Rio Cali 256mb - mp3 player suggestions??

[HumanShell]

I'm looking to get an mp3 player/fm tuner for the gym/running/hockey etc... I was looking at the Rio Cali 256mb version, which is made to withstand some physical abuse, has 256mb internal memory with an SD expansion slot of up to 512mb extra, fm tuner and a stop watch (heh). Rated to go for 18hrs of continuous play from one AAA. They're going for $180 retail. Anyone have one of these they can comment on?

If you've got an mp3 player you use for this, can you tell me about it. Thanks....as payment for your time I offer up some green!

 

[BrandonXJ]

Well I'm an apple fanboy so I'd tell you to get an ipod or ipod mini. Obviously more storage, and I'm not sure of the pc software for the rio, but itunes is a snap. Of course there's no FM tuner with the pods so that could be a downside, but I never really listen to the radio anyways.. if you do end up getting the cali be sure to let us know how you like it.

 

[HumanShell]

One reason I want the FM tuner, there are some radio programs that I like listening to in the early mornings when I sometimes go running. I've also got $50 in best buy reward certificates to use, so that'd drop the cash I have to pay down to $120 (or less if I can find it cheaper than $180 and price match)...plus, it'd give me another $5 off coupon for a future purchase.

If I go with the player though, I will let EF know.

 

[Y_lifter]

http://www.dealtime.com/xPO-Mpio_FL100_256_MB

 

[Y_lifter]

http://www.mpio.com/goods/fl100.php

 

[HumanShell]

Surely someone can give some feedback on the player(s) they own?

 

[Y_lifter]

Surely someone can give some feedback on the player(s) they own?

I did the research, and the one I posted kicked all ass for a Non Hard drive based unit..

 

[mekannik]

I have the RIO S-10. Only 64Mbs, but I upped the software with a patch from RIO's site - and slapped in a 512M SD card.

This thing is (practically) indestructible. Dropped. Excessive chalk. Travelling in my gym bag. One lite scratch on the view screen. No need to worry about skipping from jogging/jumping/dropping thanks to no hard drive (iPod).

 

[HumanShell]

Well, I decided to go with the iRiver 890t 256mb player. One thing, it's not gonna be at retail until the end of the month. So, I bought the previous model of it, the 390t, which is basically the same except for exterior design, has usb1.0 instead of 2.0 on the 890, and only gets 24hrs per battery compared to 40 on the 890. I'm going to exchange for the new model when it comes out. They both use the iRiver software to transfer files back and forth to the computer. USB 1.0 is slow, can't wait for the new model to come out. Radio reception is good and strong, up to 20 presets. You can organize your mp3s via folders (not sure about playlists yet) or put them in the root directory. You place them in the order you want them to be on the player. There are multiple shuffle and repeat selections. It sounds good with the included earbud headphones, lacking bass...gonna need to pick up some higher quality ones. I'll let you know how I like it after some use.

Here's the 390t

256MB Internal Storage
MP3, WMA, and ASF Music Files Supported
Integrated digital FM Tuner with Presets
Record to Player Directly From FM Tuner
Built-in Voice Recorder
Line in encoding
Weighs only 32 grams (without battery)
Ultra small design (91 x 35 x 26.7 mm)
USB connection to your computer
Up to 24 hours of battery life

And here is the 890t

256MB Internal Storage
MP3, WMA, and OGG Music Files Supported
Integrated digital FM Tuner with Presets
Record to Player Directly From FM Tuner
Built-in Voice Recorder
Line in encoding
Weighs 40 grams (without battery)
Ultra small design (88.5 x 36.2 x 23.7 mm)
USB 2.0 connection to your computer
Up to 40 hours of battery life

 

[Daisy_Girl]

I have a Rio and I love it. Only thing is, I wouldn't believe the estimated battery life. When playing MP3s, I get about 12-15 hrs of life. It kinda sucks, but sometimes I listen to the radio more, that will extend battery life.

I have dropped it on concrete, dropped it off the top of the StepMill, dropped it on a treadmill, dropped it on the weight room floor, left it in a burning hot car (desert heat, ~115 degrees), piled books on top of it (in a bookbag) and it has been totally fine.