NOTE: Intel has discontinued the Pocket Concert as of last year, so you may be lucky enough to scoop one up cheap on eBay. Also, if you're like me, had your hard drive crash and can't lay hands on the CD-ROM with the PC software, you can go to Intel's web site and download it. I still use mine and still love it!

When I'm doing my time on the elliptical trainer or treadmill, I need my tunes. When I first became a gym rat, I had a cassette Walkman. Then I graduated to a Aiwa portable CD player, which had better sound quality but skipped constantly unless I put it in a fanny pack and hung it off something, with the added bonus of extremely uncomfortable neckphones. One day, while I going through my usual five-minute set-up of my stuff on the elliptical, I noticed that the guy next to me pedaling happily away, wearing nifty silver neckphones that were attached to a little silver and blue box about the size of a cigarette pack, which in turn was clipped to his shorts. He noticed my interest and was kind enough to let me check out his Intel Pocket Concert MP3 player. I slipped on the neckphones, pushed the play button, and was greeted with loud, pounding Judas Priest. Woo hoo!

Since all the reviews of the Pocket Concert were generally good, obtaining one was my next step. Fortunately, Christmas was coming, and Santa Husband granted my wish. :)

Setting it up was extremely easy--a simple download of the MusicMatch and Intel Audio Manager filing programs, plugging in the USB, and I was on my way. With 128MB of memory, you can plug in around 30 songs depending on length, roughly two hours' worth of tunes. There is a random option, and if you use that it'll give you enough variety. The bass and treble can also be adjusted to fit your tastes. I did notice that when I used the Audio Manager to download, the volume of the songs was fairly consistent, whereas there were noticeable fluctuations with Music Match. I use MM to rip MP3s from my CDs, but use AM to download now. The Pocket Concert also boasts an FM tuner, which has worked well for me on the few occasions I've used it. I'll admit that I don't understand the complaints about the neckphones--they're not gaudy, and they are comfortable. The belt clip is tight, and I've had no trouble going full speed on the elliptical with it attached to the waistband of my leggings or slipped in the pocket of my sweats.

The price can be a bit prohibitive (you'll pay at least $200 for it, and that's as low as it'll go), but it's well worth it for ease of use and available features. It's true that you can't expand memory, so if that's important to you you'll want to look elsewhere. If you want an MP3 player that you don't have to be a technogeek to use and appreciate, you won't go wrong with the Pocket Concert.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 200