MP3 player Tests (P. 8/27)

"Baylis Eco Media Player EP-MX71"

Published on: 2/2008

On test: Trevor Baylis Brands Eco Media Player

When describing the Baylis Eco Media Player EP-MX71, it's hard not to think of treehouses, dreadlocks and music festivals. This is an MP3 and video player that needs no power cables and will potentially work for years without ever being connected to a computer. It's powered by a hand crank, an internal dynamo and a lithium-ion rechargable battery. It's the eco-warrior's dream; as environmentally friendly as a tree with an acoustic guitar wedged in it. → More

"32GB iPod touch review"

Published on: 2/2008

On test: Apple iPod touch (32GB)

When Apple unveiled the iPod touch our initial reaction was lukewarm. Its video wasn't as bright and defined as that of the iPhone. It offered an unnecessarily hobbled set of features - the Calendar application, for example, didn't allow you to add or edit events and it lacked applications such as Stocks, Weather, and Notes. And its playtime didn't measure up to Apple's estimates. Slick though the touchscreen interface was, many were disappointed that the touch didn't live up to the dream of the "phone-less iPhone". Not now, however. → More

"Samsung P2 MP3 player"

Published on: 2/2008

On test: Samsung Yepp YP-P2

The Samssung P2 offers a 16:9 touchscreen display big enough to enjoy videos on the go. So should you sign up? We get watching to find out. → More

"Creative Zen Plus with Speaker - 2GB"

Published on: 2/2008

On test: Creative Labs Zen Stone Plus with Speaker (2GB)

I know it's unreasonable, but when I hear someone playing music through the tinny little speaker on their mobile phone - whether on the bus or walking down the street - I experience violent urges. I dream of tearing the offending implement from their grasp and grinding it to bits on the tarmac. I dream of pulling out the Ghetto blaster from hell out from under my capacious jacket and drowning out their insubstantial 50 Cent with some music of substance: Mozart's Requiem or a bombastic blast of Old Blue Eyes himself. In milder moments, I think maybe I'd engage them in witty repartee, convince them of the error of their ways and that, actually, a pair of Sennheisers would allow them to enjoy their music more (and save us the trouble of listening to it). Instead, like the grumpy old men, I button it … and rant at people less likely to turn around and plant one on my delicate, well-manicured chin. Clearly, the latest pocket MP3 players from Creative Labs are not aimed at me. For the main 'improvement' over the Zen Stone and Zen Stone Plus players is not better sound quality, more capacity or a better interface - it is, wait for it, a built-in speaker. → More

"Baylis Eco EP-MX71 hand-cranked media player"

Published on: 2/2008

On test: Trevor Baylis Brands Eco Media Player

Trevor Baylis, he of wind-up radio fame, now has a range of hand-cranked products, including this, the world's first wind-up multimedia player. It comes down to whether you're concerned by green issues - and you should be, unless you plan to move to another planet any time soon. → More