shortstop24's Full Review: RCA Lyra RD1080 (128 MB) MP3 Player
I saw the 1080B on sale at a local Officemax store. I had been considering buying a much more expensive MP3 player, but wasn't sure if I would like it and didn't want to spend $200 or so to find out. The MP3 players under $200 only had 128MB internal memory, and I didn't thank that would be enough. I had been looking for one with external memory and hadn't found any. So when I saw this on sale for $69.95, with 128MB internal memory AND with an SD memory card slot, I grabbed it. I then bought a 512MB memory card for under $20 (after a rebate), and had an MP3 player with 640MB memory for under $80 total!
I figured for that price, even if the sound wasn't very good, it would be OK. But when I turned it on and listened, I was amazed. Beautiful, full bodied sound was emanating from this little player. The sound has five pre-set modes (DSP settings), and one mode that allows the wearer to adjust the bass/treble settings. You won't be disappointed in the sound.
The controls, once you get used to them, are also easy to use. The little "joystick" in the center controls selection of music or FM radio (yup, for the price there is also an FM tuner built in), and for skipping forward and back among selections. There are four other small buttons that control various functions. Unfortunately, the carrying case that comes with the player covers all controls except the volume rocker when the player is in it, so you have to get everything set before placing it in the case. Note that the case has a velcro strap for wrapping on the arm.
Uploading songs to the player is a cinch via the included USB2 cable. RCA includes a software disc too, but I have never used it. I simply use drag and drop in XP HOme to upload, and haven't had any problems. There is the capability to set play lists, but I haven't tried that yet.I have about 2 hours of music on the player now uploaded at an MP3 bitrate setting of 112kbps, and the combo internal/external drives are only about 10% full. I expect to get 18 to 20 hours at full capacity. Of course, when I reach that point, I can go out and buy another SD card and keep adding. And since this is flash memory, no matter what you are doing, there is no skipping.
I see many have complained about the FM radio reception, but in my area I find it works very well. I have a favorite station that usually comes in poorly at night, but when I dialed it up from inside my home the evening I bought the player, it came in fine.
I have had the player for about four weeks, and at this point my only complaint is the set of earbuds that come with the player. The sound from them is great, but one part of the Y-cord is longer than the other, which can create annoying "catches" on the ear when you turn your head. I have used my daughter's earbuds that have equal length wires without a problem, so will probably be buying a set. Other than that, I have been more than happy with this player. By the way, this runs on 2 AAA batteries. I am still on my first set (about 10 hours of use), so I can't give an idea of battery life yet.
128 MB of upgradeable flash memory; expandable via Multimedia cards USB connection for fast downloads Digital FM tuner with 10 presets 3-line backlit ...More at Amazon Marketplace
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