RipFlash 128MB Digital Voice Recorder and MP3 Player/Recorder

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Title : RipFlash 128MB Digital Voice Recorder and MP3 Player/Recorder
Author : PoGo! Products
Release Date : 20020507
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $179.00
Amazon.com Price : $ ( %)
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Editorial Reviews :
Outstanding sound quality and a low price make the RipFlash an excellent flash memory-based MP3 player. However, its ability to record MP3s in real time via the built-in microphone or line-in connection takes this player to the next level. Whether you want to record a lecture or convert your old LPs and tapes to MP3, this versatile little player gets the job done.
Smaller than a pack of cards and weighing just 65 grams, the RipFlash looks like an ordinary MP3 player. Installation was simple using the quick-start guide. We just loaded the MP3 Manager software on our PC, then connected the player to our USB port and copied our MP3 and WMA files to the unit.

When we put on the earbud-style headphones to take a listen, we were surprised by what a clear, noise-free, rich sound the RipFlash delivered. The lows were especially robust, giving bass rhythms a visceral feel, and the built-in equalizer let us optimize the sound for classical, rock, pop, or jazz. The unit's small display was easy to read and the buttons on the front and sides were logically laid out and easy to press.

To test the recording capabilities, we simply pressed the record button and started talking. The sensitive, built-in microphone recorded our speech clearly and accurately. The line-in jack on the top of the unit lets you connect it to any audio device, such as a tape player or a CD player, and for us this performed equally well. Using the menu-based interface, you can set the recording-quality bit rate. For instance, you can record voice at a lower quality for up to 30 hours of recording time, or record music at a higher quality for less recording time. Either way, it's simple to copy the MP3 files back onto your PC, so you can send them via e-mail or burn them to CD.

Of course, since the RipFlash uses flash memory and has no moving parts, it's impervious to shocks and jolts. It runs on two AAA batteries, offering about 9 to 10 hours of playback, and comes with a wristband. In addition to its built-in memory, its memory can be expanded via a SmartMedia card.

Low price, excellent sound quality, and, most of all, the ability to record audio directly into MP3 format, make the RipFlash easy to recommend to music aficionados who want to record live audio, students looking to record lectures, or anyone who needs an easy way to record dictation.

Pros:
* Inexpensive
* Records MP3s via built-in mic or line-in
* Excellent sound quality and fast download

Cons:
* Small display
* No rechargeable battery

Buyer Reviews :
I purchased the RipFlash MP3 play to work out to and not for the digital voice recording features. This is my first MP3 player so I have no point of reference compared to other MP3 players. Given that, here are my experiences so far.

Pros:

- very good sound - especially with the equalizer
- fast transfer rate from my PC - 30 songs in less than 5 min
- very lightweight

Cons:

- no software for ripping CDs. I had to buy some but found a good one called MP3 Workshop...

- can only read MP3 format. Would have been nice if it could read WMA format. Then I could have used the Windows Media Player to rip the CDs.
- earplug earphone sounds good but had trouble keeping them in my ears.

Things you should know:

- If you do want to add a SmartMedia card, the songs on the card will be played separately from the ones in the built-in Flash memory. (this may be important if you want to play randomly)
- The display is small and somewhat hard to read, but did not bother me.
- I haven't tried to Rip CDs with the line-in but I think it is a useful feature.
- Would have been nice to have a belt clip for working out.

Overall, very good player. As I said, I like it very much, but it does have a few minor flaws. I can live with them for working out and would buy it again.

(by Mark Rowe)

Features/Technical Specs :
* Direct MP3 recording from any audio source (no computer required)
* Fast USB transfer speeds (up to 4mbps)
* Doubles as voice recorder for the business people and students
* SmartMedia card slot to boost your memory
* Up to 10 hours playback; runs on 2 AAA batteries

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