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Guide to MP3 Software and HardwareAn error occurred. Please try later. |
Initially, I was impressed with the concept behind Apple’s iPod. That positive reaction chilled when I was overcome by sticker shock. Innovation has always been a signature mark with Apple products. On the other hand, realistic price points seem to have escaped their comprehension. Value seems to be treated like a stealth bomber cruising through the dark of night with many Apple products.
Even though the iPod manages to attract critical kudos, and it is a solid product, I still feel that one could be served well with products to be found in more realistic terms. Such is the case with Sonic Blue’s Rio S50. Compared to the iPod’s entry level price of $399, that shoots directly to $499, the more modestly priced Rio clocks in at $179.99 in most mainstream venues. With value on its side, and solid performance, the S 50 can hold its own.
The first impression that the unit gives is that of a stylish, but business like, device. Aesthetically the Rio is a real standout. With its curving forms and small size, the entire unit is supremely portable. It is both attention getting and in many ways unobtrusive. If nothing else it has heavy doses of high “tech” style.
All of this is good, but means nothing if the unit cannot perform. The sound and features of the S50 are good. If coupled with better headphones, the ones enclosed are only middling, the unit can be even more proficient. All in all, the experience is not bad.
One salient feature about the unit that stood out for me was the oval shaped display. Showing information such as artist, album, file format, bitrate and other relevant date is accessible, and legible. A surprising amount of track information can be gleaned here. Accessing track information is easy. A circular dial that can be depressed at various points works as menu manipulator. Much like those found on digital cameras, this one is large enough to be able to work with, but small enough not to be in the way.
The only real “issue” I have is with the placement of the USB ports that connect the unit to your PC and the slot for the media card. I wish those areas were a bit better conceived. But these are not dealbreaker concerns. However, the storage media is a concern. While it is expandable, it is only expandable to 128 MG of RAM. Another limiting factor is that it can only support Secure Digital cards or Multi Media Cards.
Adding to the ability to play MP3 and Microsoft’s own WMA music file format, S50 comes with a stop watch, FM tuner, a clock and an equalizer. There are no PDA functions or voice recording functions. The only problem is finding some of the functions. Locating the feature you want requires a few leaps through the menu. While this is inevitable with any small device that has menus, it could take some time to become acclimated to this layout.
One of the things I noticed, and really liked, was the inclusion of a rechargeable battery and power unit. It is so frustrating to purchase a product only to learn an important feature has to be purchased separately. Fortunately, SONICblue makes this unit literally ready to play out of the box.
Bundled software with the unit includes iTunes for the Mac OS, Real One Player, a trial version of MoodLogic and Rio Music Manager. My only wish was that it simply operated like a plug-in hard drive without the need for extra software. Certainly this makes it easier to use having proprietary software for loading and unloading, but if there is a way to plug and play without having to use extra software I am all for that approach.
The key to any MP3 player, or more accurately portable digital music device since this one plays more than one format, is how well it serves you. With a device such as this, it is essential to know what sound formats it can accept. Plus, the Windows native application WMA has much to recommend it as a file type of choice. Sounding as good, if not better in some situations than MP3, it stores quality sound in smaller packages. Hence the name MP3 player is not really applicable here. Instead, the Rio is really a compact digital music player.
Factoring in price points, features, sound and ease of use, the Rio S50 is really a solid package. While it lacks the massive storage of the iPod, it also lacks the high price points of many units in its class and beyond. If you are interested in music, and mainly music, and want a player with FM tuner functionality, this player has much to recommend it as a practical choice. Performance wise, one has a solid bargain with this very well considered portable digital music device.
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