Features:
- 192 MB of built-in flash memory for up to 6 hours of skip-free music
- Supports MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio)
- Expandable via optional Rio memory backpacks
- Rechargeable NiMH battery; comes with AC adapter, headphones, case, and cassette adapter
- USB connectivity; compatible with both Windows and Mac
Description:
The Rio 900 is a portable digital audio player with enough memory to hold 6 hours of MP3 or WMA digital music, and a rechargeable battery that gives you up to 10 full hours of listening enjoyment. The Rio 900 offers 192 megabytes (MB) of memory, compatibility with both MP3 and WMA audio files, skip-free playback, great sound, and a large, backlit display. You'll also enjoy the freedom to play MP3 music from your Rio 900 in the car with the included Rio car cassette adapter. Playback
This player supports MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files. The most important factor in digital audio quality is the bit rate at which the file is created. This is a measure of the number of kilobits per second (Kbps) used to store the audio. More kilobits per second equates to higher-quality audio. For achieving near-CD-quality audio, the standard bit rate for MP3 audio is 128 Kbps and 64 Kbps for WMA files. The low standard bit rate of WMA files, a compressed audio alternative from Microsoft, is not necessarily bad. A WMA file encoded at 64 Kbps will have a sound quality equivalent to MP3 files encoded at 128 Kbps. Memory and Transfer
With a 192 MB memory, the Rio 900 can hold over 3 hours of MP3 files or 6 hours of WMA files (encoded at the standard rates mentioned above). This player uses flash memory, which is also referred to as "solid state"--meaning that there are no moving parts in the memory. (A hard drive, on the other hand, has a spinning disk.) This makes the Rio 900 more durable and eliminates skipping. You can also add more music to the Rio 900 using optional Rio memory backpacks. To transfer files from your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. USB connectivity offers fast data throughput with rates of up to 12 Mb (megabits) per second. It's also "hot-swappable," meaning you can add or remove devices from the computer while it's running. Compatibility and Software
The Rio 900 is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98, 98 SE, 2000, Me, and XP. Because it uses USB connectivity, it is not compatible with Windows 95 or NT 4.0. The Rio 900 is also compatible with Macintoshes running OS 9.04 or later. With both Windows and Mac systems you will need an available USB port. Use the included RealOne (for Windows) or Apple iTunes (for Mac) software to manage your digital audio library as well as create (or "rip") MP3 and WMA files from your CDs. Contents
The Rio 900 is powered by an internal rechargeable battery, which is charged by the included AC adapter. This package comes with a pair of folding headphones, carrying case with belt clip, car cassette adapter, CD-ROM with software for Windows and Mac, and a printed guide to getting started. It is backed by a one-year limited warranty. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
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