Solid - a bargain under $50-60
Written: Apr 28 '04 (Updated May 08 '04)
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Pros: Small. Expandable w/ Secure Disk Memory Cards. Cable and even Battery included.
Cons: Headphones. 64 meg. of space. Maybe durability issues.
The Bottom Line: Expandability coupled with mode features, such as random play, (MUVO has neither) plus nice package makes it a very strong value.
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| EDuPUNK's Full Review: RCA Lyra RD1021 (64 MB) MP3 Player |
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Creative Labs MUVO 64 or 128 player.
EXPERIENCE:
Approx. 11 hours of use, while Driving, walking, browsing in stores and the mall, and swimming (enclosed in an Aqua Tunes Waterproof Pack).
SIZE: Between 1/3 and 1/2 the size of a pack of cigarettes or cassette case.
BUTTONS AND FEATURES: MP3 and WMA player with 64 meg. onboard storage and a slot to insert secured disk memory cards for more storage.
Has Eight Buttons:
- On/Play/Pause.
- Off/Stop
- Forward
- Back
- Volume Increase
- Volume Decrease
- EQ Toggle (Bass, Pop, Rock, and Jazz among others)
- Play Mode Toggle (Repeat, Random, Random Repeat).
Plus a Lock/Unlock Switch (for locking up buttons so they can not be accidentally triggered, such as the stop button being accidentally triggered as has happened a couple of times during the 4 plus hours I've had it).
PACKAGE
The package includes the following:
- Player
- Headphones
- USB Cable (Nice Touch)
- AAA Battery (Nice Touch)
- Armband Holder
- CD-Rom of Drivers of Auxiliary Programs, including Music Match Jukebox (not full retail).
SETUP
I was able to setup and start using the Lyra without reading any of the manuals or Special Alerts that came in the package.
First thing I did was put the CD in the computer, and indeed, the Lyra is one of those USB devices that one should first load the driver (and/or software) before first connecting the unit to the computer (via the included USB cable).
Upon putting in the CD, an Auto Menu prompts you to select what model it is (1021 was already selected). From previous reviews, I knew that the Lyra should be recognizable as a removable hard drive from which one can copy, cut, paste and delete files from through Windows Explorer.
Thus, I only loaded the driver and system software, not any of the auxiliary programs, such as Music Match Jukebox [which I already have on my computer anyways].
After the drivers were installed [I believe you may be prompted to reboot the computer], I connected the included USB cable to the Lyra and plugged it into the computer.
I then opened Windows Explorer and . . . saw nothing new. And genius I am, I thought to put in the battery and power on the unit, and sure enough, upon powering on and re-opening/refreshening Explorer again, the Lyra was recognized as well as the card slot - in other wards, the Lyra's internal memory storage area and the card slot are recognized as two separate drives.
BTW, there were two "Special Alert" inserts in the package I got.
One of the Special Alerts in the Lyra is to make sure the battery is inserted and the Lyra turned on before connecting. I later looked through the manual and realized that it never mentions turning it on before connecting, and apparently, people did not figure it out and that is why the Special Alert insert.
The other Special Alert is to advise people to first load the drivers and software before connecting the Lyra, which I did.
BATTERY LIFE
Got about 10-11 hours out of the AAA battery (Duracell)that came with the package. Will update on the final usage at the time the battery dies.
IMPRESSIONS AND USE
Since it is recognized as a Hard Drive in Windows Explorer I simply drag and drop files. Apparently, one can save/transfer files or playlists (which automatically transfers the files) via Music Match Jukebox.
I haven't tried that. To me, just dragging and dropping is simple and quick enough for me.
For my use, I convert MP3's to 80khz(?). That allows me to put approximately 23 songs (over an hour and a half) into the 64 meg. internal storage.
USing the Random Repeat mode, this allows me to hear a generally different mix of songs every time I work out/swim. Nonetheless, I still think I should get/add more space to add more songs.
The EQ settings do make a difference, though the effect is hardly refined. "Bass" does increase the "Bass" and "Rock" increases mid-range - to much for my taste. I use the "Pop" or "Bass" settings.
Current song selection, FYI, ranges from Faith No More "Real Thing" to Train "Drops of Jupiter" to Casting Crowns "HEre I Am" to Ben HArper "Another Lonely Day."
Sound quality is solid. I listen at about 8. I find that at full volume there seems to be some "distortion" as well as being too loud for me. Again, I am using ear plugs.
Overall I am very happy with this unit, especially as I paid under $60 for it (at local Wal Mart it's priced at $69).
My only concern is a number of reviews I've seen criticizing its durability - breaking down on people. For my use - carrying in pocket or in waterproof pouch while swimming - the unit has had no hiccups so far.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 60
Recommended for: Beginners - Easy Enough for Tech Newbies
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Epinions.com ID:
EDuPUNK
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Location: Penn Run, PA
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Founder of Investment Banking Firm, J.D. & Marketing, Hobbies incl. Producing Bands & Graphic Design.
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