Mini-Disk is a Many Don't
Written: Jun 23 '01
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Pros: Rechargeable battery, recording capability, wired remote control
Cons: Real-time recording only, expensive format (mini disks), limited amount of prerecorded disks
The Bottom Line: If you want or need to replace your cassette-based system, perhaps the mini-disk format is for you.
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| dan2k's Full Review: Aiwa AM-F70 Personal MiniDisc Player |
» Describe your experience using this product.
Out of the box, the Aiwa MD AM-F70 is extremely simple to use (assuming you already have a minidisk to either play or record with). For the recordable minidisks, there is a variety of recording and editing features such as split, join, delete, and name. However, I can't imagine the usefulness of splitting a recorded track in two nor can I appreciate the need to join two tracks together (unless of course you split them in the first place).
The unit itself is lightweight enough to fit in a front shirt pocket or even a back pocket and the wired remote control makes changing tracks, adjusting the volume, or pausing/starting a breeze. However, it still has some heft to it so you'll know it's there. It's not as anti-skip as you'd expect with it's 40-second anti-skip feature but it handles itself well under normal circumstances. If you plan on jogging or exercising with the player, you may need to secure it more firmly in a carrying case or something similar.
The headphones are the "behind the neck" style. While it may take some getting used to (and an equal amount of time figuring out how they go on :-), this new headphone style is actually worth it because 1) you don't end up with (what I call) "headphone hair" and 2) they simply don't move when you move. Turn your head, nod, shake as vigorously as you want; the headphones will stay in place. and they sound great.
Many of the advanced features aren't intuitive but easy to remember once you read the manual. The jog dial isn't as functional as it should or could be (it only controls the volume and changes characters when setting a track name). The display contrast can't be adjusted so viewing in bright light can be a challenge.
» Why did you buy this product?
Overall, my experience using the product is positive. I bought this unit at auction (www.ubid.com) not because I really wanted a mini disk player, but because at $99.00, it seemed like a great deal on a new gadget for me to experiment with ;-) But, seriously, I was more interested in the portable recording functionality of the mini disk. I imagined taking the unit to meetings for work, using it for personal voice recordings (diary/journal) type entries, etc.
» What do you love about this product?
The wired remote control is the main advantage. While the unit itself is stored away in a bag or pocket, the small, lightweight remote control can be used to change tracks, volume, stop/start/play, etc. I imagine the remote does clip on to something but my unit in particular was damaged on arrival and there is no clip. I'd likely still hold it in my hand anyway.
WIth advanced functionality, I can name/rename a track anything I'd like. I can also name/rename a disk itself. This information is stored on the disk and retrieved on playback.
» What do you hate?
Real-time recording is a hassle and a waste of time. Unlike my Rio MP3 player, I can't simply send recordings to the device; they have to be played on one device while simultaneously recording on the mini-disk.
Recording from mini disk to PC is not as easy as I would expect. Those meeting notes I mentioned I'd be recording? Those personal voice recordings? To get them from the mini-disk to the PC, I have to real-time record them as well- play them on the mini-disk while recording them on the PC.
» Overall Impressions
The mini-disk technology is impressive. Digital recording, compact and portable, durable and lightweight. However, if you're looking into purchasing any mini-disk player, do not consider this technology as a replacement for a high-end MP3 player. You'll be sorely disappointed. Instead, consider the mini-disk technology as a replacement for a cassette deck and be prepared to evetually replace all your cassette-based systems with mini-disk.
Make no mistake about it, it's impressive technology. But don't make the same mistake I did; don't compare mini-disk to MP3.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 99
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Epinions.com ID:
dan2k
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Member: Dan Embry
Location: Stockton, CA
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
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