Frontier Labs NEX iA 1 GB MP3 Player

Frontier Labs NEX iA 1 GB MP3 Player
Manufacturer: FrontierLabs
Product Type: CE

Editorial Review:
Product Description
This feature-packed Frontier Labs Nex Ia 1GB MP3 Player does it all with built-in FM radio and voice recorder and storage capabilities so it can act as a portable drive for fast and easy file transfer and storage. Player comes with 1GB of memory and is memory and storage expandable with Type I & II Compact Flash memory cards or MicroDrives. Features: solid-state construction (no moving parts), shock resistance; ultra-light portable and ergonomic design; remote control with shirt clip; firmware design to support multiple folders, access of menu functions during song playback and other unique and improved features; drag and drop file transfer on Windows Explorer means no proprietary software needed; intuitive thumb operable controls; fully interactive high-resolution LCD; 5-band programmable equalizer; WMATM compatible; MP3, VBR, and ID3 compatible; smart play functions; USB cable; clip case; headphones; software; and manual. Available storage capacity may vary.
Amazon.com Product Description
Put all fears of format obsolescence behind you with the NEX iA digital music player from Frontier Labs, which includes a built-in FM radio tuner and the ability to record radio broadcasts and, using an onboard condenser microphone, live audio--ideal for voice recordings, which show up as MP3 files in your playlist upon completion. The player will run for 7 to 13 hours on a pair of AA batteries (not included), depending on use, and it comes complete with stereo headphones, a wired remote control, and an AC/DC power adapter (among other items).

The MP3/WMA player is modular in 2 key ways: the NEX iA's firmware is upgradeable to allow playback of additional file types (Ogg Vorbis, for instance, which offers slightly higher quality than MP3 for similar-sized files), and the unit is configured exclusively for removable storage drives (CompactFlash and MicroDrive), thereby permitting greater storage capacity as its media allow. Currently, the player is compatible with up to 1 GB MicroDrives, one of which is included. You'll get about 17 hours of 128 kbps MP3 onto a 1 GB drive.

Its USB port (up to 400 kbps transfers) makes the player suitable for use as a portable disk drive, too, for fast and easy file transfer and storage. You can perform simple drag-and-drop transfers with most Windows systems (98SE and up)--and there's no proprietary software to install. "Smart power" draws power from the supplied USB cable, conserving battery life and simplifying hookup during file transfers.

The player's latest firmware upgrade includes support for multiple folders and menu access during playback. The NEX iA is ergonomic, too: super light (just 3 ounces), with intuitive controls governed by a single 5-way jog lever that you can manage with just your thumb. Its fully interactive high-resolution LCD offers bitmapped 132 x 64 resolution and a cool neon-blue EL (electroluminescent) backlight that can show scrolling ID3 tags, song duration, memory level, and battery level.

A 5-band user-programmable equalizer comes with 5 preset sound modes: jazz, rock, classic, dance, and Latin to help you tailor your listening to your music or preferences. Smart-play functions included repeat one/all and shuffle play, and of course the player uses solid-state construction with no moving parts to break down.

What's in the Box
Music player, a 1 GB MicroDrive, stereo ear-clip headphones, a remote control, a remote battery, a user's manual, an AC/DC power adapter (110 or 220V), a USB transfer cable, a neoprene sport case with belt holder, and Windows Media Player 7 (for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP; Media Jukebox for Win 98SE/2000).

Average customer rating: 2.5

Poorly Constructed
Lightweight and versatile with minor flaws

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Blackberry 8700 8700c 8700f 8700r Protective Hard Crystal Clear Shell Case SNAP-ON with Belt Clip

Brand New Silver Blackberry 8700 8700g 8700c 8700f 8700r Aluminum Metal Hard Case with Belt Clip

Manufacturer: AccessoryOne
Product Group: Wireless
Binding: Wireless Phone Accessory
ASIN: B000I5NG80

Related Categories:

Cases

Customer Reviews:

Poorly Constructed.......2007-04-14

While the idea of this cover is a great one, the end product left me wondering if they had any type of quality control when it was produced.

A large, sharp edge was left sticking out of the hinge area because the center pin was too long for the hinge. Not only would you catch the top of your finger on it's needle-like tip every time you went to unclasp it from your belt, but it started to work its way free in the two days I kept it. Not a good thing if you desire to keep your hinge together.

If that wasn't bad enough, sections of the inside were bent far beyond where they should have, thus covering the all-important "Alt" key on the keyboard. This, as all Blackberry users know, makes it pretty difficult to construct a message! The meatal was so strong, it couldn't be bent back out of the way (a good thing if you dropped it!).

Like the other poster said, the clasp to keep it latched shut was also VERY weak. So weak that all it took was a slight push and it would come undone and the B'berry would come out.

While the almost rock-solid casing is a great thing, I'm afraid I had to return my metal case and get an old fashioned leather padded one. Not as hip, for sure, but at least I won't be ripping the end of my finger open on it and I'll be able to actually compose a message.

Lightweight and versatile with minor flaws.......2006-09-18

I bought this case specifically because I wanted something that would protect my 8700 at all times. Quite honestly, I have yet to see any other case that compares with this one in terms of protection.

I've used soft cases before - on my Nokia cell phone - and found them to be mediocre at best. Corners are left exposed and if you drop your phone from a height of more than two feet you've likely scratched or damaged your phone. Many of the other hard cases for Blackberry tend to be the slip in and out kind. You take the phone out and it's not protected. Problem is, when you go to make that call or send that message that's exactly the time you might drop your phone. If that ever happens to you, this is the case you'll want for your Blackberry.

Perhaps the biggest misconception about this case is the description of "aluminum" and "metal." Buyers will think hard, and heavy with sharp edges. Not so at all. This is lightweight aircraft aluminum that feels almost like plastic. There are no sharp edges. Inside there's a thin layer of dense foam-like material that separates the Blackberry from the metal. The screen is protectived by a thin form of plexiglass. Unfortunately, this glass needs a screen protector as it does get scratched. The keyboard space is open which seems the only choice given how dense the keypad is and how difficult it would be to use it with any kind of protective plastic cover.

I only have a couple of small complaints. One, I wish the clasp on the left side was more secure. I have dropped my phone once already and the case did flip open because of this. Two, I wish there was more protection on the top side. Also, to a lesser degree, I wish there was more open space on the right side so that it was easier to access the scroll wheel.

The case comes with a belt clip. You can also just use the case by itself without the clip attachment and slip it into a soft case or your pocket.

Overall, while it's a bit pricey for a small case, it's worth the extra money over the typical soft models that offer only the appearance of protection for your expensive Blackberry.

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