Small unit, big remote
Written: Jun 21 '00 (Updated Jun 21 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Size, Sound Quality
Cons: Usability
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| etonhall2's Full Review: Sony Walkman MZ-E25 Personal MiniDisc Player |
On holiday in ’98, and desperate to buy some kind of gadget, I happened across this MZE25. I already own an MZR30, so I was well acquainted with the minidisc and its strengths, but I was beginning to find the 30 a touch too bulky. So, I decided that I could plug the 30 in at home, and use it as a home-based recorder/player, whilst getting a lighter and more simple player for listening to on my train journeys to work.
The 25 seemed to fit the bill. It is extremely light, very slim, and is basically the same size as an MD plus an AA battery. Which is exactly what it needs to contain.
The unit came with a set of in-ear headphones, and a remote control device incorporating an LCD display for the normal MD info, viz. Album name, track name, time left, track time, etc. Add to this the fact that it is a very sleek and simple design – much more contemporary than my old 30, and I decided to buy it.
On getting it back to the hotel, my first feelings were of disappointment. First that unlike the 30, the battery is not rechargeable on the unit (although it will use rechargeable batteries, charged separately), and second that it feels a bit flimsy when you open the lid. In two years I’ve never actually had a problem with its durability, but it always feels like I might…
Also, the unit’s operating buttons are very small (I know they HAVE to be), and they don’t appear to be logically laid out. With the 30, I didn’t have to look for a button, on the 25, I always have to.
However, the first listen dispelled any criticisms I may have had about the ergonomics and feel. I have listened to models by JVC, Kenwood, and Sharp, and I can honestly say that this is their equal. Sound quality is at least as good as the 30, so I was happy with the purchase.
In proper use, I have found some other minor problems – ones that may be of interest to potential purchasers. Maybe it's just down to my usage, but I'll tell you anyway.
First – The remote control is a neat, cylindrical unit with buttons on two sides, a twist control on top, and a display on one side. Unfortunately, this slim, neat and elegant design is ruined by the addition of what looks like a grey plastic clothes peg attached to its back. This is designed to be clipped to a pocket/lapel/etc., but in reality, it makes the thing bulky and obtrusive.
The twist control at the top controls Play, Fast Forward, Reverse, etc., and I find it too fiddly. A simple push button is easier to operate than a twist.
I found this item too be so obtrusive that I started to use the old headphones from the E30, which had a less sophisticated (no display), but much slimmer and more intuitive remote device. This had the desired ergonomic effect, and also had an unexpected benefit in that battery life went up by about 50% - due I’m sure, to the fact that without the display, there’s less for the battery to power. As the thing is normally in my pocket, the lack of display is rarely a hardship.
It's a shame the remote is so bulky - the clip doesn't come off - because the actual unit is slimmer than a pack of cards, fits invisibly into a pocket, and is so light that you barely notice you are carrying it.
The final point to note is regarding the headphone plug. I’m not sure whether this is a 'problem' with the MZR30 or MZE25, but they have different headphone jacks. The headphone lead is in two parts – from ear to remote, and from remote to unit. The latter is identical on both units, but in the 25, the former is a standard mini jack plug. On the 30, it’s a micro-mini plug.
Not an inherent problem with either unit, but something to be aware of if you plan on using headsets other than the one that Sony provide.
Notwithstanding the above issues, I am happy with the unit, the issues do not really interfere with its portability, or its sound , which are of course, its raisons d’etre..
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
etonhall2
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Member: Jonathan Marshall
Location: London, England
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 11 members
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