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Product:
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Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3 Player |
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Price:
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$149 (CAN) / $130 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Ultra Products
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Author:
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Mantis
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Date:
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November 24th, 2004
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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As previously stated, one of the key features of the Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3 Player is the ability to check
e-mail from anywhere with an Internet connection. To clear any misconceptions, the Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3
Player does not support wireless Internet and will require an available USB port and a Internet connection.
In order to utilize the advertised e-mail function, a small executable entitled THmail must be run from the
Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3 Player. THMail is a small program which is designed to send and retrieve both POP3
and SMTP based email from the specified server. Users have the basic options found on the majority of e-mail
clients such as compose, reply, attach, address book and more. Once the accounts have been configured, the
settings are retained within THMail. Given the approach on this function, THMail could be theoretically
installed onto a generic USB key and executed just the same to retrieve and send e-mail.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Upon powering of the Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3 Player a vibrant blue backlit LCD provides a crisp picture. The menu
system is easily displayed by pushing the navigation joystick and once open users have a variety of options,
each handling a different function. The MP3 player screen neatly scrolls the current song title according to
ID3 tags, track number, time, bit rate and loops an amusing animation in the background. Tilting the joystick
to the left or right easily adjusts the track volume.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The built-in FM Tuner capability is an excellent addition and ensures a source of music regardless. The basic functions
of AM and FM channels and the majority of frequencies are supported. I found the overall playback in a variety of
environments to be rather responsive and clear. A total of 8 different frequencies can be saved for easy toggling.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The overall menu system is rather simple to use and when activated will be the predominant display towards the bottom of
any window regardless of which function is being used. Although not pictured, a variety of additional menu options exist
allowing for voice recording, voice playback and the standard device settings that include backlit timer and language
options. Connecting the Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3 Player to any available USB port allows for both data and music to be
loaded into the built in 256MB of storage. Once connected, the LCD will display a USB Connect screen along with a charging
battery screen. Windows or OS-X will automatically recognize the Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3 as a removable storage drive after
which data and music can be easily dragged and dropped onto the Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3 Player via Windows Explorer or Mac
Finder.
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Conclusion:
The Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3 Player represents a unique, extremely versatile media solution. Users will appreciate
the wide spectrum of functions ranging from data storage to voice recording capabilities. The overall construction
of the Ultra 256MB 8-in-1 MP3 is rather compact allowing for easy storage just about anywhere. The blue backlit
screen is ideal for low light environments and night travel. With the ability of SD/MMC card reading, the Ultra
256MB 8-in-1 MP3 Player can be easily expanded and eliminates the need for additional card readers. The e-mail
function is ideal for those who travel regularly yet can be just as easily adapted onto any existing portable
storage drive. I did encounter a few negative aspects during the evaluation period. The current button system does
prove to be slightly frustrating and would benefit from slightly larger buttons. Providing separate buttons for
track selection and volume control would eliminate accidental selections. I did note an absence of any form of
equalizer which seems to be a common feature on the majority of portable media players currently available.
Lastly, a small clip of sorts to secure the unit to a belt or pocket would benefit the overall ease of use of the
product. Aside from a few minor issues, I am awarding this product a final rating of 8 out of 10.
If you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the
Ultra Products website for
more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- 256MB Storage MP3/WMA playback
- USB Drive
- SD/MMC Card expandable/Reader
- FM Tuner
- Voice Recording
- Large backlit display
- Re-chargable battery
- E-mail capabilities
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Cons:
- Poor button system
- Lack of belt clip
- Lack of Equalizer
- No USB 2.0 support
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