Cowon iAUDIO 7
First of all, I would like to note the excellent build quality, although glossy plastic is not a practical enough material and will definitely lose the battle in a pocket with coins and keys. Like most inexpensive counterparts, iAUDIO 7 is equipped with the necessary set of accessories. In the box you will find headphones and a cable for connecting to a computer, at the same time serving as a charger for the built-in battery.
Touch control, combined with ordinary keys, is often found not only in MP3 players, but also in mobile phones, so Cowon's decision to follow the fashion trend did not surprise us.
On the front panel there is a two-position touch key, reminiscent of the mathematical sign of division. She is responsible for controlling playback, and the dividing strip serves as the function of rewinding the track. I got used to the operation of iAUDIO 7 in just a couple of minutes and there were no difficulties during operation with it. I was also pleased with the bright animated menu with a Russian-language interface.
The player is equipped with 8 GB of memory, which made it possible to use it not only for playing music, but also as a removable storage medium. The 1.3-inch screen is too small to watch videos (this function is also supported).
The parameter that managed to really surprise was the volume level. Basic headphones can be used at just 30 out of 40 points, but the large Koss UR-40 allowed you to enjoy all the delights of stereo sound.
Characteristics
Memory type - flush
Memory size - 8 GB
Display - TFT, 1.3 inches, 262144 colors
Resolution - 160 x 128 pixels
Audio formats - MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, WAV
Video formats - AVI
Interface - USB 2.0 Full Speed
Battery - Li-Pol
Additionally - texts, photos, FM-receiver, voice recorder, 5-band equalizer
Dimensions (edit) - 7.6 x 3.6 x 1.9 cm
Weight - 53 g
Verdict
pros - Excellent sound quality, high volume, ergonomic control
Minuses - Impractical body
Ritmix RF-7400
The Ritmix RF-7400 is a very interesting device that we would recommend to anyone who is not satisfied with the limited functionality, or, in extreme cases, the price of the Apple iPod.
The player's package includes a USB cable, which simultaneously serves as a charger for the built-in battery, and standard headphones (no one knows why) sealed in an antibacterial bag.
The design and dimensions of the case are reminiscent of the nano model. The bezel is made of high-gloss plastic and the back is an all-metal surface. It indicates the amount of internal memory, since the new product is available in 1, 2, 4 and 8 GB. Our player is equipped with 4 GB of memory and on top of that, it is easy to use as a data carrier thanks to the support of the Mass Storage mode.
The proprietary Touch & Slid control system is perhaps the most striking feature of this model. It allows you to quickly navigate through all sections of the menu and is completely intuitive to learn. Difficulties can arise only with rewinding songs, so we advise you to read the instructions right away so as not to get confused in the control.
In addition to music files, the player is capable of playing videos and digital photos, but these capabilities did not make any impression on us. The 1.5-inch display is only suitable for navigating menus and music library.
Characteristics
Memory type - flush
Memory size - 4 GB
Display - 1.5-inch, TFT, 260 thousand colors
Resolution - 176 x 132 pixels
Formats audio - MP3, WAV, OGG, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC
Formats video - AVI
Battery - Li-Ion, 460 mAh
Additionally - support for texts, photos, FM receiver, voice recorder, equalizer
Dimensions (edit) - 8.1 x 3.9 x 0.7 cm
Weight - 42 g
Verdict
pros - Convenient control system, metal body, high-quality sound
Minuses - Feeling of cheapness of the product, dim display
Samsung YP-S5A
It has been quite a long time since the Samsung YP-S5 player was announced and then shown at the IFA in Berlin. And now this amazing device, a portable music center and just a stylish digital gadget appeared in my hands. The compact and neat body with a glossy bezel slides open with a slight movement, turning into a small boombox. The fact is that the Samsung YP-S5 is equipped with two built-in 3W speakers, in addition to the standard headphone input. The novelty offers a full range of multimedia and entertainment functions. In addition to a player for music and video files, an FM receiver, the device has an alarm clock, a voice recorder and even games. The YP-S5 control system is fully touch sensitive. The keys are accurate to touch, although at first it is possible that you will touch the adjacent buttons. Taking advantage of the new product, I have fully felt the progress since testing the YP-S5, the first so-called clone of the Apple iPod. But the most interesting and really convenient feature was the support for Bluetooth 2.0 for connecting wireless stereo headsets. I didn't miss the opportunity and went for a few days with the Plantronics P590 headset. As for the sound quality, there were no comments to it, especially since the player has advanced equalizer settings. But the main advantage remains the convenience of using a wireless headset.
Characteristics
Memory type - Flash
Memory size - 4 GB
Display - 1.8 ", 0LED
Resolution - 220 x 176 pixels
Audio formats - MP3, WMA, AAC, ASF
Video formats - MPEG4
Interface - USB, Bluetooth 2.0
Battery - Li-Pol
Additionally - Supports photos, games, alarm clock, FM receiver, voice recorder, equalizer with support for Samsung Digital Natural Sound engine (DNSe)
Dimensions (edit) - 9.6 x 4.6 x 1.4 cm
Weight - 86 g
Verdict
pros - Sliding case with built-in speakers, Bluetooth 2.0, touch control
Minuses - Built-in memory cannot be expanded
Sandisk Sansa Express
The Sansa Express player is one of the few products on our market that boasts a low price and an additional slot for expanding memory. The model is equipped with 1 GB of internal memory and at the same time supports work with microSD media up to 2 GB. The package includes a USB extension cable for connecting the player to a PC and charging the battery, modest stereo headphones and a lanyard for wearing the device around the neck.
The operational qualities of Sansa Express are worth noting the convenience of synchronization with the Windows Media Player and the high speed of downloading music via the USB 2.0 interface. To connect to a computer, the player uses a built-in USB port, which is closed by a small removable cover. This makes the Sansa Express look like a USB flash drive, but it is more convenient to use a USB extension cable to connect to a computer.
The player supports very few formats. You can only download MP3 and WMA files. In addition, there is an FM receiver and a voice recorder. For avid music lovers, Sansa Express has a feature to record music from FM stations.
A four-way button with a central button confirming the action is responsible for managing settings and selecting songs. Also on the body are located: the power button of the device, volume buttons and a switch that blocks accidental presses when the player is in your pocket.
In continuous playback mode at maximum volume, the player worked for 12 hours. If you listen to music for up to three hours a day, the Sansa Express battery will last a little over three days.
Characteristics
Memory type - Flash
Memory size - 1 GB
Display - 1.1-inch OLED 4-line
Audio formats - MP3, WMA
Battery - Li-Ion
Additionally - FM receiver, voice recorder, equalizer, microSD card slot
Dimensions (edit) - 2.54x 1.65x 7.87 cm
Weight - 42 g
Verdict
pros - Support for microSD memory cards, easy synchronization with Windows Media Player
Minuses - It is inconvenient to connect to a PC without an extension cable
iRiverT60
The model is made in the classic form factor, invented by iRiver at the dawn of the popularity of portable flash players. It is designed for a young user between the ages of 20 and 30.This is indicated only by the design, since the model practically does not differ from the sports T10, made in the form of a carabiner, and from other models of the T series in terms of characteristics. In addition, it is known that the iRiver players have always been well equipped, regardless of positioning.
The T60 case is made of soft plastic with a characteristic wavy surface, which is the main feature of its design.
The T60 has 1 gigabyte of memory on board, while models with two and four gigabytes are available for sale. It is considered that the selected volumes are optimal for the players of this format. In addition to supporting MP3, WMA, ASF and OGG formats, the model is equipped with an FM receiver and a voice recorder.
The control system, by tradition, is thought out and implemented flawlessly. The main element is a round joystick. In addition to navigating the menu, you can use it to switch songs and adjust the volume. Perhaps the only weak point of the T60 is the color display with a resolution of 64 x 128 pixels. In my personal opinion, the manufacturer would be smarter if they implemented a monochrome screen. It is sometimes difficult to make out information on a color display due to the low level of brightness, and the quality of color rendition leaves much to be desired.
The novelty operates on one AAA battery or rechargeable battery for 19 - 20 hours.
Characteristics
Memory type - Flash
Memory size - 1 GB
Display - 0.8 ", CSTN
Resolution - 64 x 128 pixels
Audio formats - MP3, WMA, ASF, OGG
Interface - USB2.0
Battery - AAA battery
Additionally - Clock, Sleep Timer, Alarm Clock, FM Receiver, Voice Recorder, Equalizer, SRS
Dimensions (edit) - 6.5x2.7x2.2 cm
Weight - 24 g
Verdict
pros - Unisex design, convenient operation
Minuses - Poor display color quality
Sony NWZ-A816
Sony's top-of-the-line A MP3 players have been expanded with another model, available in five color options. In addition, the player is offered with two, four and eight gigabytes of internal memory.
The model is positioned as a media player, since in addition to audio formats, it also supports video.
Unlike previous models, the A816 supports downloading files without any software. Files are transferred as to a regular external drive using the Drag & Drop function - moving icons from one window to another.
The creators have implemented a 2-inch screen in the A816, displaying a picture with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The display is distinguished by the highest quality color reproduction and excessive brightness levels. This allows you not only to view photos in JPEG format, but also videos in MPEG4 or AVC. The latter is distinguished by a better and clearer picture and at the same time is less capacious. High quality sound was achieved thanks to the use of two separate amplifiers for each of the two channels and the use of Clear Sound technology.
The player has got impeccable ergonomics. In addition to the player itself, the package includes new headphones with 13.5-inch speakers and noise-isolating membranes, a stylish headphone extension cable and a USB cable. The Walkman is controlled by a four-way cursor with a confirmation key in the center. The menu is organized as simply and clearly as possible, especially since you yourself can choose one of several options for displaying the music library to your liking.
Characteristics
Memory type - Flash
Memory size - 4 GB
Display - 2 ", TFT
Resolution - 320 x 240 pixels
Audio formats - MP3, AAC, WMP, WMA
Video formats - MPEG4, AVC
Interface - USB
Battery - Li-Ion
Additionally - Photos, Clock, Equalizer, Clear Stereo, Clear Bass, DSEE
Dimensions (edit) - 4.5x8.8x1 cm
Weight - 53 g
Verdict
pros - Impeccable build quality, excellent ergonomics
Minuses - No FM receiver
iRiver S10
One of the smallest players in the iRiver family, it weighs only 17.5 grams. It resembles a small pendant, since native headphones with a soft harness are used as an attachment on the owner's neck.
The S10 has one universal headphone jack. It also serves to record music and charge the battery. The same solution is implemented in the iPod Shuffle.The compact size makes the player not only miniature, but microscopic. At the same time, it is distinguished by impeccable build quality, and the only part susceptible to damage is the glossy front panel, which is used to control the player. Below it are buttons for navigating through the menus, selecting songs and setting the equalizer.
On the edges of the iRiver S10, the developers installed three more keys for turning on and off, as well as for adjusting the volume level.
The process of synchronizing with a computer is extremely simple and does not require any software. When uploading new songs, the player is charged from the USB port, since it is not equipped with any other charger.
The player stands out for its impeccable sound quality and high volume. Our model is equipped with 1 gigabyte of internal memory and supports audio files in MP3, WMA, ASF and OGG formats.
In addition to playing music, the player can play photos in BMP format, works as an FM radio receiver and serves as a voice recorder.
The tiny S10 has a built-in lithium-polymer battery that lasts an average of 8 hours of continuous use.
Characteristics
Memory type - Flash
Memory size - 1 GB
Display - 1.15 ", OLED
Audio formats - MP3, WMA, ASF, OGG
Interface - USB2.0
Battery - Li-Pol
Additionally - clock, sleep timer, alarm clock, FM receiver, voice recorder, equalizer, SRS, photos
Dimensions (edit) - 4.2 x 3.0 x 1.1 cm
Weight - 17.5 g
Verdict
pros - Unique design, convenient control
Minuses - Short battery life
Samsung YP-T10
YP-T10 is another model presented by the AV department of the Ukrainian representative office of Samsung Electronics, and has another name - Indigo. The player is offered in two colors - black and white, and in three configurations with different amounts of built-in memory. We chose the most affordable 2GB player in white. It comes with a cable for connecting to a computer and headphones. Judging by the package bundle, the built-in battery will have to be charged using the USB port, since the mains charger is not supplied with the player. Files are recorded directly, without using software, since the T10 is displayed as an audio device in the operating system. You can simultaneously use it to store data and easily add to your music library through the Windows Media Player sync menu.
It is noteworthy that the front panel of the T10 is absolutely smooth. The player received a white backlit touch control system. The four-position cursor allows you to navigate the menu, switch tracks and change the volume. In the center of the cursor there is a confirmation button, and above it there are 2 additional soft keys.
The player menu is displayed on a 2-inch screen with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. Many modern mobile phones have similar display characteristics. In addition to music, Samsung YP-T10 allows you to watch photos and videos in SVI, WMV and MPEG4 formats, as well as TXT text files.
In addition, Indigo boasts a number of additional options and features, such as a surround sound system DNSe 2,0, 12 preset EQ settings and manual tuning, support for stereo Bluetooth headsets and file sharing with mobile devices.
Characteristics
Memory type - Flash
Memory size - 2 GB
Display - 2 ", TFT
Resolution - 320 x 240 pixels
Audio formats - MP3, WMA, OGG
Video formats - SVI, WMV, MPEG4
Interface - USB, Bluetooth 2.0 (A2DP, AVRCP)
Battery - Li-Pol
Additionally - Photos, Text, Clock, Sleep Timer, Alarm, FM Receiver, Voice Recorder, Equalizer, SRS WOW DNSe 2.0
Dimensions (edit) - 9.6 x 4.2 x 0.8 cm
Weight - 43 g
Verdict
pros - Convenient control, Bluetooth support
Minuses - Not found
Samsung YP-P2
Besides the official name indicated in the title, the new Samsung media player has a second name - Viper. The main feature of this model is that there are no usual playback control buttons on the body.Instead, the main and only element is used - a 3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 428 x 240 pixels. A virtual wheel is displayed on the screen, with which the user can view the contents of memory, change settings and set commands. Mainly, the screen is for watching videos. Thus, you get a complete set of portable entertainment functions, including the ability to watch videos. A non-standard screen resolution indicates that the video needs to be converted to a display format before being stored in the player's memory. The novelty is available in two colors - black and white, while the case has a glossy finish and looks very presentable. Viper is equipped with 8 gigabytes of internal memory and a lithium-polymer battery, designed for 35 hours of listening to music and 5 hours of video playback. The main innovation in the P2 model, we consider the built-in Bluetooth module, with which you can not only listen to music on a wireless stereo headset, but also transfer multimedia files from mobile phones and forget about wires and the inconveniences associated with them forever.
Characteristics
Memory type - Flash
Memory size - 8 GB
Display - 3 ", TFT, touchscreen resolution 428 x 240 pixels
Audio formats - WMA, MP3, WMA DRM
Video formats - SVI, WMV
Interface - USB, Bluetooth 2.
Battery - Li-Pol
Additionally - Photos, games alarm clock, FM receiver, voice recorder equalizer with support for Samsung Digital Natural Sound engine (DNSe)
Dimensions (edit) - 9.9 x 5.3 x 1.0 cm
Weight - 91 g
iPod Classic
The device is available in two configurations, but, of course, the most interesting is the maximum one, equipped with a 160 GB hard drive. Such a volume of media not only allows you to use the gadget as an external hard drive, but also makes you wonder whether your laptop or desktop computer is morally outdated. The colossal capacity of the hard drive allows you to store thousands of music tracks, tens of hours of video and tens of thousands of photos in memory. The player supports audio in AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV formats, as well as video recorded in H.264, MPEG-4. For all its capabilities, the iPod Classic case looks very elegant and weighs just 162 grams. The manufacturer has improved its legendary brainchild in many ways. Notable improvements include a 2.5-inch display with LED backlighting. The resolution of 320 x 240 pixels is sufficient for video playback and photo viewing. A traditional touchscreen scroll wheel is the best option for controlling such a powerful gadget. No buttons will let you quickly scroll through long lists of songs, and only the proprietary iPod control system can make life easier for the avid music lover. Now the built-in battery lasts for a day of music playback and five hours of video playback.
Characteristics
Memory type - HDD
Memory size - 160 GB
Display - 2.5 ", TFT
Resolution - 320 x 240 pixels
Formats audio - AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, Apple Lossless AIFF, WAV
Video formats - H.264, MPEG-4
Interface - USB
Battery - Li-Ion
Additionally - Photos, games, calendar, organizer, equalizer
Dimensions (edit) - 10.5x6.2x1.4 cm
Weight - 162 g
Sony NW-A808
Before us is one of the best players released recently by a manufacturer with a long history of creating portable audio devices. The 8 GB of built-in flash memory of the new Walkman allows you to store not only music, but also videos and photos. A superior control system helps you quickly find the file or folder you want, and a flawless audio processor reproduces sound in superior quality. Additional options - Clear Stereo and Clear Bass & DSEE - are intended for software sound enhancement. Not without a convenient equalizer with preset modes for different musical styles.
Today, a player without a color display is of no interest. This is why Sony has implemented a crisp 320 x 240 pixel display on the NW-A808. Thanks to him, you can watch not only photos, but also videos in MPEG4 format.
The Stamina lithium-ion battery installed in the player boasts 30 hours of music playback and 8 hours of continuous video playback. Thanks to the native software, it was possible to greatly facilitate the process of downloading new content. There is even a program that allows you to reduce the size of photos to the level of the Sony NW-A808 display.
Characteristics
Weight - 53 g
Dimensions (edit) - 8.8x4.4x0.9 cm
Display - 2.0 ", TFT, 320 x 240 pixels
Memory - 8 GB
Audio formats - MP3, WMA, AAC, ATRAC
Video formats - MPEG4, H.264
Food - Li-Ion
Communications - USB
Additionally - photos
Verdict
pros - Thin body, the presence of proprietary options to improve sound, a capacious battery
Minuses - Small display
Samsung YP-T9BAB
An important feature of this device is the ability to use Bluetooth to communicate with headphones. The player can safely lie in his pocket, and the user can enjoy music at the same time wirelessly. This solution is optimal for athletes and extreme sportsmen, since it is impossible to endure wired headphones during cycling trials or aggressive roller skating. Samsung YP-T9BAB weighs only 55 g, which did not prevent it from getting 4 GB of integrated memory, a built-in battery and a screen with a diagonal of almost 2 ". The display shows a picture with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. This is enough to watch your favorite movie where others do not. even dream of a mobile connection. Samsung YP-T9BAB supports MPEG4, music in MP3, WMA, OGG and WAV, as well as JPEG photos. 11 preset equalizer modes should be enough for the player to correctly reproduce the music of the genre that the owner prefers But there is also a custom equalizer, as well as the SRS WOW DNSe surround sound system, which can significantly improve the sound quality.If the music collected in memory is tired, we recommend turning on the FM receiver or playing the preinstalled game.
Characteristics
Weight - 55 g
Dimensions (edit) - 8.3x4.3x1.1 cm
Display - 1.8 ", TFT, 176 x 220 pixels
Memory - 4 GB
Audio formats - MP3, WMA, OGG, WAV, ASF
Video formats - MPEG4
Food - Li-Pol
Communications - Bluetooth, USB
Additionally - voice recorder, FM receiver, photos, text, games
Verdict
pros - Light weight, support for many audio formats
Minuses - Small display, insufficient memory
Creative Zen Vision W
Creative Zen Vision W belongs to the category that can be called "all-in-one". This "toy" weighs 276 g and is designed for true connoisseurs. The player resembles a pocket computer, as its entire front panel is occupied by a screen. The 4.3 "widescreen display is ideal for watching videos. The picture size is large enough for viewing even the smallest Hollywood blockbuster effects. The sound is reproduced not through headphones, but through small but powerful built-in speakers.
This storage for your favorite multimedia received a 60 GB hard drive. If the content of the player is interesting to several people, it can be connected to the TV in a matter of seconds. Another useful feature is the slot for Compact Flash cards, which with the help of a special adapter can turn into a reader of five basic formats. This option is useful for photographers who can use the player as a portable stand-alone media for already taken photos. The built-in rechargeable battery will help to ensure the operation of the player in the field and where there is no regular outlet. Its capacity is enough to receive 4.5 hours of continuous video or 13 hours of music.
Characteristics
Weight - 276 g
Dimensions (edit) - 13.4x7.5x2.2cm
Display - 4.3 ", TFT, 262144 colors, 480x272 pixels
Memory - 60 GB + Compact Flash slot
Audio formats - MP3, WMA, WAV
Video formats - AVI, WMV, MPEG4, MJPEG, DivX, XviD
Food - Li-Ion
Communications - USB, 3.5mm audio out
Additionally - voice recorder, FM receiver, text files, photos
Verdict
pros - Huge display, the presence of a multi-format slot for expanding memory
Minuses - Insufficient battery life
iRiver X20
Model X20 from the renowned manufacturer iRiver is one of the most interesting turntables with three versions.
In order to be universal, a multimedia player does not need to weigh more than 200 g and contain a hard disk. Such a solution is really cumbersome and not sufficiently protected from drops and shocks. If the owner's life is accompanied by extreme moments, you should pay attention to the player that uses flash memory instead of a hard drive. A flash drive has no moving parts and is not afraid of those phenomena that can be fatal to a hard drive. iRiver X20 comes with three built-in memory options - from 2 to 8 GB. The volume of the top version is sufficient not only for recording a large number of your favorite music albums, but also for storing a couple of films and a folder with expensive family pictures. If the user wants to get even more free space, an additional microSD memory card should be used. The player is equipped with an excellent 2.2 "screen. It is also important that the iRiver X20 supports all the most common multimedia formats, and can also work as an FM receiver. In most players, the only way to output sound is to connect headphones. There are also built-in speakers. small power, which is enough for watching a movie in a small company.
Characteristics
Weight - 71 g
Dimensions (edit) - 9.9 x 4.9 x 1.5 cm
Display - 2.2 ", TFT, 262144 colors, 320x240 pixels
Memory - 8 GB + microSD slot
Audio formats - MP3, WMA, 0GG.P4S DRM
Video formats - MPEG4, WMV
Food - Li-Ion
Communications - USB, Headphones Out, Line-I
Additionally - voice recorder, FM receiver, photos
Verdict
pros - Compact dimensions, expandable memory
Minuses - Small screen
Creative ZEN Vision: M
An excellent and very convenient player, made in a strict case without any unnecessary details and elements. It differs from the previous model by the doubled capacity of the built-in hard disk, and now the user can store 60 gigabytes of multimedia content. In order for the product to be versatile, it was equipped with a 2.5-inch display showing 262144 colors. It is thanks to this that support for videos and photos became available. Creative ZEN Vision: M works with the major and most common media formats.
A large amount of built-in memory allows you to use the player as a portable data storage, and the ability to connect to a TV is designed to display pictures on a large screen and comfortable viewing with family or friends.
Another important function is the USB-Host, which supports direct uploading of images from the camera directly to the player's hard drive.
iRiver U20 Clix
One of the most interesting and exciting products in the world of players is this model. The iRiver U20 Clix interface is completely touch-sensitive, so you don't need any keys to operate it. Weighing only 55 grams, the player is equipped with a 2.2-inch display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels and 8 gigabytes of internal memory. This volume is quite enough for storing a huge number of musical compositions. The player supports MP3, WMA, WMV and OGG formats and 8 equalizer settings. Additional Clix options include a voice recorder and an FM receiver with FM frequency recording. A true connoisseur of portable music, accustomed to "long-playing" models, will appreciate the capacious built-in lithium-polymer battery, the charge of which lasts for more than a day of continuous playback. A stylish docking station is supplied with the player, with the help of which the battery is charged and data synchronized with the computer.
