An mp3 player and more
Written: Aug 23 '01 (Updated Aug 24 '01)
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Pros: functions as both an mp3 player and a zip drive
Cons: non-replaceable battery, small (memory) disk size
The Bottom Line: This is great for those who want an mp3 player and could also use a zip drive.
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| chemgirl's Full Review: Iomega Hipzip 31311 40 MB MP3 Player |
The Iomega HipZip is a great little mp3 player. I'll start with the pros:
1. The HipZip can function as both an mp3 player and a zip drive. This comes in very handy when I am transfering files too and from my computers at home and work, and have files larger than a conventional 1.33 MB floppy can handle, since I don't have a full-sized Zip drive at home. It is easy to install the software on both mac and pc platforms.
2. The HipZip comes with musicmatch software which is my preferred software for ripping and burning cds. You can download musicmatch for free on the web, but having the purchased version entitles you to many more useful features. For example, you can convert file formats (from mp3 to wma and vice versa) as well as downgrade your cd quality mp3 files so you can fit more on one disk.
3. The HipZip uses Iomega clik 40 MB disks. These cost about $10 each. The disk format is convenient because even though 40 MB holds a relatively small amount of music, you can carry more than one disk with you at a time. This also removes the hassle of downloading large playlists every time you want to change your music, you can just keep your playlists on the disk, switch the disk, click it in, and your done! I also find that with using music match to downgrade my mp3's to 96 kbps before storing them on the clik disks, I get about an hour of music per disk.
4. It takes relatively little time to download mp3's to the HipZip since it has a USB connection the the computer.
5. Big sound! For a small machine, the HipZip is quite loud. I found that the headphones that came with it were pretty crappy, but I switched to some Sony 'phones and it sounds great!
6. The operating system that the HipZip uses (Dadio digital audio OS) is easy to use, however, it has only been updated with bug fixes two or three times (Ican't quite remember) in the six months I have owned it.
7. I like to run with my HipZip. While it is too heavy to clip onto shorts, it easily fits in the palm of your hand. The display has a backlight, which makes it easy to view in darker light. I believe that in the eight months I have owned and ran with the HipZip, it skipped once, which is exceptional, considering I run with it at least three times a week for at least 45 minutes.
The cons:
1. It could have been a lot easier to use the HipZip if the USB connection on the player itself was the standard size as well. Because the HipZip only came with one cord, I am constantly having to remember to bring it from work to home and vice-versa.
2. The lithium ion battery is not replaceable. It probably should last the lifetime of the machine, but considering the price you pay, it would have been nice to have a replaceable battery.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299
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Epinions.com ID:
chemgirl
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Reviews written: 5
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