Panasonic SV-MP010W - Digital player - flash 1 GB - WMA, MP3 - white Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me preface my review by saying that yes, I realize this is no ipod, but in some ways that's a good thing.Allow me to explain...

OK, my primary issue with the ipod (and most other MP3 players for that matter) is its rechargeable battery.I only use my portable MP3 player at the gym, so I usually leave it in my gym bag and never take it out to charge it.Many times, the player will be dead, or die in the middle of my workout routine, which can be pretty annoying if the gym isn't playing anything decent.

I was interested in the Panasonic SV-MP010 because it claims to play up to 80 hours on a single alkaline AA battery, and it happened to be on sale at Fry's Electronics for the price of a dead President Grant.

The player came with a USB cord, earbuds, and an AA battery plus a 35 page instruction booklet.The battery cover is designed such that it stays attached to the player while open, so that's one less thing to worry about losing.Loading my MP3s was as simple as attaching the player to my computer via the USB cable, and dragging & dropping some MP3s into the device.Although the specs say USB 2.0, the process took a little longer than I expected.Perhaps because Windows doesn't display the player as a drive, but as a player, it has to do some other processing...I can't think of any other explanation.

Sound quality is pretty good considering it will be primarily used in noisy environments.It sounds better than some generic MP3 players that I've tried, but it is probably a step below an ipod.The supplied earbuds are ok, but they hurt my ears if I have them in too long, so I will probably get a pair of aftermarket earbuds that conform better to my ears.

The display is a 2 line backlit monochrome screen.I do not consider this a drawback because I don't need anything fancier for a music player, and a larger colored display would decrease battery life.

The menu system and buttons are par for ordinary MP3 players, but it's not slick as the ipod's clickwheel.There are several digital enhancement settings (preset EQs, Surround Sound, Re-Master which I'm not sure exactly it does), 4 play modes (normal, repeat all, repeat single, random), erase mode (by folder or individually), and system settings (backlight duration, contrast, beep, and file system format).To navigate between the folders, you simply press and hold the MODE button, then use the arrow keys to change folders.To fast forward or rewind a track, press and hold the FF or REW buttons.

The form factor of the Panasonic SV-MP010 is best described as a rectangular tube, or a large square lipstick case.While it's not thin as an ipod Nano, its compact size does lend well to storing inside a shirt or pant pocket.However it doesn't come with any case, clip, or other accessory to attach it to your arm or pocketless gym shorts.I am not aware of any such optional or aftermarket accessory either.

If I get anywhere near the claimed 80 hour battery life, I'll be extremely happy with my purchase.AA batteries are cheap and commonplace, and I also have some NiMH rechargeables that I can use with this device.I like the idea of being able to swap out batteries at the gym should the power run out, and being able to finish my workout with my tunes.

I do not subscribe (or plan to subscribe) to the Microsoft Playsforsure music service, so I cannot comment on that.Pros:

+ Powere source uses ordinary AA batteries.

+ Plays up to 80 hours (claimed) on a single alkaline battery.[I have not been able to verify this yet as I haven't owned the device that long.]

+ Small compact size.

+ Digital effects (EQ, Surround, Re-Master) can enhance the sound on some sources and helps drown out external noise in public places like gyms, subways, etc.

+ Great sound quality for active mobile users (gym, commuting, biking, etc.) but not audiophile quality.

+ Intuitive user interface easy to learn and use (although not good as the ipod clickwheel).

+ Plug and play & drag and drop with Windows XP software, no other installation required for MP3s.Cons:

- No (included or optional) case, arm band, clip, or strap to hold the device when working out at the gym.

- Windows XP does not treat the player as a USB drive, so you can't right click on it and view properties like space used, free space, etc.

- Windows won't play any media files off the device.You can only play it using earphones while it's not connected to the computer.

- Does not support non-Microsoft operating systems like OS X, linux, etc.

- Some of the digital effects (EQ, Surround, Re-Master) can distort the sound, depending on the quality of source material.

- "Lipstick" design not fashionable as ipod Nano.

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Product Description:
Panasonic's SV-MP010 Digital Audio Player was designed for the music lover on the go. It's got 1GB of memory, for storing hundreds of your favorite songs in something the size of a tube of lipstick. Its 2-line LCD offers an easy-to-read screen, and it has high quality D-Sound and Re-Master for your WMA and MP3 music. Full PlaysForSure support lets you download new tunes off the popular music store. You even get incredible playback time: Over 80 hours total, from a single AA battery. The Panasonic SV-MP010 comes with a headphone, CD-ROM (USB driver), USB cable and is available in white or pink.