The ideal workout partner?
Written: Oct 25 '03 (Updated Oct 25 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Size, weight, simplicity, belt clip/arm band, play modes, LCD, sound quality
Cons: Slightly high price/feature ratio, non-expandable memory
The Bottom Line: This is an excellent player for audiophiles who work out, and for individuals who are concerned with bulky electronics.
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| andrewkchen's Full Review: Creative Labs Nomad MuVo NX 256MB MP3 Player |
Introduction
I recently decided I needed a new toy to listen to while working out, and I've had my eye on the Creative Muvo since it's inception as a 64 megabyte, LCD-less, ultra-simple player. However, this model lacked several key features that I require in an MP3 player for active use--a belt clip/arm band, and random play feature. The Muvo NX added these features and a few more, which I will discuss below.
Key Features
Tiny form factor (1.5 x .6 x 2.9 inches, 1.1 oz)
256 MB non-expandable memory
Superb sound quality
Backlit LCD display
Driverless music transfers
Graphic equalizer with presets and custom mode memory
Voice Recording
Can function as a flashdrive
Random/repeat/playlist play modes
Arm band, belt clip included
Design
As mentioned, the Muvo NX is tiny. This is one of the smallest MP3 players on the market, and as such, is great for individuals seeking a package that won't get in the way while moving around. The small but informative LCD allows you to see the song title, the track time, battery level, and equalizer settings. Using a jog dial and a simple menu system, one can tailor the Muvo to his or her liking without referring to the instructions. The NX includes a translucent plastic belt clip which cradles the player, while allowing full access to the display and controls. Furthermore, the assembly may be clipped to the supplied velcro armband for those who prefer that route. This solution is much preferable to the old model's necklace. Downloading music on a Windows XP system is a no-brainer, requiring the user to separate the player's display/memory unit from the battery holder, and plugging it into a USB port. From there, dragging and dropping files into the folder completes the task of filling the player with music. Transfers are bottlenecked by the USB 1.1 interface, but they are still quite fast (roughly 13 seconds per 4 minute song).
Ergonomics
This player has just 3 buttons and a jog dial, making it a paradigm of simplicity. There's a play/pause button that doubles as an on/off switch by holding it down, and two other buttons for adjusting the volume. Navigating the menus is easy with the jog dial, allowing access to the voice recorder, equalizer, and other functions. A feature that I require in an MP3 player is the random play function, since it gets tiresome hearing songs in the same sequence after the second time through a play list. Fortunately, this player includes this function, and other play modes as well. Battery life is well above average, delivering 10-11 hours on a fresh AAA alkaline cell. One minor complaint is that I would prefer is an old fashioned circular dial for volume control rather than the buttons for faster volume changes.
Performance
Good looks and easy navigation are nice to have, but in the end, we ARE evaluating a music player, where the primary function is to deliver quality sound. The Muvo does not disappoint in this department. Using my tried and true Sony MDR-E848 earbuds, I discovered that this unit produces the best sound quality I have yet to experience in a portable MP3 player. (I've used the Best Data Cabo, Diamond Rio 500, Nike PSA[play, Compaq PA-2, and the Creative Nomad IIc). In fact, the sound quality rivals my home stereo unit plugged into the digital output from my computer feeding an external digital to analog converter. The sound quality is clear and balanced, without any of the haziness I've heard in lesser players. As a sidenote, I did not use the included earbuds--I never use stock earphones because there is little chance they will sound better to my ears than the Sony's I use as a reference. However, other reviews have stated that the standard buds will not allow this player to reach it's potential as far as sound quality is concerned. Other reviewers have also complained of low power output for the headphone output. I did not find this to be the case, since my earphones are quite efficient, I could not turn the volume up past halfway without causing pain.
Conclusion
This is a top-notch MP3/WMA player. There aren't many bells and whistles here (no FM tuner, no expandable memory), but that's not what the product was designed for. If you are looking to put your collection of music on this player, look into the Ipod or the Nomad Zen NX. However, if you demand high quality sound in the smallest, lightest unit able to pack 3-4 hours of music into, this is the ticket.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
andrewkchen
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Reviews written: 6
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