MP3 CD Player - $99, no coupon, rebate

[Solidus]

I know this isn't strictly a computer item, but it is mp3 and this is the best deal i can find, so here it is. The genica portable mp3 cd player for $99 at computer geeks discount outlet, www.compgeeks.com (http://www.compgeeks.com) And that is the normal price, with no mail in rebates or coupons.
here is a direct link. http://www.compgeeks.com/cgi-bin/details.asp?cat=MultiMedia&sku=205-3333

i haven't bought one yet caue i don't have the cash, but if you like music, its worth looking into. imagine 12+ hours of music on 1 cd!! Toshiba is making one for $200, which will definetly be a hell of a lot better, but thats not for another year.

[This message has been edited by Solidus (edited 08-15-2000).]

[MadMatt]

Beware - this unit is getting decidedly mixed reviews - http://hardware.mp3.com/hardware/individual/portable/2715.html . There's also a very good and long thread on it there - http://bboard.mp3.com/mp3/ubb/Forum55/HTML/001123.html .

I'm still thinking about this one myself, but will probably save up and get the Toshiba or Aiwa.

[Joel Kleppinger]

It's a limited one in my opinion.

Here's all a MP3 CD player has to have for me to buy it:
VBR support
Bit rates from 0-320
Some ESP (preferably around 30-45 sec for both mp3s and audio CDs)
And it's preferable that the display can display the file names (or at least part of them).

That's it. That's also why the one I'm looking at is the new Philips player coming out. It skips the last one, but everything else should be covered.

[Gomer]

Joel,
How about a link to this Philips player? Cost, release, tuner,CD-RW? I have been watching these items for a while now. Wondering where the big names in CD players are. If these oddball companies on the net can make em, where are the big boys. Maybe they are afraid to bite the hand that is already feeding them. It just seems weird that we haven't seen any from Sony, Aiwa, Philips, or the like. Hell, it is weird you can't find anything like that at Best Buy. Maybe it is a very narrow market, or they are afraid people won't understand the technology. Dunno.

[MadMatt]

Gomer - Don't look for one from Sony. Remember they own a record company. Their CD players won't even play CD-RW's, and that's not by accident either.

[Joel Kleppinger]

This is what I keep my eyes on to keep up with the new portable (I only care about MP3 CDs) MP3 devices: http://hardware.mp3.com/hardware/featured/portable/

[Joel Kleppinger]

And if this ever comes out, it has the potential to really shake the market: http://hardware.mp3.com/hardware/individual/portable/2591.html

BTW, the generation 2 MP3 CD devices will be the ones that will really capture the hearts of the mass society. All of these Gen 1 players are going to have (and have had) problems and inconsistencies. They are for early adopters, but the ones on the market right now are still too feature-less for most early adopters (no VBR support and 192kbps max data rate).

[MadMatt]

The machine looks good Joel, but the company seems flaky. I'll probably hold out for a gen 2 machine from a reputable consumer electronics company

[Joel Kleppinger]

http://bboard.mp3.com/mp3/ubb/Forum5/HTML/001910.html

There's a VERY interesting one.

The problem with the Player you mentioned Solidus is this:
"Maximun bitrate supported: 192kbs"

It is definitely a SWEET-looking design, though.

[Solidus]

Well, i really don't care if it can't do more than 192, cause i'll only gonna be using songs with 128. But check out that lcd screen on that RCA! Thats totally beats numbers. Whens the release date on this baby?

[Solidus]

I just found a new one, gonna be $185. This is by far the coolest cd player design i have ever seen. Here some stuff about it. http://formen.ign.com/news/23597.html
And here is a link to thier website. http://www.novasonic.com/

[This message has been edited by Solidus (edited 08-17-2000).]

[Joel Kleppinger]

I don't know... the thread says before the end of the year. It would rock if it was near rollout, but I've been disappointed too much already to get my hopes up (one word: Mambox).

[Joel Kleppinger]

hmmmmmmmmmmmm....
http://store.yahoo.com/brandsmall/0027-rp2410.html

The Xpanium is hitting Circuit City Sunday (supposedly). I'm planning on getting one as soon as they get it here.

[Gomer]

Me want. hehe *drool* How much though, didn't see a price at that link.
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Scroll down I might see it right?

150 retail right, is that the Xpanium?

[This message has been edited by Gomer (edited 08-18-2000).]

[Joel Kleppinger]

No, that's an RCA player... however, it's unknown if that's the one referenced in the thread above.

The Xpanium will be $199 retail.

[NovaSonic]

Solidious,

We were viewing the referring URLs, when we noticed your post http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

http://www.novasonic.com/images/3portable.jpg

See your site for more info:NOVASONIC.COM (http://www.novasonic.com/)

Best Regards,
Ilya Zatulovkiy
http://www.novasonic.com/

[jad1097]

Has anyone seen the NEO 35 - CAR / HOME HDD MP3 PLAYER? (http://www.ssiamerica.com) It is a bit expensive but it is something I would consider.

[This message has been edited by jad1097 (edited 08-19-2000).]