The Audiophile Alternative
Written: Dec 07 '00
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Pros: A whole LOT of built-in features, fast USB connection, built-in software and drivers allow for fast installation, lots of free extras, excellent hardware capabilites
Cons: It'll cost you an arm and a leg
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| OhNubilousOne's Full Review: Iomega Hipzip 31311 40 MB MP3 Player |
Mp3 player or minidisc? Both types of digital audio players have their strengths and weaknesses. Mp3 players are small, light, and incredibly versatile with USB capabilities and direct file transfers, but are limited to the amount of memory they have. Minidiscs don’t have memory constraints and the discs themselves are cheap, but recording anything onto them is a pain since you have to actually have to play the files you want to record onto the disc. You can’t just drag and drop the files the same way you can with even the most basic mp3 players. You know you want a digital audio player. But neither side offers anything exceptional! What do you do? The choices are more muddled than a ::ahem:: presidential election.
But rejoice, all you independent-minded audiophiles, there is an alternative. And wow! – it’s a darn good one from those clever Iomega engineers – the new HipZip digital audio player. The HipZip takes the best from both the Mp3 and minidisc camps and fuses them together in the form of the pocket ZIP disc (formerly called Clik! discs). Instead of using built-in and expandable flash memory systems like most other mp3 players, media is saved onto the tiny pocket ZIP discs. With two of these discs included, you’ve got a total of 80 megs included with the player. And here’s the best part – you can buy more discs for about $10 each – WOW! $10 for 40 megabytes! A 32-meg flash card costs about $40! Already you’ve got instant savings, and all you stingy spenders out there won’t be able to help but smile at prospect of such a great deal.
USB Galore!
The HipZip connects to your computer via a USB cable, and that means lighting-fast file transfers - I’ve been able to drag and drop and 5-meg mp3 file in about a second and a half. The USB connection also makes installation a snap – once you plug in the HipZip to your computer, the player automatically updates your computer’s program files and adds all the drivers and software you need. From then on, you computer will automatically recognize the player as a separate drive and assigns it the drive letter H whenever you plug it in. Files can then be transferred to the HipZip in the same fashion you transfer files to other ZIP or floppy disk drives. You’re not limited to just putting mp3 files on the pocket ZIPs, either – you can save text files and other formats onto the little discs.
Audio Quality
In terms of an audio player, the HipZip is a digital monster. You should keep in mind that most other mp3 players cannot handle files beyond 220 kbps, or else the playback gets extremely choppy. Not so with the HipZip - it can handle files ranging from less than 62 kbps (FM radio quality) to files from 128 kbps (CD quality) to 320 kbps (Beyond CD quality), though I’m not sure what its limit is. The HipZip can also play files specifically saved in the Windows Media File format without any problems.
Sound quality is enhanced with a built-in equalizer and four presets (Classical, Jazz, Rock, and Standard), while a fifth option lets you fine-tune the bass and treble to your liking. The equalizer is extremely effective and you can notice a difference in the music depending on the specific setting that you select. You can also cycle through several modes of play and you can even build your own playlists for your files. With an adjustable backlit display, operating the HipZip in the dark is easy and convenient.
The LCD display on the front is large and displays remaining battery life, scrolling artist/song title bar, mode of play, and equalizer settings. The HipZip also comes with a menu button so you can access and customize the other features of the player.
EXTRAS!
Iomega seems rather generous with the amount of extras they pack in with the HipZip. First of all, it comes with a snap on Bodyglove cover that helps keep your HipZip safe when traveling inside your pocket, backpack, or purse. The cover also comes with a clip so you can conveniently attach the HipZip to your belt or pocket. All the buttons on the player are still accessible via little windows and pockets so you never have to take the cover off.
As is the case with most other portable audio players, the included earphones are pretty pathetic. After shelling out an excess of $200, the last things you need are bad earphones. In my opinion, they’re pretty uncomfortable (the kind that clips around each ear) and are poorly constructed, and don’t put out any sound at all. Do yourself a favor and toss these in the trash.
Iomega bundles the MusicMatch Jukebox media player with the HipZip. It’s not necessary to install it, but it’s actually a great media player that can handle all sorts of media files on your computer. MusicMatch can even rip and encode mp3s and download from selected sites on the internet. Not bad at all.
Is it worth it?
Compared to other mp3 players, the HipZip is a tad larger than other mp3 players and the presence of moving parts means it is prone to skipping. However, the HipZip makes extensive use of built-in buffering and anti-shock systems so you can literally do everything short of hurling it at a wall and not have the HipZip skip a beat. Also, the little motor responsible for reading the pocket Zips makes little high-pitched whirring sounds whenever you initially start up the player or switch tracks. The whirring noise is similar to a high-pitched dentist’s drill, but I guarantee you won’t notice it with headphones on, and those around you won’t either.
The HipZip operates using a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will provide you with anywhere from three days to a week’s worth of juice, depending how often you use it. There’s no additional ports for disposable batteries, but Iomega assures us that the lithium ion battery will last a good five years before needing a replacement.
At $299 manufacturers retail price and an average in-store price of $260, the HipZip is pretty expensive. I know I spent a great many weeks saving my lunch money and other forms of income to buy this thing. I think it’s worth it, though - the technology is extremely versatile and flexible and you can always upgrade at Iomega’s web site. The HipZip can effectively process many different forms of digital audio, and with no limit to the amount of pocket zip disks you can buy, it’ll save you money in the long run. And I can almost guarantee that those clever Iomega engineers are working on larger size pocket zip disks as we speak.
With a FAST USB connection, backlit display, unlimited storage space, extreme versatility, and flexible media applications - what more could you possibly demand from an mp3 player?
Get a HipZip - it’s your patriotic duty. Or something like that.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 266
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Epinions.com ID:
OhNubilousOne
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Member: Kevin Saavedra
Location: Berkeley, CA
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 13 members
About Me:
Techno-nerd and marching band junkie, NPR addict and closet airsoft commando.
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