Best MP3 deal out there
Written: Oct 11 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: compact, expands with SM card, memory
Cons: no radio
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| virgilatmit's Full Review: Rio PMP-500 (64 MB) MP3 Player |
First things first, the Rio 500 sounds great. I love the fact that the thing is so small, and that it never skips, no matter how much I might jostle it on my bike/rollerblades. Navigation on it is alright, although the jog dial doubles as a volume dial and function dial (if you press it in.) For those that fumble around for the volume (like I do) might find this feature a little inconvenient, since you might end up programming the program list/setting it to repeat, etc instead of turning up the tunes. It does have a backlight feature, making navigation at night easy. (Be careful not to set this on always on, unless you like wasting batteries.)
One of the main motivations for getting the Diamond Rio 500 is the price, which results from both a reduction in its price at many online stores to sub $200 levels, and the fact that the manufacturer is running a $50 rebate special right now. If you've been sitting on the fence and have been waiting for a price drop, now's your opportunity.
Having said that, let me answer the question of what you do get with the Diamond Rio 500. You get 64 MB onboard, a Smart Media Flash Card expansion port, USB support, a handy carrying case, a pair of "earclip" headphones and the whole thing runs on a single AA battery. The 64MB is nice, especially for me, since I like to keep all my songs at a bitrate of 160 kbps (ie less compressed); further, I already have a digital camera that uses SM cards, and have a 32 MB card to expand my Rio to 96MB. While not nearly as small MMCs, smart media cards are still thin, and they are definitely cheaper and in better supply than the MMC. I thought that the software that came with the Diamond Rio was adequate, although it makes it a little hard to navigate through your MP3s to find the songs you want. I would have preferred it if the software allowed you to pick songs by folder. Transfer time is a breeze with the USB port; although I wish the Rio had some AC adapter so that I could have it plugged in while I was in the battery consuming process of transferring songs. The case gives your Rio a little protection from scratches, and it is cut out around the volume/job dial; it also sports a handy belt clip. (Ever since I got into portable electronics, I've been force to where a belt to carry around my phone, PDA and now MP3 player!) The headphones are adequate, and slightly more comfortable than earbud headphones; I use them when riding a bike, but I prefer using studio headphones (keeps the ears warm here in Boston.)
So what doesn't the Rio 500 come with. It doesn't have a radio, a feature that the I-Jam (now selling near the $100 level) does sport. It doesn't have a voice recorder, as other MP3 players are beginning to have. It doesn't have an AC adapter plug, as I mentioned. It doesn't have a decent pair of "wrap-back" headphones. Also, I think it would have been prudent if the carrying case had a place for an extra battery; instead it doesn't.
One feature I didn't mention is the ability to play encrypted audible information. That's because I haven't used it, although if audible.com considers a price drop on some of its NPR material, I might reconsider. At least it's nice to know its expandable.
Overall, I'd recommend this player to anyone whose's not looking for a lot of extra features and frills, but more for compactness, memory, and transfer rate.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
virgilatmit
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Location: Cambridge, MA
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 1 member
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