Ever since I owned my first MP3 player right when they were released to the market, I have been hooked on them. I have my fair share of different MP3 players, but none like the one I’ll be looking at in this review - the Mushkin 128MB MP3 Player/Flash Drive/Voice Recorder. What sets the MP3 player apart from other MP3 players is that this device also offers capabilities as a thumb drive and voice recorder, yet it remains minute in size.
Features:
∙ No external power is required
A feature not found in many other MP3 players is the ability to charge your MP3 player via a USB port rather than an external power supply. This is a nice feature; since the external power supply cable is one additional cord you can be rid of under your computer desk, when your battery needs recharging just plug it into a USB port.
∙ No driver necessary for Windows XP, 2K, ME, MacOS 8.6 and above, or Linux 2.4 Kernel and above
∙ Supports Windows 98 with device driver
∙ Cross-platform, easily move data across different computers, even if they use different operating systems
Like most new devices, no driver is necessary for Windows XP along with Windows 2000 and Millennium, the device is also compatible with Linux 2.4 kernel and higher, without the need to install drivers. This is nice since many computer enthusiasts have been moving to different distributions of Linux, as they are tired of Microsoft Windows.
∙ Multi-language support
If your native language is not English, have no worries since the device supports a handful of different languages.
∙ Durable, no skips & Lightweight
Being only slightly larger than a normal thumb drive, it is very lightweight and durable.
∙ Edit and Delete files directly from LCD display
Yet another feature not found on many MP3 players is the ability to edit and delete music files from the memory with out the need to hook it up to a computer. Finally, this device also allows you to record audio in WMA and ASF formats.
∙ Hot Plug & Play
As with most USB devices, this device is plug & play compatible, meaning you don’t have to restart your computer to operate it, you just plug it in.
Contents:
The contents of the package include the 128MB device, ear buds, battery, USB cable, user’s manual, CD, and neck strap. The ear buds included with the device are comfortable, and also look good. As mentioned earlier, in order to charge the device, you simply plug it into any available USB port and let it charge, however the battery for the device is a bit different from traditional batteries you’re used to. Flat and long can best describe the shape of the battery. If all of your USB cables are located in the rear of your computer, a USB extension cable is provided so you will no longer have have to crawl behind your PC when you wish to charge your device or transfer audio/files to it.
Analysis/Operation:
The Mushkin 128MB MP3 Player/Flash Drive/Voice Recorder is a tad taller than a normal thumb drive due to the additional space required for the battery. I was a bit skeptical at first just how well the MP3 player would function due to its small size; however, I was soon convinced after reading the users manual. Operation of the MP3 player is quite easy to use along with the function for recording audio. The Mushkin 128MB MP3 Player/Flash Drive/Voice Recorder appears in “My Computer” when it is connected to the USB port, making it easy to transfer your audio files to and from the device, and this is also where you can transfer other files, giving it the same thumb drive capabilities. When storing the device in my pocket along with two other devices, wallet, keys, and Palm pilot, the LCD display was somewhat easily scratched.
Performance:
To test the device, we played audio files while golfing, sitting around, and recording audio during a conference. The playing of audio files went smoothly, and there was nothing being produced from the MP3 player but high quality audio. The equalizer was also very good at customizing the sound that was being produced. Recording of audio files also went perfectly. The built-in microphone did its job of recording different voices along with other noises that were heard. The recordings were very clear, even at a large distance from the person speaking. Unfortunately, you can’t wire up an external microphone to improve recording. Lastly, the thumb/flash drive function worked for transferring files between places. No problems were encountered.
Conclusion:
As you can see, the device is far from being just any standard MP3 player; its features are far superior from its competition currently on the market. If 128MB is enough space for you, we would recommend the Mushkin 128MB MP3 Player/Flash Drive/Voice Recorder. If 128MB isn’t enough for you, Mushkin also makes 256 and 512MB versions. If you have never owned an MP3 player in the past, this may be a perfect device for you to start on. It’s user friendly, yet if you decide you prefer using a CD player, for whatever the reason may be, you can still use the device for recording audio and as a thumb drive.
Pros:
∙ Charges via USB
∙ Very small
∙ Voice recording
∙ Flash drive
∙ Linux compatible
∙ Edit and delete files directly from the MP3 player
Cons:
∙ 128MB may not be enough space for you
∙ LCD screen scratches easily
∙ Somewhat costly (~ $106)
