I started out looking for an IC Voice Recorder. There were a lot on offer, but I wanted to be able to upload my voice files to my PC when I was done. Prices for such devices (that had the PC upload capability) started at around $200. Then I discovered the Nomad II. I can record voice files, upload them to my PC and archive them in compressed format. But that's just the start, and probably not why most other people will go for the Nomad II.

It's true colors shine when you start using its MP3 capabilities or Radio. I read many online reviews before taking the leap. The negative reviews talked about the Nomad's slow transfer speeds from PC to Nomad and back. I must say that it is slow, but no slower than what I would expect. It takes about 30 seconds to transfer a song across from PC to Nomad. You can store about 16 songs on the Nomad's 64MB removable memory. But, if you store fewer songs, that leaves more room for voice recordings and vice-versa.

Nomad's interface is simple and intuitive. To switch it on, you hold down the play button for 2 seconds. To switch it off, you do the same with the stop button. The designers have also considered users' behavior. For instance, if you are listening to an MP3 and then hold down the play button for longer than normal (2 or 3 seconds), you cut to radio. It's a great feature. Instead of having to go back to the menu, and select the radio, you have this shortcut.

Battery life is very healthy. I go about 2 weeks on a single AA battery - I use the Nomad about 30-60 minutes a day. Sound quality is excellent. It even comes with several DSP effects for improved listening.

Creative Labs bundles free MP3 recording software with the Nomad II, so you can transfer your CD songs onto MP3 and download a preferred playlist to the device.

I think this is a great product!

Further information...
Since I purchased the Nomad several months ago, many of my friends have bought it too. They are also very happy with it. One of my friends bought the docking cradle - similar in size to the Palm Pilot's cradle and it comes with a free rechargeable battery - a huge plus!

I have recently discovered a minor glitch with the Nomad II. On occasion, it hangs while playing an MP3 track. The song stops (but still appears on the LCD) and nothing short of removing the battery will get it to reset and play again. I don't know if this is a personal glitch, or if other Nomad owners are experiencing it, but my friends don't seem to have the same problems.

Except for the hanging glitch, I'm still very happy with the product!

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 349.00