September
24
2009
The return of the 3-inch CD–now rechristened as an “8 cm CD”–was inspired by the popularity of solid-state MP3 players. With no moving parts and only tiny memory cards for information storage, MP3 players require little pocket space. Portable CD players, on the other hand, even in the service of MP3 playback, can’t help but be larger than the average MP3 player–which is where the pocket eXpanium comes in. Philips’s EXP401 8 cm CD player is indeed small, measuring a mere 3.5 by 4.5 inches (though it does seem a little thick at 1.25 inches). Since the trays or spindles in most standard CD and DVD players accommodate 3-inchers, and since few commercial baby CDs have seen release outside Japan (where the format continues to thrive), the incentive for investing in a dedicated 8 cm CD player surely isn’t prerecorded music. And that’s OK, because Philips just might be onto something here.
Using recordable 8 cm CDs and MP3 or AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) compression, one disc can hold more than three hours of music (compared with only 21 or so minutes of CD-quality PCM audio). No encoding software comes with the player, and, of course, you’ll need a CD burner to take full advantage of the portability and extended playback. But, properly equipped, the EXP401 is a fun and worthy entry in the MP3-CD field, excelling both ergonomically and sonically.
Technical Details
- Brand Name: Philips
- Model: EXP40117
- Width: 4.7 inches
- Depth: 3.6 inches
- Height: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 7.1 Ounces
- Remote Control Description: None
- Media Type: None
- Component Type: Mini CD, MP3 Player
- Audio Output Mode: Stereo
September
24
2009
The RCA RP2621 Personal MP3/CD Player gives new meaning to “rock on.” In addition to playing traditional CDs (CD-R and CD-RW playback), the RCA RP2621 offers playback of CDs burned with MP3 or WMA files. This means you can enjoy hours of music off a single disc as you make your way through the day.
With an incredible 240-second espXtreme Skip protection, the RCA RP2621 retains up to four minutes of your music in memory, so you can be sure that your workouts won’t interfere with your listening experience. A push of the button activates the player’s Digital Bass Boost system, giving you a full, rich sound. The RCA RP2621 also features a three-line display that provides artist, title, album and genre on the LCD remote control. Two AA alkaline batteries (not included) provide enough power for up to 30 hours of uninterrupted music, and a pair of clip-on earbuds round out the features of this outstanding personal player.
Technical Details
- Brand Name: RCA
- Model: RP2621
- Supported Standards: MP3
- Battery Average Life: 30 Hours
- Width: 5.6 inches
- Depth: 5.6 inches
- Height: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
- Remote Control Description: Player remote control
- Audio Input: None
- Component Type: CD Player, MP3 Player
- Audio Output Mode: Stereo
September
24
2009
Spin your commercial CDs, your homemade music CDs of almost any stripe, or listen to the radio, TV, or weather-band transmissions with Sony’s versatile, full-circle D-NS707F S2 Sports-styled Walkman portable CD player. Designed for rugged outdoor use, the player features active control playback operation so you can make changes to your program literally while you’re on the run. Sony’s “h.ear” clip-on headphones are designed for streamlined comfort. Skip-Free G-Protection technology boosts the laser pickup’s shock protection to minimize read errors that would otherwise interrupt your music, providing quick recovery from both horizontal and vertical shocks. The D-NS707F’s water-resistant body and heat-resistant lid helps protect it against the elements, with rubber gaskets, bushings, and splash-resistant seals that help keep out water, moisture, and dirt. Playback options include 32-track programming, repeat (track, disc, or program), random play, and–thanks to Sony’s great work in DSP efficiency–more than 75 hours of ATRAC3plus CD or more than 50 hours of audio CD playback from 2 AA batteries (not included).
The D-NS707F’s 2-line dot-matrix display is built right into its handstrap, offering full ID3 tag recognition, and bookmark playback (which lets you program your favorite songs from multiple CDs and play them back at the touch of a button). CD Text support displays artist and title information with compatible commercial audio CDs.
Product Features
- Portable S2 Sports CD player compatible with MP3 files and Sony’s ATRAC3plus compression technology; 2-line display with ID3 tag recognition
- Built-in FM, AM, TV, and Weather Band radio with 51 station presets
- Includes SonicStage CD Simple Burner software to facilitate ATRAC3plus CD burning from MP3 files and from other CDs
- Skip-free G-Protection technology eliminates or reduces skipping; active control playback operation simplifies active use
- More than 75 hours extended playback with 2 AA batteries (not included) for ATRAC recordings and over 50 hours continuous audio CD playback
