a good, but not great sound. Highs are bright and crisp but slightly wobbly, midrange is fine, and bass is present but somewhat weak. Sounds best at moderate volume.

One of the key things for me is portability, and here is where this system shines. The speaker/amp package is great for travel or just toting about town. To start with it is very light. The form is also also thoughtfully designed. The two speakers clip togeather to form a package slightly thicker than a standard CD jewel case. This also protects the papery speaker fabric. The tiny amp is sculpted so that it fits your hand, and the wires are plugged at poth ends and detachable. Be sure to have a clip or rubberband around to keep the wires together after you dissassemble.

I can't belive how inexpensive it is! You won't be sorry if you buy this, but even if by some odd chance you were - it's not much dough out of your pocket.

Just spent the last month checking the internet for portable speakers to take on vacation. I wanted something as small as possible, good sound and a modest price. When I first saw the price of the SI-5, I thought "They can't sound very good for that price but after reading all the reviews on amazon.com and a few other sites I decided to purchase these. If they turned out not so great sounding, I could return them and start my quest all over again. I bought them this past Saturday at BestBuy and hooked them up almost immediately to my Sony MD Walkman. All I can say is "What a surprise." I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for compactness, good sound and an incredibly great price in travel speakers. I only regret not waiting another day because Circuit City here had them on sale for $17.99 and I also had a $5.00 off coupon which would have brought the price down to $12.99. That would have been an even more incredible bargain for what you are getting for the little bit of money being spent.

I bought these to use with my ipod, I just couldn't see spending the $100-150 for the high end Altec Lansing and Creativ speaker units, especially given the fact that reviews seem to be love 'em or hate 'em for those models as well.
I quite like these speakers, the sound quality is good and reasonably full with Jazz, Classical or Rock music. True given the rather limited output, these would not be suitable for a display at a convention or a raging party, but they are perfect for a hotel room, (quiet) dorm or office. Yes, there are three wires (2 for the speakers the other from the music source (ipod, mp3)) but the advantage is that you can space the speakers farther apart then with other speakers I've seen. The unit does not come with a power adaptor but has an input for one which can be purchased on the manufacturer's website www.si-5.com. Otherwise it uses 4 AAA batteries.

These speakers are well designed, and give a good, but not great sound. Highs are bright and crisp but slightly wobbly, midrange is fine, and bass is present but somewhat weak. Sounds best at moderate volume.

One of the key things for me is portability, and here is where this system shines. The speaker/amp package is great for travel or just toting about town. To start with it is very light. The form is also also thoughtfully designed. The two speakers clip togeather to form a package slightly thicker than a standard CD jewel case. This also protects the papery speaker fabric. The tiny amp is sculpted so that it fits your hand, and the wires are plugged at poth ends and detachable. Be sure to have a clip or rubberband around to keep the wires together after you dissassemble.

I can't belive how inexpensive it is! You won't be sorry if you buy this, but even if by some odd chance you were - it's not much dough out of your pocket.

Just spent the last month checking the internet for portable speakers to take on vacation. I wanted something as small as possible, good sound and a modest price. When I first saw the price of the SI-5, I thought "They can't sound very good for that price but after reading all the reviews on amazon.com and a few other sites I decided to purchase these. If they turned out not so great sounding, I could return them and start my quest all over again. I bought them this past Saturday at BestBuy and hooked them up almost immediately to my Sony MD Walkman. All I can say is "What a surprise." I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for compactness, good sound and an incredibly great price in travel speakers. I only regret not waiting another day because Circuit City here had them on sale for $17.99 and I also had a $5.00 off coupon which would have brought the price down to $12.99. That would have been an even more incredible bargain for what you are getting for the little bit of money being spent.

I have purchased not one, or two, but three of these units! Each has survived in the harsh marine environment for less than a year. The problem always lies in the same two areas. The jog switch is not only difficult to use. It is the first thing to suffer from water intrusion. Why they would put such a device on a water resistant unit is beyond me. Obviously the seals cannot be made sufficiently water resistant. The second issue is where the power cord plugs into the unit. This is a standard plug arrangement, and not in the least water resistant. The metal portion of the plug remains visable upon installation.

Admittedly, the environment I use the unit is very harsh. I leave it on the deck of my sailboat where it receives light rainfall and ocean spray. I have been unable to find any water resistant unit other than Sony products. Sony used to make a Sports boombox that was yellow and extremely well built. It lasted me five years on the sailboat! That unit stayed on deck all the time. Even in heavy rainfall and sailed through a Tropical Storm while playing CDs!! It also came with a DC power adapter which is convenience for plugging in the boat. The new models do not.

The answer may be the expensive option of installing a complete audio system. However, that is expensive, requires wiring to be run through the boat, and, worst, requires putting holes in the boat to mount speakers.

In the meantime, I will purchase one more Sony Sports boombox because I like the price and the product before if fails to the elements. A hundred bucks a year for having tunes on the boat is worth it. This time, however, I am going to try the cheaper version without the jog switch, and treat the power connection with water resistant electric grease.

Just got this today - it has great sound for a small speakers.
The megabass was good considering it does not have any subwoofer.
The bass port in the back helps.

I don't know about the other reviewers, but I have experience with playing mp3 cds with different devices. This one works good. If it is skipping with MP3 songs, it is because it was burned at a faster speed. If you want good compatibility with other mp3 cd players, it is best to burn at 2x speed.

I like the way you can stand it up. Perfect for the back seat of a truck or car. As for the person complaining about the brick power supply, it's because this will let you use a dc power adapter for the car and be able to plug it into the power port.

I love electronics technlogy. This is a very cool little system, especially for the price. I was looking for an mp3 boombox and found this one by Sony and I do NOT regret its purchase.

Its a simple system and has every function I was looking for! When I looked at it in the store I was wondering where all the features could be. But with these few keys you can:

- play mp3 cds,
- shuffle tracks,
- repeat track, directory, cd, album.
- Rewind/Forward Tracks/Directories
- and scan rewind/forward tracks.
- Program your own folders (20) with your own track order up to 20 tracks or files for each folder!

There are 20 presets for the radio and they are very easy to set. The boombox is very intuitive. i figured out how to do everything in about 2 minutes of playing with it w/out the instructions, because everything just makes sense the way it's set up. Kudos to Sony for this!!! I really love it.

Worthy Extras:
Its also waterproof, very light and easy to carry!

PS. One thing that a buyer may expect is a remote, but there isn't one.

I purchased this for my son when this was a new item. There had been nothing but trouble with this ever since. The unit shuts itself down before the battery is dead and then the unit doesn't turn itself off! Finally, it has the equivalent of hard drive crashes once every 5 times you use it. Save your money and buy something else. Finally, like some other reviewers stated, they do not own up to their warranty.

I purchased the D-Link Roq-it two months ago. It worked flawlessly until I found the screen flickering and the unit unable to work properly. After sending back the product D-Link replaced my battery and I have had no problems since. While I have heard of other problems, this is a very functional unit: using a 10 GB IBM Travelstar 2.5" laptop hard drive and 2 MB buffer it plays thousands of tracks without skipping. The player has an IR remote (like your TV) for home use and a 5 hour Li-ion battery for portable use. The unit has both line out and headphone jacks and fast USB 1.1 800 k/s transfer. The unit has a bright, large LCD to display ID3 track information and can be used as a portable hard drive. Unfortunately it is as large as a CD player and has good sound quality but poor bass response. This player, however, beats all on the market as of 4/1/02. Here is why:

Archos players: Ni-cd batteries, no true line out, small LCD.
Creative players: Ni-cd batteries, poorly designed, no hard drive functionality.
Ipod: less memory, Mac compatible only.
Treo: no hard drive functionality, dim backlight, no ID3 support.
XP3: same as Treo

You be the judge. You'll find smaller players, but none as functional as the D-Link Roq-it 10 GB.

I bought this unit about two months ago. For the most part, it has lived up to my expectations. The user interface is a little bland, but it works efficient. The OS is a little slow to respond at times. It is very easy to download/upload songs or files from the device. For WinXP and Win2000, there is no need to install any drivers. Just plug the device in and it is instantly recognized. Even though others have stated that play-lists are not supported, I have no problem using them. Although it is a portable device, it may be too cumbersome for jogging (about the same as portable CD player w/o the skipping.) Some of the firmware needs to be updated (maybe they should have a patch) as I have gotten it to lock up on several occasions. The buttons are sensitive so the can be inadvertently pressed when in the travel case. The sound quality out of the line out is excellent, but the headphone out lacks bass even with good headphones. As a portable hard drive, it is excellent. Given reviews of other devices, I would still pick this one over the other hard drive based MP3 Jukeboxes.

I wish I could say that for the money, the biomorph is a great mp3 player, but since I actually got it for free, I'm somewhat biased in that department. However, I can say that within the three weeks that I've owned it, the biomorph has simply fallen apart. Let me first qualify by saying I don't take it with me to the gym, I don't strap it to my arm when rollerblading- none of that. I use it for listening to mp3's while on the subway and that's all. a very low-impact kind of interface. Given that, it has still managed to fall apart at the seems.

For starters, the case it comes with is counterintuitive. Aside from being thin and flimsy (and outright unusable) its design by nature requires for it to be looped through your belt. It also covers up the loop hole in which you are expected to slip the included arm band into, causing you to only be able to use one or the other.

Secondly, the headphones are constructed rather shabily. The nexus point where the left and right ear buds split off from each other is toggled with a sub-standard plastic aglet that has already slid off, revealing the exposed wires. In an attempt to resecure it, (which involved simply sliding it back down) I cracked it. Now a lame-o piece of scotch tape is the only thing keeping me from feeling the current that runs through it.

Again, let me say: LOW IMPACT INTERFACE. I'm not doing jumping jacks, I'm not treating it like a cheap toy. I'm very responsible with my electronics and this thing falls apart like a pressed daisy.

Thirdly, the thin metal clip that serves as the AAA battery's contact point has already broken off. This from changing the battery twice. Luckily for me the segment of it that broke off does not effect the actual circuitry, just my ease in lifting it up again to replace batteries. But make no mistake- it's a major inconvenience as this unit tends to go through its single AAA battery rather quickly.

All of the above I can pretty much handle. As completely humiliating as it is to have a brand new piece of electronics constantly failing me, like that CD player that always skips, all of the above are actually "deal-with-able." After all, we mustn't look gift horses in the mouth.

What I do find to be increasingly irritating though, is the number of times the player shuts itself off when I use the "lock" switch to keep that flimsy "forward/backward/pause" switch from shuffling my songs. Without fail, every time I lock the unit, the unit shuts itself off. It's a shame it advertises itself as a lock switch and not a power off switch. otherwise I might be pretty happy with the functionality.
In short, as grateful as I was to receive it, this mp3 player really is more hassle than its worth and I look forward to the day (not far now, I'm sure) when it breaks completely apart of its own accord so I don't have to make up a lously lie as to why I bought a new and better player with better sound quality, more memory and a more intuitive interface.

I bought this unit because I liked the expandability of an MMC card (which are falling in price all the time), the cheap initial price compared to other units, the ID3 informative blue backlit screen, its shape, and, most of all, its reported simple plug-and-play flash drive capability. All of these turned out to be as good as promised. In my Windows XP machine, I plugged the device in without touching the enclosed cd, and the unit was recognized and installed as the biomorph external drive (with two drive letters: one for the internal memory, and one for the card slot). I was delighted: I don't like to install software that comes with peripherals. My machine already has the software I want. I then just dragged and dropped mp3 and other files, and voila, no problems, and the mp3's play fine.

The other qualities worked out, too. I really like the shape: the rubber edging is nice, and the unit fits nicely in your palm. I prefer this to the long and thin units. Also, the biomorph is incredibly light. The ID3 tags worked fine. The battery compartment is a bit flimsy, but so far no problems.

The weaknesses, perhaps to be expected, are in the little extras thrown in. I very much wanted an arm band, but the enclosed velcro arm band was apparently designed for Hulk Hogan. Unless I'm wearing a thick sweater, the arm band won't seal. This has been my biggest disappointment. The other two accessories are equally useless. The headphones sound okay, but the earbuds are too large or something so they are painful in my ears after a couple of minutes. Have to go shopping for a new pair. The faux leather cover is obviously a 3 cent joke made in China. While it does fit over the biomorph, the clasp that seals it on fits partially over the power button, so I find the unit frequently turning itself off and then I adjust it, and then it happens again.

Finally, I have not tried other mp3 players, but the biomorph does not get very loud. I have tried all kinds of mp3's, and in general I have to leave the biomorph's volume at MAX all the time (including if I plug it into my stereo). I have not yet taken it to a loud environment, like an airplane cabin, but I imagine music won't be audible in such an environment, if I need to have it at MAX in an otherwise silent environment.

I can't say I'm unhappy. I have an expandable flash drive and workable mp3 player, and I didn't spend a fortune. That said, since prices on competing units (with working arm bands and decent headphones) have fallen recently to closer to the biomorph's price, I wouldn't buy this unit again. I would at least see what the Creative Labs Muvo NX 256 is going for.

Well I've waited around 2 months to write my review for the Memorex WMA/MP3 Digital Audio Player - MMP8500. I bought it in Xmas and it's definitively worth the prize. I did looked for a numerous ammounts of MP3 Players and from waht I've seen it's the best one around (comparing with other under $100 players) Here are the positive things: -Has an expansion slot for extra storage, MMC or Secure Digital cards. -Battery last over 10 hours (at least when the battery is brand new, I really recommend you to use Energyzer rechargable batteries) -Interface is so easy to use you'll learn how to use it without seeing at the reproductor -Has a chronometer and a FM stereo tuner included. -Displays the title of the song, along wth the MP3/WMA bitrate. -Plays MP3, MP3PRO, WAV and WMA files. -Much better than the Rio (Rio S35S Sport Digital Audio Player) or RCA (Lyra XXX MB MP3 Player). It's actually smaller than the Rio player (and it sounds a bit louder than it) and it just better than the RCA player. It ruberrized parts that make it stronger than the RCA player and it's definitively not a cheap thing you're getting. I've read the RCA player it's really nice (actually it's smaller than this one) but it looks like a cool, though simple plastic wrapped up device -Ruberrized protection: I accidentaly crashed it again the floor once (while I was remembering about all thee reviews, hoping that the guy who wrote that the Memorex MP3 player is NOT cheap was right) and it definitively has protection and it's not a one month only device. -Has a built in 128MB memory, which should be enough for 35-40 songs (in MP3Pro format) -It includes a velcro arm band which is just great, it's easy to use and you can be sure you'll be able to jog while listening to it. I use it in Tai Bo classes and I've never had to stop in order to adjust my arm band. -It includes a registration process in which you can get a new device if it's stolen, allthough I haven't tested that service (I didn't even registered since I live in Ecuador) and I haven't read reviews of that service. -Under any windows it's recognized as a remobable storage device, which means that you can use it to backup/transport any files (for instance your address book, or your latest drivers, gaming patches, documents... you're working on) For example I use my Memorex MP3 Player after work, while I am in the gym. I can record (again it's as easy as recording files to a diskette, allthough transfer reates are as fast as a hard drive) 25 songs for instance, and use the extra space to make a backup of my Inbox and contact list, which I then use it at the house in order to reply the emails that were categorized as "to do" things. -You can play the songs in random, shuffle and repeat mode. -You can hear your songs in pre-equalized formats: rock, pop, classic, ubass... Bad things: -You can't program your songs. I suppose that if you buy a 512 MB card and have around 200 songs, then it's really buggy to go from song 100 to song 300. -The Chronometer only runs when the MP3 player is not working. So you can't go jogging while hearing music and timing your run. Why would anybody like to have the MP3 player work ONLY as a chronometer? -The FM radio tuner doesn't has the seek function. So if you're in FM 88.1 and want to go to a station which operates in 100.1hz, then you'll need to move forward passing from station to station (at least it searches for the next available station in the FM band) numerous ammounts of times. -The sound is definitively great, however you won't get the sound of a Sony Discman in it. It's good however it's not the best. -You can consider buying another headphones so that you can hear the sound in a louder tone. -It includes Real One player, a version which is the basic one (actually you can download it from the net), which is really annoying. Apart from not recognizing my CD rom driver, it has a zillion of parts which require a "registration". In other words, it's one of those programs that wants to grab your credit card each time you use it. I use Music Match Jukebox Plus which is the best program around, and all my files are recorded in MP3Pro format (64 kbps with CD quality) and am able to record around 35-40 songs in my Memorex MP3 Player. -Upgradable via Firmware, allthough I've never done it. It's just nice to know you can upgrade your unit to play future music formats. I am the type of guy who likes upgrading it's programs when needed. Conclusion: ----------- Compare MP3 players under $100. I really doubt you'll get a better player than the Memorex MP3 player. At least if you like doing sports with it, hearing the Soccer (baseball, football...) game in FM while seeing it in the stadium game, and having an extra device which will work as a 128 MB storage device under any windows. If you're a music lover who is willing to invest more than $100 in a device like the Apple Ipod (which I belive has a better sound quality, but it's useless for doing sports, apart from that I can buy a whole stereo for it's prize) you're definitively buing a good piece of hardware. I hope you find this review as usefull as possible ;) If you think that I missed something in my review, please contact me at MSN and I'll try expanding it. Regards Xavier

almost too shocked for words - the advertising and packaging clearly mentions MP3. I was very dissapointed to learn that *IT DOES NOT PLAY MP3 FILES*. The player only plays files of the ATRAC format.

If you want to use this, be prepared to use the proprietry software and have to re-convert your entire collection.

After getting my player, it took me about 3 hours to get the software running between my home pc with win xp and my laptop with win2k, the software is necessary to put mp3's onto the memory stick.

here is the dissapointed, this is not an mp3 player, mp3's are converted into another format due to "copyright" protection
using the same excuse sony forces you to buy the sony memorygatre memory stick, so you can forget about using generic or even regular sony brand memorysticks, you have to pay more for the magicgate

after installing the software and utilizing real player plus to transfer files, it was smooth sailing, encoding of mp3's is bit slow but its more due to my slow pc.

Actual preformance and ease of use is classic sony, its small compact user friendly in operation, quality of the music is great, the display is little unsharp in sunlight but its back lit and it helps.

over all you will be satisfied if you get over initial installing of Sony open MG software and learn to go around it.

I have had my memory stick for around 7 months. I normally do not write reviews, but I think the reviews on Amazon are unfair to the product. True, it is not an MP3 player. True, it takes some time to change files from MP3 to sony's format (the only reason I give it 4, and not 5, stars). I am not a computer guy, nor am I an electronics guru, and I have no problem converting my music with the sony software. The rechargable battery, size, weight, ease of use and plethora of features completely outweigh the two cons from above. So what if it is not a "true MP3" player. It has operated flawlessly, travels like a champ, is a perfect companian at the gym and gets tons of use. The magic gate memory stick is a huge plus. Add more sticks and it's like bringing multiple cd's or mixes with you. I could go on, but like I said writing reviews is not my thing. This NW-MS7 is. If you are in the market for a portable music player of any kind, check this one out. It truly is awesome.

I needed a way to play my iPod through my car speakers; I expected loud, great sounding quality of sound. I have tried cassette adaptors, which are just horrible.

This is a FM transmitter, meaning that it transmits a radio signal to a specific radio bandwidth, e.g. the popular radio stations you listen to like 95.7FM, plays its music through that specific bandwidth. The iTrip has about 100 different FM settings that you can select and play through. Problem is, a lot of FM stations are already taken up, and, a lot of stations do not work well with the iTrip. So really, more than half of the stations that are provided are useless.

Next, is the difficulty of finding the perfect station. I mean, who really has the time to go through each station to see which one works the best? I sure don't. I use the default setting of 88.1FM, which is fine, half the time. Other half of the time it is filled with static, and often, other bandwidths take over the dinky iTrip's frequency.

The sound quality is of course, radio quality. This means, poor quality. Default CD quality is 128kbps. Radio quality is only 92kbps. Which is, pretty bad. I was trying to play my iTrip on my friend's system in his car, and it sounded horrid. Also, I am one of those obnoxious people who like to play their music loud. Only problem with the iTrip is that if you turn the iPod's volume more than 85%, than the static gets 5x worse and the quality gets 2x as worse. The car speakers can only go so loud as well, so for people like me who turn their music up all the way, the iTrip does not provide that.

The only good thing about this is the "aerodynamic" shape and merging with the iPod. It fits right on top of the iPod, and doesn't have any cords. Very convenient. It also does not need to use batteries, nor does it need to be charged. It uses power straight from the iPod itself. So no cords, no batteries. That leaves the iTrip alone in the race for the best iPod radio transmitter.

I give it 3 stars because it is very convenient when compared to other radio transmitters of its kind for iPod users. However, it cannot be used for any other types of devices of course, so if you're stuck with just a CD player one day without your iPod for some whacked, random reason... you are stuck with just your earphones. The quality is horrible 65% of the time and finding a good radio station is hard. But besides getting direct connection with your stereo through adaptors and having the right deck for your car, this is the next best thing.

Someone earlier wrote;

>Radio quality is only 92kbps<

That is misleading. The new HD Radio signal is only 92kbs, but regular FM is analog, limited only by the multiplex stereo system in use that forces a high frequency cutoff at 15KHz. Technically, analog FM (without the required cutoff) would sound better than CDs, as it does not have the low bit rate of even CDs, and as a transmission system does not have problems with hiss as did old old tapes, or problems with scratches as did old LP records.

Of course most FM stations now play CDs or MP3s, and they often compress their signals to make themselves sound louder. But technically, FM sound is about as good as it gets, transmission-wise.

I have an iPod Mini and have been using the iTrip with this for about three months now. It works extremely well in the car (2001 Volvo)and through my home and work radios. I live in the Washington, D.C. metro area. I've used this in Baltimore and on drives out to the Eastern shore. I only occasionally get a little static which tends to go away within a minute or less. I am buying a second Mini and iTrip for my wife. ENJOY.

I liked the mp1000 until I upgraded to Windows XP, and was astonished to discover that the company will not support it. The device is now worth scrap metal. Customer Support responded with a form letter to the effect that they feel my pain, but drop dead anyway. Philip Christopher, the CEO, did not respond to my letter at all -- probably too busy making deals to bother with solidifying his customer base. Don't waste your hard-earned money on Audiovox products.

What a waste of money. I will never ever again buy anything from audiosux!!! I fell for all of the upgrade promises that were on the box and suffered because of it.

As you probably know Audiovox ran out of the memory cards for this unit! I have tried almost all the sandisk multimedia cards and the 16meg card works. Amazon sells them. This 16meg card allows me to add 3-6 more songs. The sandisk 24 and the 32 meg did not work. I called sandisk and they could not give me an answer. The player is Great, just waiting for the WMA upgrade. I highly recomend this player. The sound is super, headphones good quality and the software is fine. Go download the CDEX 1.3 beta8 mp3 converter. You will be able to reduce the size of you're MP3's with little reduction in sound quality. I liked the windows codec and the 96 Blane code c. Have fun.