Rio One (32 MB) MP3 Player

Pros: inexpensive. small. easy to use. sounds decent. also a portable hard drive.
Cons: only 160 megs memory. included headphones are uncomfortable. lacks some features

The RIO ONE is an updated version of the "Diamond RIO" MP3 player, which was one of the first portable MP3 players available in the US. Since then MP3 players have taken off, and are available in a wide variety of styles and feature/price ranges.
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Pros: Smart Media slot, Expandable to 160MB, USB.
Cons: Only 32MB onboard memory, no FM tuner, no remote.

If you're looking for a reliable audio player without paying a fortune on one, there are several solutions for that. But all too often, some of the digital audio players offered on the market may not support all formats and that they may not even be...

Pros: Small size, expandable memory.
Cons: No title display, no radio, built very poorly, non-existent tech support.

I wanted an MP3 player that was small and skip-free, so I bought the Rio One in December 2001. At fi ...

Pros: Decent Sound Quality, Doesn't skip like CD
Cons: Low memory, no backlight

I bought my RioOne off of Ebay for $29+$10 shipping. It came with everything the retail version comes with, my unit was basically a sealed factory refurb unit.

This is a great product. It plays MP3s (and supposedly wma's, but I don't use...

Pros: Cheap, light, low battery usage
Cons: Little memory. Unsupported by most software

I'd been watching this particular Rio One player in the bargain bin at the local Micro Center. Starting at something like $79, I watched it go down every week until I bought it at $40, which I thought was not bad for an MP3 player. And it wasn't- when ...

Pros: Good size, one of the sfwe apps was good, two were very poor.
Cons: Support when device fails; hold button not dependable.

Periodically either the OS on the computer or the Rio or the player software loses the ability to even detect extended memory. The first time that happened a few basic things worked, like a reinstall.
The second time it happened that did not work...

Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Flimsy, No back light, very limited display, no track display

I got this player as a gift and it had a 3 year warranty on it. In the 2 years i had it, it had to ...

Pros: Price, Memory Cost, Sound.
Cons: Not Supported in XP.

I'm new to Epinions and writing about a product I used to have. I've had 3 MP3 players over the past year, they were the RIO 800($250), RIO ONE($99), Intel Personal 3000 64mb($79). The Rio One was my favorite. Sound quality was better than the both the...

Pros: Price, USB, Reasonable battery life, WMA support
Cons: Little space, cheap construction, short USB cord, small LCD display

When I purchased Windows XP at Best Buy, they included some free stuff (after rebate). It was my first MP3 player but I was already familiar with a variety of models.

The Rio One is a half-descent player for the money. Seeing as how it has...

Pros: decent cheap player can find them on ebay for very cheap
Cons: very cheap player dealing with sonic blue is a nightmare

I purchased 2 of these off ebay. Both were refurbs and only partially worked on my mac. No memory ...

Pros: Light weight
Cons: limited functionality, poor sound.

When I bought this mp3 player I believed that I would get the same quality of the orginal pmp300 mp3 player from sonic blue. One of my major disapointments with the player is the sound quality, I am a audiofile and I enjoy the best sound out of my...

Pros: fast USB connection, easy to use, good battery life
Cons: realjukebox is horrible, no ID3 tags, a few bugs

When I bought the RioOne I wanted a cheap MP3 player, nothing fancy with a hard drive. Overall, it's a good player. RealJukebox is another horrible product from RealNetworks, it's unfortunate that's the only software compatible with the RioOne right now....

Pros: when it works...it works just fine
Cons: USB FLASHING.cant skip without going through the intro on each track..

"USB" flashes on for a few moments then the player shuts off. it has happened to me 4 times. usually when i have to replace the battery.
once I get to the point where the word "USB" flashed 4 times, I have been unable to un-freeze it. I have looked...

Pros: price
Cons: low memory, cheap product, customer service

I bought a RIO One in July. The software was OK but not easy for a beginner. Not intuitive for the MP3 player use.

Controls are limited, even though the buttons are big, the circular configuration works against itself.

Low memory...

Pros: Lightweight, Cheap, easy to connect.
Cons: difficult to copy files to, lack of supporting Documentation, Inaccurate support info

I'm currently on the second one, as the fist failed right after copying songs to it via Real Jukebox. Tried to play songs, and got nothing but "Digital" noise, only to shut off after 10 seconds. Then it wouldn't turn back on.

Second one Same...

Pros: Easy to use. Inexpensive.
Cons: High-frequency decoding errors of mp3s. No "resume" feature.

The Rio One uses a cheap 16-bit DSP:
http://www.ti.com/sc/docs/news/2001/01147.htm
It pretty much has to to cost $80 (after rebate) and run from a single penlite cell.

This makes it very hard on the folks writing the decoding...

Pros: None
Cons: No firmware fix, weak battery door, cheap body case.

I bought my Rio One and it worked for about 2 months, after which it suddenly stopped working and flashed USB. It turns out you're not supposed to access it through windows explorer, and SonicBlue never made a fix. Also the battery door breaks extremely easily which is really annoying. In summary: DO NOT BUY!

I first got my Rio One for christmas, and not even 1 year has passed, it is dead. I take it everywhere with me, and i guess i had a life style that demanded too much of my Rio One. First off the battery hinge broke off and i had to use a rubber band to keep the battery from falling out, at first i tried tape, but it stripped the paint. Now if it moves too much it makes a very loud and painful beep. AND the memory is awful, you have to spend a lot more just to able to listen to CD worth of MP3's. I suggest buying a MP3 player that will last.

I got this product because I wanted an MP3 player and because it was on sale for $75. It worked for a while about 10 months. It started flashing USB I E-mailed Sonic Blue (the maker). I got an auto response that wasn’t even about my MP3 player. So I put in storage, trying to fix it on a rainy day (doing drive checks, formatting it stuff like that). Then about 9 months later I was about to buy a Slim-X MP3 CD player but the price was to high. I E-mailed Sonic Blue one more time that night, I got a good response with a whole new layout this time and it had what I needed so as it turns out I just needed a firmware update because I accessed my MP3 player through windows explorer. So in conclusion it's a pretty good MP3 player.

I've owned two and on each the catch has broken, the battry compartment has failed in some way and this leads to poor operation. Do NOT buy!

Software for downloading discontinued for latest versions of Windows because Rio not supporting their product. In case this is Rio's general strategy, suggest steer clear of their products. Also, this has a tiny memory capacity and settings keep changing of their own volition. Pity.

I have exchanged the unit three times for various problems related to firmware and ability to load from the only suggested means, Realjukebox. I have just got my 4th RMA to get another one and am assured that this is unusual. We will see. Also, the paint wears off the unit starting the first day. Very disapointing to give as a gift, let alone owning the little gem for yourself.

Day one - battery cover pops open at will. Hold switch very cheesy and difficult to operate - within 60 days the unit began to lose its memory at will. When I tried to get help with the unit I got the absolute worst customer service experience I have ever had.....Sonic Blue sends you an automated response when you ask for help that has nothing to do with the message you send them. Then when you use their link in the automated response to get them to address your specific problem they send you the same automated response you got the first time. Then they have the nerve to ask you to rate their customer service. This company sucks big time. I can afford to lose the money I lost on this unit and will replace it with another brand but I hate to think of all the younger consumers that have laid down their hard earned cash and gotten screwed.

I bought this player because of the price after rebate. It shows you that the truth is the more you pay the better product you get. I have win98. The software Realjukebox can't copy songs to it. My system just keeps hangup. I have to reinstall and reinstall so the software will work with the player. Rio seems to give up the support because I emailed them for help and all I have for answer is to reinstall the software. This isn't support it is like giving up to me. I recommend other potential buyer to choose other one than Rio One.

Bought the player in July last year. To ramp up the memory I bought a 128 MB SM card. It worked well with the latest Windows Mediaplayer (7.0 I think). Connectivity was never a problem. The problem is the hardware. The player refused working after six weeks. I sent it in for a replacement I'm still waiting on (after 5 months). Now I'm sitting on a 128 MB SM card. I do not recommend to buy this (or any product) from RIO.

I really like the size of the player, but it doesn't accept a compact flashcard. The Real Juke box software doesn't accept the player. I have to "copy and paste" music from a folder to the card. I have Win XP....it accepts the player as a new drive....so copy/paste does work...just a pain to use.

Ok here goes. I got my Rio one in christmas as a gift i basicly used it everyday and after 2 months I already noticed things going wrong. First off like the comment earlier the little pieces of plastic used to keep the battery in tore off as if I could have made them myself. Now i use tape and it has turned into a piece of garbage paint wise. I stopped using it after 6 months and cause of the tape i can no longer read the words on the front (A-B, Random, Etc). One time I went to use it and it wouldn't even work and I had to dl some sort of patch to get it to work. I put windows XP on my computer and now I cant even put songs on it. I looked all over the web for a patch... NOTHING... This thing is a piece of garbage. Mines practicly worthless I definetely reccomend getting a better model NOT from sonic blue. U can get a 64 MB one or a 10 gig one for the same price from another company. Definately not worth it. SO if your looking for an MP3 player definately dont get this one.

I got my Rio for my birthday and it was easily the worst present ever. The software is nearly impossible to use it froze 8-10 times in the first month and the sound is nowhere near good.

I got my rio on Christmas of 2001 and it was good until November of 2002. What first haped was well I pretty much take my rio everwhere so it gets some wear and tear, but come on I didn't even have it for a year and the thing breack which was upseting not to mention that the paint is coming off. I was so mad. Then I tried to fix it my self but that was hopeless too. So next I thought I would call rio and ask how much to fix it but that didn't work to well. So I suggest that rio build some more durable cases or just a better battery hing.

I have purchased 3 of these monsters. And if I were the company QC person I'd hang my head in shame. Customers you do not matter to these people either. The entire case fails long after the battery doors fail. This means that even securing the door with tape the power cuts in and out with just about any movement. The ear piercing squeal can cause severe damage. I loved the consept but I haven't seen them make any attempt at satisfying their customers. I was a very loyal fan of their pioneering efforts but when they blow you off the way they did me?!?! All the while we support them I believe they are probably violating Federal safety codes and the units should all be recalled. Either reimburse, replace with a working safe unit or repair all at the manufacture's expese. We didn't create this thing. I can not recommend this product.

I have purchased 3 of these monsters. And if I were the company QC person I'd hang my head in shame. Customers you do not matter to these people either. The entire case fails long after the battery doors fail. This means that even securing the door with tape the power cuts in and out with just about any movement. The ear piercing squeal can cause severe damage. I loved the consept but I haven't seen them make any attempt at satisfying their customers. I was a very loyal fan of their pioneering efforts but when they blow you off the way they did me?!?! All the while we support them I believe they are probably violating Federal safety codes and the units should all be recalled. Either reimburse, replace with a working safe unit or repair all at the manufacture's expese. We didn't create this thing. I can not recommend this product.

Ok here goes. I got my Rio one in christmas as a gift i basicly used it everyday and after 2 months I already noticed things going wrong. First off like the comment earlier the little pieces of plastic used to keep the battery in tore off as if I could have made them myself. Now i use tape and it has turned into a piece of garbage paint wise. I stopped using it after 6 months and cause of the tape i can no longer read the words on the front (A-B, Random, Etc). One time I went to use it and it wouldn't even work and I had to dl some sort of patch to get it to work. I put windows XP on my computer and now I cant even put songs on it. I looked all over the web for a patch... NOTHING... This thing is a piece of garbage. Mines practicly worthless I definetely reccomend getting a better model NOT from sonic blue. U can get a 64 MB one or a 10 gig one for the same price from another company. Definately not worth it. SO if your looking for an MP3 player definately dont get this one.

I got this product because I wanted an MP3 player and because it was on sale for $75. It worked for a while about 10 months. It started flashing USB I E-mailed Sonic Blue (the maker). I got an auto response that wasn’t even about my MP3 player. So I put in storage, trying to fix it on a rainy day (doing drive checks, formatting it stuff like that). Then about 9 months later I was about to buy a Slim-X MP3 CD player but the price was to high. I E-mailed Sonic Blue one more time that night, I got a good response with a whole new layout this time and it had what I needed so as it turns out I just needed a firmware update because I accessed my MP3 player through windows explorer. So in conclusion it's a pretty good MP3 player.

I really like the size of the player, but it doesn't accept a compact flashcard. The Real Juke box software doesn't accept the player. I have to "copy and paste" music from a folder to the card. I have Win XP....it accepts the player as a new drive....so copy/paste does work...just a pain to use.

I have exchanged the unit three times for various problems related to firmware and ability to load from the only suggested means, Realjukebox. I have just got my 4th RMA to get another one and am assured that this is unusual. We will see. Also, the paint wears off the unit starting the first day. Very disapointing to give as a gift, let alone owning the little gem for yourself.

Day one - battery cover pops open at will. Hold switch very cheesy and difficult to operate - within 60 days the unit began to lose its memory at will. When I tried to get help with the unit I got the absolute worst customer service experience I have ever had.....Sonic Blue sends you an automated response when you ask for help that has nothing to do with the message you send them. Then when you use their link in the automated response to get them to address your specific problem they send you the same automated response you got the first time. Then they have the nerve to ask you to rate their customer service. This company sucks big time. I can afford to lose the money I lost on this unit and will replace it with another brand but I hate to think of all the younger consumers that have laid down their hard earned cash and gotten screwed.

Bought the player in July last year. To ramp up the memory I bought a 128 MB SM card. It worked well with the latest Windows Mediaplayer (7.0 I think). Connectivity was never a problem. The problem is the hardware. The player refused working after six weeks. I sent it in for a replacement I'm still waiting on (after 5 months). Now I'm sitting on a 128 MB SM card. I do not recommend to buy this (or any product) from RIO.

I got my rio on Christmas of 2001 and it was good until November of 2002. What first haped was well I pretty much take my rio everwhere so it gets some wear and tear, but come on I didn't even have it for a year and the thing breack which was upseting not to mention that the paint is coming off. I was so mad. Then I tried to fix it my self but that was hopeless too. So next I thought I would call rio and ask how much to fix it but that didn't work to well. So I suggest that rio build some more durable cases or just a better battery hing.

Its all right but the makers of this product need to sit down and find out how to make it better so the product will be more desirable for the potential customers

Software for downloading discontinued for latest versions of Windows because Rio not supporting their product. In case this is Rio's general strategy, suggest steer clear of their products. Also, this has a tiny memory capacity and settings keep changing of their own volition. Pity.

I got my Rio for my birthday and it was easily the worst present ever. The software is nearly impossible to use it froze 8-10 times in the first month and the sound is nowhere near good.

I first got my Rio One for christmas, and not even 1 year has passed, it is dead. I take it everywhere with me, and i guess i had a life style that demanded too much of my Rio One. First off the battery hinge broke off and i had to use a rubber band to keep the battery from falling out, at first i tried tape, but it stripped the paint. Now if it moves too much it makes a very loud and painful beep. AND the memory is awful, you have to spend a lot more just to able to listen to CD worth of MP3's. I suggest buying a MP3 player that will last.

I've owned two and on each the catch has broken, the battry compartment has failed in some way and this leads to poor operation. Do NOT buy!

I bought this player because of the price after rebate. It shows you that the truth is the more you pay the better product you get. I have win98. The software Realjukebox can't copy songs to it. My system just keeps hangup. I have to reinstall and reinstall so the software will work with the player. Rio seems to give up the support because I emailed them for help and all I have for answer is to reinstall the software. This isn't support it is like giving up to me. I recommend other potential buyer to choose other one than Rio One.