This is the way to go for MP3
Written: Nov 03 '00
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Pros: Comes with 2 40MB disks. Serves as a zip disk and an MP3 player. Has a backlit display. Has a 12 hours long Lithium Ion battery. Comes with an AC adapter. Great music output. Has USB drivers built into firmware. Comes with protective case.
Cons: Lousy earphones by comparison. A little too bulky. Case does not fit snuggly.
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| badhmash's Full Review: Iomega Hipzip 31311 40 MB MP3 Player |
You can never have the best when it comes to technology. The simple reason being that the shelf life of gadgets like MP3 players and other computer peripherals is so short. When I realized that I needed a portable music device for the long trips back home from school on the train, I decided to purchase either an MP3 player or a Mini Disc player/recorder.
I had already owned a SONY mini disc player which I gave to my brother shortly after purchasing it because he absolutely would not stop hounding me for it. This left me, once again, with nothing. I then decided that it would probably be a better idea to go for an MP3 player seeing as how I had already tried a MD player and so I started my search for the best of the best in terms of features.
I almost purchased the Creative Nomad 2 MG because of its size and the fact that you could add EAX effects to the music on the fly. But then I came across something completely unusual; the Iomega Hipzip.
This was an MP3 player, but also a portable ZIP drive with USB connectivity. Wow, I thought. Think about it, you can actually place DATA files like word documents or other things on each 40MB disk! And you can put MP3s on there as well. So there is a dual purpose instead of just having a playback device.
I was sold on the idea. But then I noticed something that really made me flip. The drivers are located within the firmware!!! This means that you can connect the USB cable to ANY computer and it will automatically load the USB drivers and create a drive for you (Windows 9x/Me/2000 required). Then you just drag and drop the files or MP3s that you want!! Amazing!!
There are a few things about this unit that make it far and away better than its competitors. First of all, it comes with an internal Lithium Ion battery that lasts for about 12 hours on one charge. You can recharge the unit whenever you want and not worry about the memory setting in because this is not a NiMH or other such rechargeable battery. IT also comes with an AC charger/adapter so that you can keep it plugged in constantly if you want it to serve the purpose of a backup drive (like a zip drive).
Another important thing is that the Hipzip comes bundled with 2 40 meg click disks (1/5 the size of a CD). These disks hold a great deal of music and the fact that they only cost between 10 and 15 dollars a piece really makes this an appealing offer.
YOu also get a carrying case with the unit that serves as protection against wear and tear. How many other units come with a casing? It obviously comes with earphones but quite honestly, they are not that great. Get a pair of SONY headphones and you will really be rocking. The volume is just right (for me at least) and the unit comes with an equalizer and you can even manually set the treble and bass!!
Iomega also bundles the popular MusicMatch software which allows you to rip cds and download the content to the Hipzip. It might also be of interest to tell you that the unit is also compatible with the future WMA standard for sound files from Microsoft.
I have really liked using the unit but there are a few things that still bother me. First of all, the casing does not really fit the unit snuggly. I mean if you are going to spend 300 dollars on an MP3 player (most of which are already overpriced), then you should get top quality stuff. The second thing I don't like is that the unit is a little heavier than a normal Mp3 player and is somewhat thicker and overall just bulkier. It's not a behemoth by any means but it is no Creative Nomad 2 MG or anything that small. I guess you have to understand that, when you consider that it is also a zip drive.
I do like the fact that MP3 players are finally coming out with backlit displays. This unit has a great one that just stays on for a few seconds so that you do not waste the battery power.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this product. Iomega is a trusted name in the industry and the fact that they have produced such a unique item makes it worth the 300 dollars. For those people who do not have a portable zip drive, this is a great way to listen to music and transfer data at the same time. The sound quality is also top notch. If you are in the market for an MP3 player, give the Hipzip some serious consideration.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299
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Epinions.com ID:
badhmash
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Reviews written: 30
Trusted by: 12 members
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