Transcend MP 870 Review

Summary
This Transcend MP 870 review focuses on a cool 8GB MP3 player that plays digital music, and which enables you to view photos, videos and eBooks. You also get to enjoy the voice recorder and FM radio courtesy of its 2.4 inch colour display, as well as a separate microSD slot to provide you with additional storage.

Product Description
Available in two colors black (4GB) and white (8GB), this player also features voice recorder, FM tuner, speaker, microSD/microSDHC card slot, and has a battery that provides up to 22 hours in music playback. This device features a LCD display (2.4 inches) with a resolution of 320 x 240 (QVGA pixels). This device is able to support a broad spectrum of file formats including WMA, MP3, WAV, FLAC (audio), OGG as well as FLV, RM/RMVB and MPEG4 SP/Xvid (video).

Outstanding Features
This Transcend MP 870 review found that book lovers will be thrilled by the fact that this device allows for viewing of e-books. This helps to cut out costs that would have otherwise gone to separately purchasing a Kindle or iPad to read your eBooks.

How it compares to IPod Classic and IPod Touch
While both the iPod Touch and this Transcend are both capable of playing audio books, when you turn off the latter, you will not be able to get back to where you had stopped. On the other hand the iPod Touch allows you to do this, although you will have to pay more to enjoy the many features it offers that the MP 870 lacks. Perhaps the only comparison you can make between this device and the Classic is that the latter comes from a more reliable brand name – iPod, hence the higher price you pay for a solid and reliable player.

How it compares to other MP3 players
While it does contain most of the features you would find in a typical MP3 player, this device stands out from the rest of the pack due to the inclusion of additional support for reading eBooks. This is a feature that is not found in every other run of the mill MP3 player that’s currently on the market.

Bottom Line
This Transcend MP 870 review can therefore conclude that if you love reading books, you will enjoy the fact that retailing at $86, this device also allows for viewing of e-books. This way, you get to avoid the costs that would have otherwise gone to buying a Kindle or iPad to read your eBooks. However, if you don’t care much for books and only need good sound, you may skip this device altogether and go for the less costly Sansa Disk Clip at $39, which will provide you with reliable audio quality for listening to your favourite tunes.

Rating: *** 3/5 stars

Cowon iAudio 9 Review

Summary
This Cowon iAudio 9 review focuses on this device which is slim, light in weight; power packed and designed to offer great sound. Its touch pad does however leave a lot to be desired in terms of convenience and ease of navigation.

Product Description
Available in capacities of 4GB, 8GB and 16GB, this device measures 43mm x 95mm x 8.9mm and features tactile buttons and a nice touch screen. It is sleek looking, provides great sound and offers support to a broad spectrum of files including APE, FLAC and Xvid. It comes in a white plastic body whose front is mainly taken up by its LCD screen and its capacitive touch pad. Its TFT screen measures 2 inches in length and its resolution is adequate for viewing its album art or playlist although not sufficient for videos.

Outstanding Features
In addition to its great audio quality, the fact that Cowon added Native Xvid support into this player makes it a great time saver and a rather outstanding device in comparison to others on the market. With built-in Native Xvid, this device is able to support and play videos in the Xvid file format without the need to install a separate codec for decoding the files.

How it compares to IPod Classic and IPod Touch
This device bears an uncanny resemblance to the iPod Touch. Despite the fact that both are portable video and audio players which are controlled by large touch screens, the iAudio S9 differs from the iPod Touch in that it lacks many of the cool extra features of the Touch such as web browsing and the ability to install games and 3rd party programs. In terms of flair, the iPod Classic wins hands down over the iAudio S9.

How it compares to other MP3 players
In terms of form factor and functionality, this Cowon iAudio 9 review found this device to be unmatched by other players such as the D2. However, the latter does outshine this device in terms of versatility, longer battery life and the fact that it offers an SD slot. The iAudio S9 is also much sleeker and thinner than the latest iPod Nano.

Bottom Line
This Cowon iAudio 9 review found that this device does have its flaws such as the rather strange video cable it comes with and the user interface that takes a bit of getting used to. However, its good qualities such as a great sound quality and its extensive range of features outweigh its faults. The main complaint with its user interface is that it’s rather problematic when handling features such as bookmark and play order. It does however offer great performance and boots up pretty fast to display a vibrant and sharp screen. Retailing at $151 for 16GB, this device is great buy if you are looking at a budget player that provides value for the money you spend. I would therefore recommend this player.

Rating: **** 4/5 stars

Cowon J3 Review

Summary
This Cowon J3 review focuses on the Cowon J3 which has been found to be a bit too pricey for the liking of the end user. However, this device is a great portable media player which offers an improvement on its predecessors in certain key areas.

Product Description
This device features a 3.3 in OLED screen with spectacular colours, smooth and crisp video playback. It also offers great audio quality and support for a broad spectrum of audio files such as APE, MP3 and FLAC. You also get to enjoy Bluetooth support, Flash player support as well as its FM radio tuner.

Outstanding Features
This Cowon J3 review found that the sound potential of this player is one thing that makes it stand out from the rest. Many have found that its audio quality comes close to listening to a high-end speaker system.

How it compares to IPod Classic and IPod Touch
Unlike the iPod Classic, this player is able to play APE and FLAC files. However, its interface is no match for the iPod Classic whose controls are the perfect size to allow for easier navigation such as changing volume. Although the J3 triumphs above the iPod Touch when it comes to strictly video and audio quality, it lacks the versatility such as optimal gaming experience that the latter is renowned for.

How it compares to other MP3 players
The Zune has a far better screen interface than this device. What’s more, the Zune features a program for PCs which is phenomenal to say the least, thus proving stiff competition for the J3. The J3 on the other hand does offer more detailed and precise sound than the S9. This device also features longer battery life of 64 hours of music playback, an improved interface and capacitive touch screen as well as overall better performance than the Cowon S9.

Bottom Line
This Cowon J3 review can conclude that if you are simply in the market for an MP3 player that can provide you with superb sound quality – the Cowon J3 is just what you need. However, it is already rather costly as it retails at $226 for 16GB and will prove even more expensive if you don’t make use of the video player for watching movies, or the radio and other applications it has. This is because you will have ended up paying a whole lot more for features that you don’t use or need. I would therefore recommend that that you look into other cheaper alternatives such as the S9 which goes for $199 and won’t prove such a waste in the long run if you don’t need the video.

Rating: **** 4/5 stars

Cowon S9 Review

Summary
This Cowon S9 review focuses on a rather sleek looking device which offers exceptional video and audio quality, although its user interface and the quality of its construction leave a lot to be desired.

Product Description
This device features an attractive OLED touch screen display, Bluetooth audio, long battery life, voice recording, Flash media support, FM radio, photo viewer, text reader, as well as video and audio playback.

Outstanding Features
Available in 8GB and 16 GB capacities, the Cowon S9 has set itself apart from its rivals due to its attractive OLED touch screen display and great audio quality. In terms of long battery life, the Cowon S9 leads from the front, while many other MP3 player devices simply follow.

How it compares to IPod Classic and IPod Touch
For 32 GB this device costs at least $100 more than the 120GB iPod Classic. Therefore, if working on a tight budget, you are better off sticking with the iPod which provides a much better price/ storage capacity ratio. However, while the Cowon S9 provides Bluetooth support out of the box, the iPod Classic would require having to buy an extension as it doesn’t feature any built in Bluetooth capabilities. When it comes to the iPod Touch, you will find that while this device does not sound bad, it lacks in sound quality in comparison to the Cowon S9.

How it compares to other MP3 players
If you are looking for a device with one of the longest battery lives in the market, then this Cowon S9 review would recommend the Cowon S9 as just the device for you. But if you need one that will also enable you to receive and make phone calls, you may want to look into the Samsung P3 which closely resembles the Cowon S9. Although these two devices are far from identical, they are nevertheless variations of a rather similar design.

Bottom Line
Retailing at $210 for 16GB, this Cowon S9 review found the Cowon S9 to be an attractive gadget that’s ideal for those who seek high audio quality and great video playback, and are willing to overlook its design flaws such as the occasional troublesome navigation. There are of course the pros to this device such as the long battery life, gorgeous screen and light design. For its price, I nevertheless feel that the end user deserves much more. I therefore would not recommend buying this device over its rivals such as the iPod Touch and iPod Classic which are more fully-featured than the Cowon S9.

Rating: **** 4/5 stars

Summary
This Archos 32 Internet Tablet review focuses on this 3.2 inch touch screen device which features all the specs you will find in a typical MP3 player, although it runs the Android 2.1 which of course adds to its functionality in terms of web browsing and applications.

Product Description
This device has 8GB storage and features media player software, while offering support for loads of video and audio formats, as well as its VGA camera.

Outstanding Features
What makes the Archos 32 stand out from the pack is the fact that it runs the Android 2.1 software which enables it to enhance its functionality when it comes to web browsing and applications. This device also has an accelerometer which enhances your overall game playing experience.

How it compares to IPod Classic and IPod Touch
In comparison to the iPod Touch, this Archos 32 Internet Tablet review found that the Archos 32 internet tablet is cheaper and offers an advantage that it runs Android, which makes it the ideal choice for those looking to have internet connectivity and entertainment in their pocket. However, if you are in the market for a higher resolution display and camera, then the iPod Touch is a much better option than the Archos 32. Just as with the iPod Classic, you can transfer your music files on the Archos 32 using winamp which makes this device just as convenient as the iPod in this respect.

How it compares to other MP3 players
Your decision to settle for the Archos as opposed to other MP3 players will of course depend on how you intend to use it. If you are looking for a movie player – then the Archos 32 is just the device for you. However, if you are out for the best sound quality, you might want to look at the Sansa Clip or Cowon S9.

Bottom Line
Retailing at $149.99, this Archos 32 Internet Tablet review can conclude that this device is cheaper than the iPod Touch or Zune HD and thus pocket friendly. While this device does have its faults: the glossy, mushy screen, lacks a speaker, the camera is placed poorly – the overall user experience it provides is quite enjoyable nevertheless. I would therefore recommend the Archos 32 for those who are out for a smaller screen gadget that they can use to play their favourite tunes, watch videos as well as surf the web occasionally. Of course, if you want a device free of issues relating to its screen, application or camera, then simply (or not so simply) find $80 and grab yourself an 8GB iPod Touch at $229.

Rating: *** 3/5 stars

Archos 28 Internet Tablet Review

Summary
This Archos 28 Internet Tablet review focuses on the Archos – the premier Android device which is Wi-Fi connected. The Archos 28 Internet Tablet comes in a compact design and has a touch screen measuring 2.8 inch, as well as a broad spectrum of features including internet browsing, video, and many apps such as an application for sharp music necessary for enhancing your listening experience.

Product Description
This device features a 2.8 touch screen and is slim, measuring less than 10mm. It is small enough to fit into your pocket and has a smooth user interface, Wi-Fi connectivity and supports the most popular audio and video formats.

Outstanding Features
The most revolutionary feature of this device is the fact that it allows for the addition of a Wi-Fi connection to the most popular video and audio formats that it supports. Android fans will also find this device a dream come true seeing as Android runs on it.

How it compares to IPod Classic and IPod Touch
If you are after a solid device which provides multiple functions while delivering stable services, you may want to go for the iPod Touch. You will find that the Archos does not match up in terms of day to day use, but merely as a supplement to your iPod. While an iPod Classic will be going strong 4 years down the road, the Archos has been reported as failing within a year and resulting in unresponsive buttons.

How it compares to other MP3 players
Unlike other MP3 players of a similar price range, this device does not respond too well to touch. As such, you are likely to get more irritated than entertained while web browsing or navigating the Archos for other purposes in comparison to devices such as Creative Zen.

Bottom Line
The multi touch capabilities of the iPod Touch are alone almost enough to make you steer clear of the Archos, and if you want something solid that could last you at least 4 years, go for the iPod Classic and not the Archos. Tablet or not, one thing that’s certain is that the Archos is one little device with many big problems. Retailing at $100, this Archos 28 Internet Tablet review concludes that the Archos is adorable yes, but not of good value. If I were you, I would close my eyes and dig deeper into my pocket for $229 and walk away with a good old iPod Touch that you know you can trust. This Archos 28 Internet Tablet review can confidently advice against purchasing any internet browsing tablet which comes at such as low price as the Archos. Frankly, this is way too little to cough up in 2011 for a solidly strong device that’s equipped with internet capabilities.

Rating: ** 2/5 stars

Sansa Sandisk Clip Review

Summary
This Sansa Sandisk Clip review focuses on a device that offers incredible value for money and which seeks to edge out its competitors by providing users with a gym-worthy design, user-friendly interface and amazing sound quality.

Product Description
Measuring just 2.2 x 1.4 x 0.5 without its belt clip attached, the Clip is about as small as a matchbox! It also features microphone, FM radio, and a bright screen to easily navigate your favourite tunes, as well as a long lasting rechargeable battery.

Outstanding Features
Its design is ultra compact and features a removable belt clip which makes it ideal for use when working out in the gym.

How it compares to IPod Classic and IPod Touch
Diehard iPod fans and ardent music lovers will point out the fact that iPod Classic is available in multiple storage configurations of up to 160GB as a key reason to avoid the Clip which offers a mere 8GB. Unlike the Clip which can only store up to 500 songs, iPod Classic can host up to 40,000 songs or 200 hours of video. For such an inexpensive device, the Clip offers pretty good sound quality – although it doesn’t match up to the iPod Touch that produces optimal sound.

How it compares to other MP3 players
With a mere display size of 1 inch, the Clip is no match for other MP3 players which feature LCD displays of up to 2.5 inches that allow for sharp and bright pictures, movies, TV shows and album art viewing. Its ear buds are rather disappointing and you may want to ditch them for some more functional ones such as the in-ear phones of Creative Zen. However, its rectangular 1 inch screen allows for better navigation than the small circular display found on the Creative Zen Stone Plus.

Bottom Line
While this Sansa Sandisk Clip review wouldn’t recommend replacing your iPod Touch with the Clip, the latter is nevertheless the best bet for Mac owners looking for a cheaper Mac-usable MP3 player alternative to the rather pricey iPods. The Clip does offer rather impressive sound quality in a design that is gym friendly, ultra compact and easy to use. However, its FM radio reception leaves a lot to be desired as you may experience problems when connecting the device with Rhapsody. Retailing at $39 for 8GB this is one of the lowest priced MP3 players currently available on the market. This Sansa Sandisk Clip review therefore advices that if you are on a tight budget, then sure go for the Clip. But if you are looking for greater value and have some extra change to spare, go for the Fuze at $87 for 8GB instead.

Rating: **** 4/5 stars

Sansa SanDisk Fuze Review

Summary
This Sansa SanDisk Fuze review focuses on how this device impresses with its great sound and build quality, as well as versatility that provide you with great value for money.

Product Description
This is a compact device that features an expansion slot for microSDHC cards, Rhapsody DNA integration, an FM tuner, video and photo support, OGG and FLAC playback and a voice recorder.

Outstanding Features
This device boasts amazing build quality, sound quality and versatility. It features a long battery life even in music mode and provides very impressive crisp video, despite its rather small screen size. You will also be impressed by the way its microSD memory has been seamlessly integrated such that it now appears as part of its built in flash memory.

How it compares to IPod Classic and IPod Touch
While the IPod Touch will always win over other MP3 players in terms of the cool factor, it is rather pricey in comparison to the Fuze. For $87 you get to walk away with an 8GB capacity Fuze, while the IPod Touch will set you back a cool $229 for 8 GB – which means that the Fuze is able to hold more songs for less money. Of course, if you enjoy playing games or prefer an MP3 player which is more like an iPhone, then you may stick with the iPod Touch. In comparison to the IPod Classic, the Fuze has an interface and screen that are rather “blah” and dingy looking.

How it compares to other MP3 players
At first glance, you could easily mistake the Fuze for the iPod Nano as it pretty much resembles the latter. It however distinguishes itself from the Nano due to its cool features such as the voice recorder, FM radio and microSD Card slot. If you have over a thousand MP3s to search, you may find the operating system a bit clunky with the Fuze – unlike the Zune which enables you to conduct smooth searches of your tracks.

Bottom Line
If you want an MP3 player that will enable you to watch your videos, view your pics, listen to the radio as well as add your own music, then the Fuze is your best bet as it does provide you with a good deal for plenty of useful features. However, if you love your games can’t do without them and are willing to cough up more money, by all means go for the iPod Touch. Although it rates low in terms of reliability in this Sansa SanDisk Fuze review, the Fuze does rate impressively high in terms of good functionality. This Sansa SanDisk Fuze review therefore recommends this MP3 player for those looking for a more functional device at a pocket friendly price.

Rating: **** 4/5 stars