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Intel Pocket Concert 128MB Digital Audio Player

Intel Pocket Concert 128MB Digital Audio Player

List Price: $299.95
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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Best Thing I've Bought
Review: This mp3 player is so cool. I bought it on a Friday and i dropped it right on the cement when i came out of the car. I thought it would be broken but it barely got a scratch on it. It looks so cool and its so small and light and only needs two AAA batteries which last up to ten hours. It holds a little bit over two hours of mp3 audio which is pretty nice. I would suggest you get this mp3 player.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: At last, a quality MP3 player
Review: Think of every feature you expect in a portable music player: sound quality, features, ease of use, size, weight, construction quality, software support, value. The Intel Pocket Concert (PC) has it all.

Sound quality: Highs and lows are faithfully reproduced through the powerful 11mW amp. Contrary to what everyone has been saying, the included neckphones are fantastic. I've given up earbuds for the first time in my life. Another first for me - the maximum volume on the PC is actually louder than my ears can take. This beats every Sony portable device I've ever owned.

Features: My #1 requirement for any MP3 player is a properly functioning shuffle feature. Some players don't have one, or implement it poorly. I am happy to report that the PC has a great shuffle & repeat feature. ie. It can play all your tracks in random order (without repeating one until they are all heard), and then repeat this process again in a different order. Perfect. The PC also includes a bookmark feature, which is great for saving your "place" in an audio book. Treble and Bass can each be increased or decreased according to your style of music. Let's not forget the inclusion of a fabulous FM tuner with the PC. Note that the reception is increased with the use of headphones, such as the ones included (it uses the headphone cord as an antenna). The PC can remember up to 10 FM channel presets. The PC can also play WMA encoded files, as well as MP3. IMHO, WMA is not a "near CD quality" encoder, and my recommendation is to avoid encoding with WMA. However, if you don't mind low quality WMA sound, save your money and buy a cassette Walkman (which will sound better).

Ease of use: The player has 3 large main buttons (Rewind, Play, Fast Forward). Easy. It also includes a jog dial to scroll through song lists, and allows one to set up options, such as Random/Repeat and Bass/Treble. I didn't even bother reading any manuals. I just opened the box, installed the included batteries, and listened to the pre-installed MP3, which describes the basic usage of the PC. Perhaps a user manual could also have been included, describing the more advanced features. The fast forward/rewind feature is quite "slow". For every second you hold the fast forward key down, it jumps ahead only five seconds. So if you want to skip ahead 60 seconds, you need to hold the fast forward key down for 10 seconds! IMHO, this is the only major problem with the PC. Luckily, a firmware update could easily fix the problem (should Intel decide to release one).

Size: The unit itself is much smaller than it appears in photos on the web. I was under the impression that it would be Walkman sized, but it is actually smaller than a cassette tape.

Weight: I clip the unit to my sweatpants when I go for a walk or jog. Surprisingly, the unit is light enough that it doesn't bump around or weigh my pants down. This is key, as most music players are so heavy that they require you to wear a belt to stabilize them (ie. CD & hard disk based players).

Construction Quality: I was worried about this since CNET mentioned that the headphone jack on their unit broke easily. I tested the jack out, and it is quite stable. CNET must have received a defective unit. The hardware feels quite sturdy, and the only piece that feels breakable is the battery door. I get the feeling that I will need to be quite careful when replacing the batteries each time.

Software support: My #2 requirement in an MP3 player is the freedom to load any MP3 file I want into the unit. Thankfully, SDMI and similar nuisances are absent from the PC. Instead, Intel included a simple application, the Intel Audio Manager, where you choose the file you want to load, and then click "Load". Simple. The file then copies to the PC via a fast USB connection. A 5 minute song takes about 25 seconds to transfer. Intel also includes a great MP3 ripper/encoder called MusicMatch Jukebox Plus. Unfortunately, the included version (5.1) is a bit old compared to today's (6.0). Still, free software is always good.

Value: The PC comes with 128MB of flash. What more is there to say? If you want a "solid state guaranteed not to skip" player, this is the most memory for the money. At roughly a minute/MB, the PC gives you 2 hours of CD quality music. Similarly priced units only provide 1 hour. Extras include a fabulous pair of headphones, a belt clip, two alkaline AAA batteries, and the MusicMatch software. I only wish Intel had included a pair of rechargeable batteries and a docking station. Instead, you'll have to buy those separately, via their overpriced "audio accessory kit".

Overall: 128MB flash, loud, small, light, easy, no SDMI, fast USB, FM tuner. Nuff said.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Best player out there
Review: I have lusted for an MP3 player for two years but have been put off by high prices, awful form factors, low memory and quality problems. I bought the Pocket Concert just days after a bad experience with the Nike PSA 120, which despite a sweet design was plauged by cheap construction, a slow transfer rate and lousy software, and which I returned after one day because the unit crashed when I put in the extra memory card I bought.

The Intel Pocket Concert is everything the Nike isn't. The unit feels solid yet elegant in your hand. The Intel software is ridiculously easy to use, but I appreciated the included upgrade to MusicMatch Jukebox (a $20 value), which I already use to store MP3s.

Having 128M of memory is simply great. Although some reviews frown over the lack of an expansion slot, I personally have no use for more than 128M. I use the player mostly during workouts, so it's great to be able to store 2 hours of high-quality 128Kbps files, and to have the FM radio as a backup. It seems to take about 4-5 seconds to transfer 1M of data.

As noted in other reviews, the buttons are a snap to navigate, and the scroll wheel is a big plus -- a feature that should be employed on many other kinds of handheld devices. The headphone design is fine for sitting around but since the foam-covered earpieces tend to get sweat-soaked during active use, I plan on buying a pair of earbuds that are better for the gym environment.

The only reason I gave the player 4 stars instead of 5 is that there is always room for improving a consumer electronics product. Some minor bleats: the headphones are not able to handle even moderate bass tones once you hit mid-high volume. Mine pop and flutter, but I may just have a bum pair. I'm not that worried since I plan to get a different style of headphone anyway. Second, the radio reception isn't the greatest, but I haven't tried it out a lot either. Third, I wish they'd included a remote on the headphones, which was one nice feature the Nike had. Also hopefully they'll release a couple more accessories for the Pocket Concert, like an arm band.

But these are small gripes with what so far is an outstanding product and the best deal on the market. If you want a solid, quality player with more than enough memory for around-the-town or workout use, and which has great software and a slick design, look no further.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: So far the best !!!
Review: This one is the right one. I have tested over the last 6 month five mp3 players (Thanks to my local electronic store 30 day no questions asked return policy) Been through Rio 600, Nomad, Nike PS 120, Compaq and Rio 800. Intel is by far the best one. What makes it unique is the 128 MB on board memory. By converting mp3 files to WMA files at 96 kbs, I am not compromising on sound quality and manage to download on the average between 32 to 41 songs. Because it has on board memory the transfer speed is amazing, 8-15 seconds per song. Any player with on board memory is way to go. The transfer rate to "Add on memory cards" (I used one in the Nike 120 Psi player) is extremely slow , 60 to 74 seconds. This unit is well made and easy to use. The software for transfering songs could have had slightly more options, I think Rioport is a bit better. (But that's just me, never happy) I highly recommend this unit, good value and excellent sound. (until something new comes out in a few month) Also you can order excellent accessories, car kit and docking /recharging cradle which can be hooked up directly tou your home system.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Good for MP3
Review: This unit has some pluses and some minuses. On the plus side is the ease of use, memory, the basic software, belt clip, and sound. The minuses are radio reception is mediocre at best, it takes too long to transfer songs in that you have to do this one song at a time, unless you put things in separate folders first, You can't rearrange the music once you've downloaded it, the volume button is not sensitive enough. All in all I am glad I bought the unit and for airplane travel it will be great. However, I feel,the search for the perfect unit is still ongoing.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Winner
Review: 128MB is the way to go. Players with more storage are too bulky and too expensive right now. This is a great machine. Great storage, great sound quality, great features, plays wma (twice as compressed as mp3's) and even great looks. Sound quality is perfect, with 5+ hours of wma music. Controls are great, very cool features. Nice and small and light (not the lightest one I've seen, but pretty darn good). And it's pretty too!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Pocket Concert Delivers
Review: I've waited for this product to come out before buying an mp3 player. It was worth it. The sound is great, the software is easy to use. The UI could be better thought out. Sometimes buttons one would think scroll through songs don't. This just takes some getting used to. I would have liked a line out jack. I also expected it to be a little smaller. The size is ok, though. If you want a good player for a great price, consider buying this one.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I'm glad I waited for this one!
Review: I've been looking for an MP3 player for a while now. I knew I didn't want an MP3/CD player, but I wasn't sure about any other specs after that (Expandable/Non-Expandable, internal batteries,etc.) I stumbled on a review for this one and everything was highly favorable. So, I pre-ordered and patiently waited. It finally came last night, and man, am I glad I waited. This thing is phenomenal! I didn't even have to crack open the instructions. I installed the software, and away I went.

The transfer rate on this is REALLY fast. I mean, you can dump 128 MB in about three minutes. I haven't messed around with the MusicMatch Jukebox yet, but the Intel software is ridiculously easy to use. It reminds me of an ftp program, just drag from one side to the other. Great.

Other features: FM Tuner. This was another feature that I hadn't thought I needed until I read the review. At my gym, they have TVs all over the place, but the sound is channeled to a low-power FM antenna. You need to use your personal stereo to tune to an off station to get the audio from the TV. The equalizer is also a very cool feature. Most personal stereos may have an EQ with a few presets, but the Intel's EQ allows you to tailor your EQ settings to a degree of +/-8. The only thing is that to my knowledge there are no EQ presets. This is something that could probably be added with a firmware upgrade.

How does it sound? Terrific. With one exception. When the Intel is connected to your PC (via USB), there is some hum that is picked up. I'm not sure if that's because the USB also provides a power source and is creating interference. When not connected to the USB, this sounds perfect. As with any MP3 player, the quality of your MP3 files is going to be most important. The included headphones were decent, and they're those new-fangled wraparounds everyone's wearing. In my opinion, not the best for working out, but in any other application, cool. Of course if you can spend some money on a decent set of cans, it'll sound even better.

Other things: The battery life is decent (ten hours MP3, 16+ radio). The thing even comes with batteries! The controls are also laid out very well. Intel doesn't try to cram all the controls on a single side of the player. The volume control gets a side all to itself, as does the menu button and scroll wheel. Not likely that you'll accidentally press the wrong button. One thing that I didn't like about the buttons, however, was the fact that the action assigned to that button (volume up, set, etc.) isn't actually executed until you press and RELEASE the button. This is a minor point, but one worth noting when you'll have to click-click-click to increase the volume instead of just holding the button down. Another great feature is the bookmark. They implemented this with audio books in mind, since you can't scan the tracks and there is no resume function. You can set a bookmark and then come back to it later. Maybe a future upgrade could include a resume function. Something akin to the bookmark function, but one that is done automatically instead of having the user activate it.

Bottom Line: I love this thing. I'm glad I waited for it. It's priced competitively if you consider all the features. Granted, it doesn't come with any sort of expansion capabilities, but how many of us are going to drop another 80-100 bucks on expansion memory for an MP3 player anyways?

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Great Product
Review: I, like another reviewer, also waited for the right MP3 player to come along. The Pocket Concert has great sound, intuitive controls, and an FM reciever. I consider the FM a big plus just for the option it presents. Had the player for a few days and it seems to be of top quality construction. Only one small problem in installation. If the device gets listed twice in your device manager, you may have to update one of your USB controller files. Fortunately, Intel was smart enough to include this update on the included CD. I think you would be pleased with this MP3 player.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The one you've been waiting for
Review: This is by far the best mp3 player out there. I have been waiting for this to come out for two months and it was worth the wait. I can fit about 25-30 4 or 5 minute songs on there at 128, which is over 2 full hours of music. The buttons and interface couldnt be better- very easy to understand and navigate. A pleasent surprise is how fast songs transfer from my computer to the player, usually only about 15 seconds per song, so you can fully load it in about 5 minutes. The belt clip has worked well for me, but the headphones are pretty gay looking, so you might want to buy some normal ones. buy it now.


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