False Advertising
Written: Aug 31 '03
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Pros: user interface, ease of use
Cons: FM reception
The Bottom Line: Wait for the next version of sport mp3/FM player from Rio or try one of the iRiver devices.
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| elr0nd's Full Review: Sonic Blue Rio S35 128MB MP3 Player |
I have a Rio 600 and am pretty happy with it. I take it or my Sony Walkman out on jogs and to the gym. I thought it would be great to have one device that does both.
Prior to trying this device, I tried one of the iRiver mp3 players because I'd read about the Rio's poor FM reception. The iRiver's FM reception is excellent, but its menus and user interface are too complicated for use when running or biking.
As an mp3 player, the Rio s35s is quite good (as is the Rio 600). The interface is simple and intuitive, perfectly suited to use while running, even biking. Transferring mp3 files to the device from the computer is easy as pie. The unit also handles wma format so you can effectively double (maybe more) your playing time by converting your mp3's to wma's (which is easy to do with the Rio Software). No complaint's whatsoever regarding its mp3 abilities. I also liked the case and armband which, again, made it really easy to use while running and biking.
The FM radio reception is inadequate - so bad as to open Rio to a class action suit for false advertisement - and the sole reason for my bad review of this device and for my rating of its sound quality. Admittedly, the signal strength of my favorite FM station is weak. It is un-listenable on the Rio s35s. It also has trouble, even with strong signals, indoors at my gym. A generic $20 sport radio will easily get my favorite FM station, anywhere, so I find it hard to shell out $160 for a device that won't.
What I'm trying to avoid, and what is NEVER (with God as my witness) going to happen, is wearing my radio and Rio 600 while exercising. It would probably get me killed on my bike and, more importantly, whether on my bike, in the gym, or jogging, it would simply be too dorky to consider. So I am desperate for a combination mp3/FM "sport" player. I imagine Rio's next iteration of this device will be much improved and I'll probably buy it, or maybe Nike will step up and make a combo unit, but the Rio s35s simply stinks and I returned it.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 160
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Epinions.com ID:
elr0nd
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Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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