Preamble
Things I learned in Kindergarten:

1) Sony electronics totally rock
2) Honda is the only car for me
3) Boys mature slower than girls.

About three months ago, I decided that I really didn't like driving to work listening to just music anymore. I listen to music so much these days that some times, I just need a break.

I became fascinated with audio books and since that time, it's the only things I listen to during my 1 1/2 hours on the road daily.

So Why This Cassette Player?
I don't have one in my car (shadddupppp) and I didn't want to be limited to audio books that were only available on cd. Those are too expensive PLUS audio tapes are what are available at libraries for loaning purposes.

So off I went to my local WalMart store, in search of a cassette player that wouldn't bust my budget but would last me for at least as long as my current obsession of audio books would last.

Details About The WM-EX192/EX190 Model
This is a cassette player only. No AM/FM radio involved. Like most standard, portable electronics, this model takes two AA batteries.

There are no fancy bells and whistles with the exception of two - the NORM/MEGA BASS/GROOVE switch and the Automatic Volume Limiter System (AVLS).

The NORM/MEGA BASS/GROOVE switch really does make a difference in the bass level when switched on. The sound seems a little more fuller. Since I don't listen to much music on it however, this feature doesn't do a lot for me.

The AVLS allows you to lock in place, the volume you want so that if you accidentally bumped up against something, your ears aren't blown out of your head.

The biggest positive about this is that it doesn't skip or bump when I'm walking. Although I'm used to this on my cd walkman, it's not a feature I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing on a cassette player. Of course prior to having this model, I think it was back in the 80's that I owned something like this :).

The Only Negative
I'm really, really picky about my headphones. Like most electronics, this cassette player comes with headphones that are ho-hum. No, their quality isn't bad, and the sound is fine however, my tastes are quite selective and standard head phones just won't do.

I have of course, replaced them with much more expensive ones - ones that cost more than this cassette player costs!

The End
If you're looking for just a portable cassette player, this is a good investment. For younger kids, this just might be the gift you want to give them, along with that new NSYNC tape.


Recommended: Yes