Hands down the best MP3 player
Written: Mar 22 '03
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Pros: Great sound, expandable storage, durable, lightweight, cool look
Cons: Tough to get support, poor documentation, awkward function control, No FM
The Bottom Line: If you are shopping for a memory based MP3 player, this is it. Buy it. Buy it. Buy it.
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| PaulQ602's Full Review: Mpio DMG (128 MB) MP3 Player |
I have owned a couple of Rio MP3 players and I had a brief affair with an RCA Lyra (terrible little device). After frustrating experiences with Sonic Blue (Rio) support, I found the MPIO DMG.
I have owned my DMG for almost 2 years. I would have reviewed in sooner but it wasn't listed on eOpinions until recently.
Before you read further, I am biased. I LOVE THIS PLAYER. If I lost it, if it was stolen, I would buy another one without thinking twice.
Now some details...
SOUND: The sound quality is excellent. It can be set loud enough and has amazing clarity for such a small unit. The volume level is adjustable across 40 different points (0-40). There are several pre-set bass and treble settings or you can adjust it manually.
CONTROL: Most of the player's functions are controlled with a multi-function "joystick" on the side of the unit. It goes up, down, and you can press it in. Using it, you can skip tracks, fast forward, and rewind. Press it in, and your in menu mode where you configure the player - backlight, language, display options, off timer, and more. I've never felt like there's anything missing.
There is a START/STOP/POWER button and voice record button on the side. On top you find two buttons for volume control. All solid and easy to use with nice tactile feedback.
You can lock the buttons with a hold switch. The switch is a little flimsy but it hasn't broken on me in 2 years. I throw the switch and drop the player in my pocket.
DISPLAY: The DMG is small so the display is as well. It's actually bigger than my Rio 800 was. When music is playing, it shows left/right output levels, time, type of file, bit rate, and scrolls either the filename or ID tag for each file (you pick in the configuration menu). It shows all the info you need to know! It also has a backlight that turns off after a user selectable time limit to save power.
When you aren't listening, it shows a scrollable list of songs. Just use the joystick to move through it. Hold the joystick up or down and it pages through them. DRAWBACK... Although the DMG supports folders, they could be easier to navigate. You shouldn't count on solid folder support.
Push one of the volume buttons and the display shows the volume level in the lower portion of the display. It returns to normal when you release the volume button.
MEMORY: There is a 64mb and 128mb model available. I got the 128mb model. On its own, that stores a lot of songs. But... I added a 128mb smart media card to give it a total of 256mb of storage! You can put approximately 60 songs on it! Furthermore, you can use a second smart media card to store another 30 songs. You can carry 100 songs or more in the palm of your hand!
MULTI-FORMAT: This player supports MP3. Unlike some other players, it also supports WMA (Windows Media). This is a bonus because you can get equivalent quality in smaller WMA files. Translation, store more music!
FIRMWARE UPGRADEABLE: The firmware is easily upgradeable and MPIO keeps things up to date. I downloaded the most recent feature filled update last week! That's 2 years after I bought it, they still keep it up to date.
VOICE RECORDING: If all this wasn't enough, it will record voice to WAV files using its built in microphone. You'd think such a small device wouldn't perform well in this arena but it does! I have recorded portions of a college course using it and the audio is quite acceptable
IT MUST EAT BATTERIES! NOPE! This little device sips battery power. It uses one AAA battery which lasts roughly 20 hours. No kidding! The DMG supports rechargeable batteries but I don't see the point. If you use it heavily (meaning everyday for a couple hours at a time), rechargeable might be something to consider.
DURABILITY: It's only 2" square and amazingly light. I don't have a case. I carry it in my pocket or toss it in my briefcase. I've dropped it several times. It can take it. It's a little scratched but even the display shows little sign of wear.
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Nobody's perfect... there are a few minor problems. The joystick can take some getting used to. Moving it up and down is great but pushing it takes some practice. You need push it straight in. The HOLD switch and battery door are a little flimsy - but, never had a problem with them. The smart media slot doesn't give you any feedback that the card is in all the way.
MPIO is Korean. Not just Korean made but really a product that is sold mostly overseas. Recently, MPIO has made an effort to include more thorough English content on their web site. If you want tech support, you end up using private web sites run by loyal users rather than the manufacturer's web site. This isn't necessarily bad. If you did have a hardware problem, I'm not sure how you would handle it. Again, I've never had a problem (unlike my Rio player).
I recommend buying from a reputable US dealer such as MP3.com or Tiger Direct. Just use eOpinions shopping features and check the return policy. Just in case. (this is good advice for any purchase).
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* BOTTOMLINE *
Nobody's perfect. The DMG is outstanding and it's minor drawbacks are almost nonexistent when compared to the upside. As I said in the beginning, I would buy it again. In fact, there's a newer model out now and I want it! The biggest upgrade is the addition of an FM receiver. Although I love this model, go for the newer one! It's got to be at least as good as the DMG.
I don't say this often but this is one of the best products I have ever purchased.
(NOTE: Although I paid $199 for it, I think the price has come down since the newer model came out)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 199.00
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Epinions.com ID:
PaulQ602
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Member: Paul
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 1 member
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