Date: November 4th, 2004
Article by: Josh Williams (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited by: Nathan Glentworth (Owner, Head Editor & Hardware Reviewer)
Product was donated by: Merconnet
<--SHOP FOR A FM TRANSMITTER HERE

PRODUCT COMPOSITION AND MAKEUP

There isn't a whole lot to this package. All that is included is the actual MP3 player, the 12volt cigarette lighter adapter and the switch map sticker for tuning the frequency that the unit transmits. It comes in nice looking yet durable packaging but the documentation is limited to what is on the box. The 12v DC power connector is the only source of power for this MP3 player which I will address soon along with the FM frequency selection.

The buttons are pretty straight forward and easy to use. They include rewind, play, fastforward, and volume. There is a Fade IN/OUT function when you change songs - a welcomed touch. Each button has a light that is illuminated when hooked to the power for easy night or low light use.

There are a series of four dip switches that allow you to choose from 14 different FM frequencies. The small chart lists the frequencies and the frequency associated with each one. There should be plenty of choices no matter how densely populated your airwaves are.

PRODUCT PERFORMANCE

One thing I really like about this MP3 player is its simplicity. It so easy to use that even a monkey could set it up (please no jokes). Setting the dipswitches is a breeze with the chart right next to them. Set the switches, tune your radio, plug it in, and press play. You are listening to your MP3's over your car's radio. It is also VERY easy to move from one car to another. This thing is simplicity at its best.

How are the quality and signal? The quality of the music being transmitted through the FM radio waves is slightly less than that of your local radio stations. It is noticeably lower quality but it was still great to listen to. The signal can be poor at some times, but overall it is very good. One hiccup is the distortion when the volume is turned up on the MP3 player itself. When the volume is maxed and playing through the FM transmitter, there is a horrible distortion. By setting the volume between ½ and ¾ volume, the distortion is eliminated.

The signal through the audio out is absolutely perfect. The same is true with the audio in. Using headphones or other external speakers makes for a very enjoyable listening experience. The FM transmitter DOES shut off when using the audio out. It really makes me wonder why they didn't give the option for batteries. With the FM transmitter shut off, the power consumption would really drop. The 12v DC only power source is a very big downfall in my opinion. With batteries, this would make a very nice MP3 companion.

From this picture, we can also see a big limitation - the size of the flash drive that can be used. Most of the USB flash drives are very similar in shape. There are, however, a handful of flash drives that will not fit into this MP3 player. An example would be most pen drives.

Most USB flash drives will fit in this MP3 player, but like I said before, there is a handful that won't. The drives that deviate away from the normal look and size of USB flash drives probably won't fit. PNY's pen drives for example are too big. There are plenty out there that will fit. You shouldn't have any worries.