Amazon.com Review
The return of the 3-inch CD--now rechristened as an "8 cm CD"--was inspired by the popularity of solid-state MP3 players. With no moving parts and only tiny memory cards for information storage, MP3 players require little pocket space. Portable CD players, on the other hand, even in the service of MP3 playback, can't help but be larger than the average MP3 player--which is where the pocket eXpanium comes in.
Philips's EXP401 8 cm CD player is indeed small, measuring a mere 3.5 by 4.5 inches (though it does seem a little thick at 1.25 inches). Since the trays or spindles in most standard CD and DVD players accommodate 3-inchers, and since few commercial baby CDs have seen release outside Japan (where the format continues to thrive), the incentive for investing in a dedicated 8 cm CD player surely isn't prerecorded music. And that's OK, because Philips just might be onto something here.
Using recordable 8 cm CDs and MP3 or AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) compression, one disc can hold more than three hours of music (compared with only 21 or so minutes of CD-quality PCM audio). No encoding software comes with the player, and, of course, you'll need a CD burner to take full advantage of the portability and extended playback. But, properly equipped, the EXP401 is a fun and worthy entry in the MP3-CD field, excelling both ergonomically and sonically.
The player lets you access digital-music files individually or in user-designated folders (called "albums"), simplifying the process of sorting through the 30 to 50 tracks you might end up with on each of your discs. It'll also play "mixed-mode" CDs--that is, discs bearing both linear PCM (CD) and MP3/AAC audio data--but doing so requires manual switching between PCM and MP3 modes.
Philips boasts nearly two minutes of "Magic" electronic skip protection (ESP), and, supernatural or not, we were unable to induce interruptions in our tunes shy of stopping playback or skipping to another track.
In our tests, we were impressed with the player's sound quality (through good headphones), with the player exhibiting ample amplifier power and pleasing, effortless sound from known CD sources. Compressed-audio files vary in their fidelity, of course, but Philips seems to have nailed the analog end of things with a quality headphone jack and volume control. The digital dynamic bass boost is actually useful, with level 1 offering a refreshing boost in the bass only and level 2 jacking the low end even further and introducing a little extra treble as well.
We strongly recommend using a better-sounding, more comfortable set of headphones than the included ear buds. As long as you stick with .125-inch minijack headphones, compatibility with the handy clip-on remote control won't be an issue.
Included in the box are the EXP401, a user's manual, one blank 8 cm CD-R, a limited-function clip-on wired remote control, a pair of ear-bud headphones, and an AC adapter. The EXP401 runs on a single AA battery (not included), from which it derives about three hours of playing time for an MP3-CD with electronic shock protection on (five hours with ESP off), and six hours for standard CD audio (with EPS on or off).
Supported bit rates: MP3: 32 to 320 kbps; AAC: less than or equal to 160 kbps. Total number of music files and albums: around 350 (with a typical file name length of 20 characters). The number of music files that can be played depends on the length of the names, but given the relatively limited storage capacity of the 8 cm discs, this shouldn't pose a problem. --Michael Mikesell
Pros:
- Small size, large storage capacity
- Easy navigability
- Good sound quality
- Hold and resume features
- Supports AAC compression
- Strong anti-skip protection
- Lightweight
- AC adapter included
Cons:
- No ID3 tag support (for artist and song titles)
- Limited battery life with MP3 playback
- Limited non-MP3/AAC applications
- Slightly flimsy build quality
Product Description
The pocket-sized 8cm eXpanium eXp401 is Philips' exciting, new-generation MP3-CD player. Philips has used 'pocket science' to create a miniature player that's 40% smaller than a standard CD player - but still really big on music.The eXp401 uses cheap and convenient 8cm CDs, which hold a full three hours of tunes (compressed at 128 kbps). Simply Rip it! Burn it! Spin it! to compile and play a whole pocket full of your choice in music.
Customer Reviews:
Still in love after all these years..........2006-03-09
I bought two of these from eBay a few years back - one for me, and one for my now-fiancé. I was obsessed with its "small is the new small" style, and I loved its globular, from-the-not-so-distant-future look.
Was I impressed with it? Yes. Am I still? See previous answer. According to the manufacture date, this sexy little number will be five years old this September, and it has yet to cheese me off.
True, it's not a battery conservationist's dream - what high-drain one-battery device manufactured in 2001 is? In the not-so-distant future, I charge two NiMHs, use one, and keep the spare in my pocket. Come on, folks - it only uses ONE BATTERY!
True, it's more than twice the size of my Rio Chiba Urban, which I also adore. But I don't have fifty SD cards, nor do I have the time to write and rewrite to the few that I have. I do, however, have fifty 88-cent 8cm CDRWs, and it takes a heck of a lot less time to write a 192MB CD than it does to transfer 128MB over USB 1.1 - not only that, but the player doesn't need to be anywhere near the computer, sucking batteries, while I'm doing it.
True, it doesn't display song/artist/album information. Neither does the iPod Shuffle, and rich brats are all over those things like a fat cat on a bag of Meow Mix. Besides, you made the CD; you know what's on it. Element of surprise, and all that.
True, it's slightly cheap and plastic-feeling. Here's a news flash from the not-so-distant future, kids: consumer electronics these days are rarely made with an eye for craftsmanship. Both of our units look only slightly worn after years of use, and they have that kind of stylistic "je ne sais quoi" that will have our descendants praising it as we do the Phonospheres of yore.
So yes, it has served me well over the years. It's a shame it's no longer made, to my knowledge. Actually, come to think of it, maybe it's a good thing - I'm the only one (besides my fiancé) who has one, and its kooky kitsch potential will ensure its collectibility in the not-so-distant future.
Great Idea - Needs work........2004-04-16
Bought this for my wife to use at work; was impressed by the resume ability and 2-minute ESD. The resume ability was for her to listen to long audiobooks; as the resume ability does not work (see review by "An electronics fan"), that idea is down the drain. Secondly, also mentioned in "An electronics fan"'s review, the machine turns off if you take a particularly hard step while walking with it in your hand. Pitiful. Will be giving this away and buying a better one.
some problems, but usable.......2003-07-22
I like this product for its convenience, small size, and good sound quality. The mini-CDs hold about 4 hours of music in MP3 format (128 or 160 k-bit) each, and are very easy to carry around with you. As for the battery problem alluded to by previous reviewers, I solve the problem by using rechareable batteries and carry a couple spares with me.
I do have a couple problems: 1) the resume button doesn't work on my machine every since I got it. 2) after a month of use, my player starts shutting off whenever there's a jolt to it or if I drop it into my bag. Perhaps I've not been very careful with it, but the player should be better built than that. I will probably try a different mini-CD player next time, if the problems start to annoy me too much.
finally, one that fits.......2003-06-24
i have been looking for a device to listen to my music on the go, while i am jogging, driving or in the gym. i have tried the card based ones, fullsize cd players and also the hard drive based ones. finally this mini-cd player is the one that fits my life. it doesn't skip at all, even when i was jogging on the road, good idea to get an optional clip. I have a few mini CDRWs and i use them constantly, i fit upto 40 songs on a single disc. this baby works great for me, Battery life is also very good. i have had it for couple of months, as good as new.
Great little player.......2003-03-28
...I tested this out one weekend on the Metro, and also by walking around DC. I listened to it for over five hours, most of them without the ESP turned on, it never skipped while I was walking and the sound/headphones were much better than other unit I have used in the past. Navigation is generally easy, as you can skip by tracks, or skip by alblums, if you burn your songs into folders on the disk. Very easy.
The media is 100X better than memory cards - it is an unbelievable difference if you've ever used MMC or SD cards before. It's cheap ...which unless you are hardcore, is a LOT of storage. I ripped/encoded 25 of my own CDs and they fit on eight mini-CDs, totaling just over 24 hours of music. There is a problem of transportation; I used a Case Logic wallet designed for a full size CD player, and the CDs shifted around a lot. Hopefully someone will address this in the future.
My only complaint is that the unit is generally less sturdy than I would like. If you are careful then it probably won't be a problem, but even when the lid was locked down, it still moved from side to side a little. I was not impressed with that. But I got a two year warranty from BB, so I don't really care.
Product Description
Powerful enough to bring action movies thundering to life, and versatile enough to accept virtually any source material, the AVR 230 is an impressive performer. It has a six-channel, high-current amplifier, and Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, along with Logic 7 Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo: 6 to its credit. Featuring an EzSet remote with on-screen menus, component video switching and seven-channel architecture for adding a full complement of rear surround speakers, it's a home theater system you can grow with.
Amazon.com Product Description
Harman Kardon's future-ready 6.2-channel AVR 230 provides outstanding performance and value with its high-current 50-watts-per-channel amplifier, abundant inputs, high-bandwidth HD-ready component-video switching, and through features such as Harman's exclusive Logic 7 and VMAx surround-sound processing, Triple Crossover bass-management system, multichannel direct inputs for DVD-Audio and SACD, and other enhancements. Power output for the receiver is 6 x 50 watts (6 channels driven), or 2 x 65 watts in stereo (in both cases from 20 to 20,000 Hz into 8-ohm speakers, with less than 0.07 percent THD).
The receiver offers extensive installation flexibility and connectivity, including front-panel audio/video and digital-audio inputs. You also get five A/V inputs, component-video switching for two sources, and a supplied universal remote control featuring patented EzSet automatic speaker-level calibration and advanced system control capabilities.
The unit's authoritative surround processing includes the two major surround formats, Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1, as well as the latest 6.1-channel incarnations, like Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES. A 6.1 configuration adds a rear-center speaker to the standard 5.1 setup of front left/right, front center, and rear left/right surround, with the ".1" representing the low-frequency effects channel handled by your powered subwoofer. The AVR 230 offers two subwoofer outputs in case you're using separate left/right subs in your system. Two proprietary Harman audio technologies, Logic 7 7.1/5.1, and VMAx, deliver heightened sonic realism from surround sound and stereo audio source material.
The AVR 230's Triple Crossover bass management is critical for balancing the inputs from different surround formats--including the 6/8-channel "direct" analog inputs to accommodate playback of high-resolution digital-audio formats such as DVD-Audio and SACD. The receiver's bass management seamlessly integrates these formats with any speaker system, regardless of the capabilities of the playback device.
Select from three different bass-crossover frequencies for the front, center, and surround speakers to perfectly tailor the audio output fed to each set of speakers for optimum frequency response and performance. This compensates for the absence of bass management on many high-resolution optical players (like DVD-Audio or multichannel SACD players) so you can enjoy the maximum sonic benefits from high-resolution formats.
What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, a quick-setup guide, and warranty information.
Customer Reviews:
Nice looks, nice sounds.......2004-10-28
First and foremost, this unit sounds very good! In the week that I have had it, I have had no problems. Changing between Dolby modes, DTS modes, and the many, many other modes is simple. The manual is quite thorough and has not yet left me with an unanswered question. The manual can be downloaded online, which I did to help make my purchase decision.
The onscreen display is very nice, but don't expect beautiful graphics onscreen.
Additionally, the unit has plenty of inputs for many different component types, as well as multiple audio and video input types per component.
The remote is very usable, but unfortunately, it will most likely not replace the remotes for your other components, so be prepared to flip flop between remotes (or pony up the money to buy a Harmony remote).
AVR 230.......2004-09-15
If you have any doubts about buying this receiver, don't worry. The looks are great and it powers my JBL speakers superbly. I was a little afraid about setting up the system (I'm using a Panasonic plasma TV, HDTV satellite TV receiver, DVD, VCR, and JBL 6.1 surround) but it was fairly easy. The instructions are pretty good, but you do have to read them in order to maximize use of all the features. The EZ setup for the speaker levels worked great. I'm really satisfied with this system and highly recommend it.
The only thing that could be improved is the remote control, but I haven't found one yet that is perfect.
Average customer rating:
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Horizontal Leather Case with Belt Clip/Loop for the LG VX6000
Manufacturer: Gomadic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
 Wireless
| Handheld & PDA Accessories
| Accessories & Supplies
| Categories
| Electronics
| Casio
| Dell
| Garmin
| HP
| HandEra
| Handspring
| IBM
| JVC
| NEC
| Nokia
| Palm
| Sharp
| Sony
| Toshiba
| ViewSonic
| Zayo
Product Features:
- Classically designed to compliment any clothing style or fabric
- Slim fitting case for the LG VX6000
- Includes high quality and detachable belt clip and optional belt loop slot
- Protect your device from scratches - Functionality with a streamlined shape
- Secure Magnetic snap closure for quick and easy access
ASIN: B000GT5X4S |
Product Description
Eschew clunky; unattractive solutions for device protection and keep your tech safe with luxury and style. Gomadic's new Horizontal Leather Carrying Case w/ Optional Belt Clip was specifically created to fill the aperture between utilitarian need and aesthetic excellence; making it a must-have for the urbane nomadic user. In today's competitive marketplace; the choices you make define your commitment to your occupation. The Gomadic leather case says you care about both your appearance and the devices on which you have come to depend. Hand-made from smooth; premium black leather with a felt lining that feels silken to the touch; Gomadic's leather case will neatly store and transport your mobile device; providing an elegant way to protect your PDA from the potentially-damaging elements. Uniquely designed with a quick release magnetic closure system; you will gain fast; convenient access to your PDA without sacrificing the crisp; classic look that excludes professionalism and success
Product Description
CyberPower offers the most dependable line of uninterruptible power supplies on the market today. Whether you need reliable and affordable protection for a single PC, or state of the art power protection for your company's server, CyberPower has the solution.PRODUCT FEATURES:Battery Run-times from 38-80 minutes;Compact design with extended outlets to accommodate transformer block adapter;Automatic Voltage Regulation Controls over-voltages, blackouts and brownouts;All outlets are surge-protected at 1500 joules;Compact design with extended outlets to accommodate transformer block adapter;PowerPanel Plus Software saves your open files and automatically shuts down your computer when power is lost;Contains two 7.2 AH Batteries for extended Run-Times.
Average customer rating:
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Hitachi 61SWX01W 61" Widescreen Progressive Scan Projection Color TV
Manufacturer: Hitachi
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
TVs
| Refurbished & Used
| Special Features
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Audio & Video
| Refurbished & Used
| Special Features
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Hitachi
| Brands
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
By Size
| TVs & HDTVs
| Audio & Video
| Categories
| Electronics
All Projection TVs
| Projection TVs
| TVs & HDTVs
| Audio & Video
| Categories
| Electronics
Analog Rear-Projection TVs
| Projection TVs
| TVs & HDTVs
| Audio & Video
| Categories
| Electronics
All Analog TVs
| CRT TVs
| TVs & HDTVs
| Audio & Video
| Categories
| Electronics
ASIN: B00005O79D |
Product Description
Hitachi is one of the world's leading global electronics companies. The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment.The wide screen televisions from Hitachi are feature-rich and deliver outstanding video quality and sound clarity, supporting the latest advantages in the audio and video reproduction technologies. This television set is HDTV compatible with multiple lens-and-focusing systems that ensure the best picture look and features Dolby Digital and Pro Logic surround sound, bringing the ultimate experience to your home.
Product Description
If you're saddled with an older 14" or 15" monitor there is no reason for you to delay upgrading to the new standard 17" monitor. While most monitors of this size feature the standard .28mm dot pitch, this CTX model boasts a higher .25mm pitch for clearer, crisper pictures and more vivid imaging. With a maximum resolution of 1600x1200, you'll have the kind of computer desktop you've always dreamed of with room for every application, icon and animated cursor you want! Check out the price and ask yourself, " Is there any reason why I shouldn't move up to a 17" monitor?" The answer is no. Go ahead and see what you've been missing!
Amazon.com Product Description
The CTX VL710S is suitable for families or businesses for whom space is at a premium. This model uses the Hitachi/Panasonic short-length tube and a Windows 98-assisted USB hub. Its 17-inch screen, with 0.25mm dot pitch and maximum resolution of 1,600 x 1,200, produces crisp, clear images, making this monitor ideal for desktop publishing, Web design, or photo editing. Additional features include onscreen controls, an invar shadow mask, 160 Hz maximum refresh rate, and attached D-15 signal cable. CTX backs this offer with a three-year warranty.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Monitor.......2001-01-23
This is a great monitor, graphics are extremely clear. Very vivid colors. Easy to assemble and basically plug and play. 9 control buttons at the base of the monitor. To adjust color, brightness, contrast, etc. I am very satisfied with this purchase. 17" is a great size easy for the kids to see and doesnt appear huge. Hope this helps.
Average customer rating:
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Genicom Serial Matrix Model 930 9Pin Nar 28Kb Par Serial 115V
Manufacturer: Genicom
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
Dot Matrix
| Printers
| Office Electronics
| Categories
| Electronics
Office Electronics
| Refurbished & Used
| Special Features
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Test Printer Node
| Custom Stores
| Specialty Stores
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Product Features:
- PAR SER 110V ESC/P IBM PPR 7PART
ASIN: B00004Z9K7 |
Product Description
Genicom markets serial matrix, line matrix, and laser printers with performance features and prices suitable for a variety of printing applications. Besides offering a wide range of technologies and print speeds, Genicom printers offer multiple combinations of features that make them suitable for diverse applications. Genicom printers are used with desktop workstations and with various networks and stand-alone configurations in conjunction with micro-, mini-, super-mini and mainframe computers.The Serial Matrix 930 printer is a low-cost, feature-rich solution that satisfies the top priorities of personal workstation printer users. Genicom 930 has a narrow carriage for 80-column documents, four print speeds providing fast document throughput. It has high-quality print resolution and is designed for years of reliable printing.
Average customer rating:
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Enhanced Resusable Screen Protector for Dell X50 /X51
Manufacturer: classicPDA
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
Cases & Screen Protectors
| Handheld & PDA Accessories
| Accessories & Supplies
| Categories
| Electronics
| Casio
| Dell
| Garmin
| HP
| Handera
| Handspring
| IBM
| JVC
| NEC
| Nokia
| Palm
| Sharp
| Sony
| Toshiba
| ViewSonic
| Zayo
Product Features:
- 0.25 mm thick high quality PDA protection film
- Protects the screen from wear and scratches.
- Reduced screen glare and reflection make screen more colorful.
- Durable, removable, reusable and washable.
- Anti-static electricity blocks unwanted dust.
ASIN: B000B9J6W8 |
Product Description
High quality extra-thick reusable film screen protector for Dell X50
* Included: Cotton paper to clean the PDA
* Soft card over the LCD to get rid of the bubbles.
Average customer rating:
- Great Paper
- Epson Papers
- Great photo paper
- epson premium luster paper
- Great paper
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Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper Twin Pack (8.5x11, 100 Sheets, S041405-Bundle)
Manufacturer: Epson
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics
Epson
| Camera & Photo Brands
| Camera & Photo Features
| Electronics
Glossy Finish
| Photo Quality Paper
| Paper & Other Media
| Printer Accessories
| Accessories & Supplies
| Categories
| Electronics
All Accessories
| Printer Accessories
| Accessories & Supplies
| Categories
| Electronics
Paper
| Epson
| Custom Brands
| Custom Stores
| Specialty Stores
| Electronics Features
| Electronics
Paper
| Paper, Forms & Envelopes
| Office Supplies
| Categories
| Office Products
| Calculator & Cash Register Rolls
| Color Copier Paper
| Colored Copy Paper
| Continuous Computer Paper
| Copy & Multipurpose Paper (White)
| Cover & Card Stock
| Craft Paper
| Design Papers
| Facsimile Paper
| Filler Paper
| Financial & Medical Paper Rolls
| Fine Business Stationery
| Graph Paper
| Inkjet Printer Paper
| Laser Printer Paper
| Preperforated
| Preperforated Punched Paper
| Reinforcements
| Wide-Format Plotter Paper
Photo & Specialty Paper
| Paper, Forms & Envelopes
| Office Supplies
| Categories
| Office Products
| Color Inkjet Printer Paper
| Inkjet Photo Paper
| Laser Photo Paper
Similar Items:
-
Epson Premium Luster Photo Paper (8.5x11, 50 Sheets)
-
Epson S041407 Premium Luster Photo Paper 13 X 19 (50-Sheet)
-
Epson S041406 Premium Luster Photo Paper 11.7 X 16.5 Inches (50-Sheet)
-
Epson S041727 Premium Gloss Photo Paper (4x6, 100 Sheets)
-
Epson Yellow Ink Cartridge (T054420)
Product Features:
- Two 50-sheet packages of white photo paper
- Luster surface finish
- Convenient 8.5-by-11-inch size
- 97 brightness rating, 97% opacity
- 240 g/m2 weight, 10 mil thickness
ASIN: B0001Z5S4W |
Customer Reviews:
Great Paper.......2006-07-01
The epson luster paper is the best photo quality paper I have ever found! I print a lot of full page pictures and this paper always has great results.
Epson Papers.......2006-03-09
Epson papers and Epson inks used with Epson printers are the best there are!
Great photo paper.......2005-12-20
If you want your photos to have that studio feel, then this is the paper for you. The portraits I've printed on my R1800 look like they came from a studio. Great paper!
epson premium luster paper.......2005-10-14
Great product. The only paper I use as a professional photographer for portraits and weddings! Great price as well.
Great paper.......2005-09-23
I would recomend this paper for anyone. I am printing my wedding pictures using it.
Electronics:
- Philips EXP411 Pocket Expanium MP3-CD Player
- Philips EXP431 Pocket MP3-CD Player with Song Title Display
- Philips FW-D5 DVD Home Theater Compact Stereo System
- Philips GoGear Wearable Digital Camcorder
- Philips HDD6330 30 GB MP3 Player
- Philips HDRW720 DVD Recorder with 120 GB Hard Drive
- Philips KEY0010/17 128MB 2MP USB Key Ring Camera
- Philips KEY006 128MB MP3/WMA Player/Thumb Drive with Neck Strap Remote
- Philips KEY014 Wearable 256 MB MP3 Player
- Philips Magnavox DVD611AT DVD Player
Electronics
Electronics
Motorized SkipDoctor by Digital Innovations (Model 1013000)
Sony MDR-V700DJ DJ Style Monitor Series Headphones
Fellowes Nylon CD Wallet (224-Disc Capacity)
Fellowes Nylon CD Album (320-Disc Capacity)
Sennheiser HD570 Traditional Over-Ear Open Dynamic Hi-Fi Stereo Headphones (Black)
