Rio 600 (32 MB) MP3 Player

Pros: Compact, cool design
Cons: battery never held charge

I bought a 128MG version of this player two years ago from Sonic. It never held its charge and usually ran out of juice within one hour. I talked to tech support several times, did everything they told me, still it did not work right. They finally exchanged it, the new one did the same thing, then they exchanged that one, this last one was slightly better so I gave up and kept it.

You definitely do not get what you're paying for here with Sonic Blue players. They're shoddily made.

Pros: Good sound, bass, and treble
Cons: Small design is easy to lose

This unit packs quite a punch. This unit will make your taste buds for music swell with joy. This unit is called the Rio 600. Despite its small size and its lack of any energy conservation, its packs quite a punch in a small package. Many options like Treble and Bass is on it. Yes, it is not fool proof and it does crash, but only if you're a person like me who fools around with an MP3 to see if it crashes and reports it to the manufacturer. This unit has a pair of bad headphones, MP3 software, and loud! This unit can pump out music so loud, I only use it at 3 or 4, even on an AIRPLANE! It is definently worthwhile to get it at < $20. It is limited to 32 MB, although buying alternate packs are available. NO, it cant read memory sticks or compact flash or whatever like those cards.

Overall the worst experience I've ever had purchasing something. I bought the item December 17th, 2003. It was defective. After several attempts contacting customer support I finally got information on how to send unit back. I sent the unit back within 2 weeks of purchase. To this day I'm stil waiting for my replacement. When I do get through there is always an excuse as to why my replacement hasn't been sent.

have eveything u need to lisen to music and more, but it dosn't have a AM/FM radio.the RIO 600 has a nice shape and fits in your pocket.

Player is fine. But software that comes with it is locked. In order to get the full capabilities you must go on line and register it to get the unlock code, which would be fine if the website was ever up. When you do register you get a confirmation email confirming the registration BUT informing you this will NOT unlock or upgrade your program. So in the mean time tech support suggests you re-register and re-register until the sites up to get the complete software. And I thought my biggest responsibilty was to purchase the product...

have eveything u need to lisen to music and more, but it dosn't have a AM/FM radio.the RIO 600 has a nice shape and fits in your pocket.

Ergonomically designed and easy to use with just one hand. Bright LCD screen displays song title, running time, and track number. On screen menu and controls easy to use. Has several custom presets for treble and bass, and allows you to customize your own. 32MB is good for about an hour of 64Kb-encoded WMA files, or half an hour of 128Kb-encoded MP3 files. Flashable ROM for future upgrades. The included software is garbage. I use Windows Media Player to convert MP3's to 64Kb-encoded WMA files, and then transfer those files to the Rio. Memory expansion comes in "backpacks" that cost around $65 for 64MB (which would give you a total of 96MB).

Player is fine. But software that comes with it is locked. In order to get the full capabilities you must go on line and register it to get the unlock code, which would be fine if the website was ever up. When you do register you get a confirmation email confirming the registration BUT informing you this will NOT unlock or upgrade your program. So in the mean time tech support suggests you re-register and re-register until the sites up to get the complete software. And I thought my biggest responsibilty was to purchase the product...

Ergonomically designed and easy to use with just one hand. Bright LCD screen displays song title, running time, and track number. On screen menu and controls easy to use. Has several custom presets for treble and bass, and allows you to customize your own. 32MB is good for about an hour of 64Kb-encoded WMA files, or half an hour of 128Kb-encoded MP3 files. Flashable ROM for future upgrades. The included software is garbage. I use Windows Media Player to convert MP3's to 64Kb-encoded WMA files, and then transfer those files to the Rio. Memory expansion comes in "backpacks" that cost around $65 for 64MB (which would give you a total of 96MB).

Overall the worst experience I've ever had purchasing something. I bought the item December 17th, 2003. It was defective. After several attempts contacting customer support I finally got information on how to send unit back. I sent the unit back within 2 weeks of purchase. To this day I'm stil waiting for my replacement. When I do get through there is always an excuse as to why my replacement hasn't been sent.

Overall a good product, small compact, and it does what it says it does. It is not however worth the hefty $99 price tag, $75-85 would be more resonable. The sound is good, but at high volumes the bass becomes a little distorted, flowing into the high and mid-ranges. The software provided with the unit (RealOne Jukebox) works very well. Bundled with the unit are a pair of headphones and a belt clip case. The head phones are a little hallow sounding, but hey, they are free. Nice compact item for jogging or short trips.

Overall a good product, small compact, and it does what it says it does. It is not however worth the hefty $99 price tag, $75-85 would be more resonable. The sound is good, but at high volumes the bass becomes a little distorted, flowing into the high and mid-ranges. The software provided with the unit (RealOne Jukebox) works very well. Bundled with the unit are a pair of headphones and a belt clip case. The head phones are a little hallow sounding, but hey, they are free. Nice compact item for jogging or short trips.