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RipFlash DX 128MB Digital Voice Recorder and MP3/WMA Player
Manufacturer: PoGo! Products ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00006RVH1 |
Product Description
Using the efficient WMA format, you can record over 30 hours of voice quality or up to 4 hours of near CD quality music using the onboard microphone or line-in connector? all without using a computer! Transfer your existing MP3 and WMA files to the RipFlash DX using the fast USB connection.Amazon.com Product Description
Early Adopters Pick: March 2003 This RipFlash is the first Flash-memory-based combination MP3 player, MP3 recorder, and voice recorder. It lets you record directly from any audio device, such as a portable CD player, record player, tape player, or even radio, into the RipFlash's 128 MB internal storage without the use of a PC.This RipFlash is a first-of-its-kind Flash-memory-based combination MP3 player, MP3 recorder, and voice recording device that actually turns analog audio into high-quality MP3 data--without the need for a desktop PC. This allows you to record directly from any audio device, such as a portable CD player, record player, tape player, or even radio, into the RipFlash's 128 MB internal storage. It also has a Smart Media Card slot for additional memory. In addition, you can upload and download MP3s traditionally, using a desktop PC and USB cable.
Quick voice messages are a snap using the recorder's internal microphone. A high-quality stereo microphone (not included) will suffice for recording anything from live music to training seminars. The recordings can be played back through the onboard internal speaker, through the included ear bud headphones, or through any home or car audio system using the appropriate cables.
The efficient WMA format gives you over 30 hours of voice-quality or up to four hours of near-CD-quality music. RipFlash can detect the "gap" between the tracks of a CD when recording, so each song on the CD is saved as an easily identifiable individual MP3 file. The unit is supplied with ear buds (with in-line remote control), a direct recording (line-in) interconnect, a USB cable, and CD software.
Customer Reviews:
Super sucks!.......2004-02-19
8 Hour Voice Recorder at Great Price!.......2004-01-27
Great solution for mp3/wma listening and recording.......2003-09-20
REMARKABLE RECORDER/PLAYER for its size and price........2003-08-21
A great product!.......2003-08-17
The RipFlash DX was 50% less, and it is really nice! It's very light, you don't even know you have it in your pocket, it has great sound, and the buttons are well thought out. One of the nicest features is that you can record from any line out source, like a cd player or radio in wma format. It sounds cd quality! So if I'm listening to the radio I can just hit the record when I want to record a song. No more getting music from Kazaa (it's starting to worry me now that they're busting individuals)!
The batteries last forever, it seems, which is really great because my pda's don't last long at all. And the nice thing about not having a rechargeable battery is that you can always take a few batteries with you. I've had rechargeables go dead right when I was into an audiobook, and I had no choice but wait til the next day.
Another important feature is the expandable memory. Pop in a 256mb mm card and you have plenty of space. Many mp3 players aren't expandable these days, which I can't figure out. Anyway, buy this mp3 player, you will not be disappointed!
Average customer rating:
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RipFlash PLUS 128MB Digital MP3 Player with Voice Recorder
Manufacturer: PoGo! Products ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00006RVH2 |
Product Description
The RipFlash PLUS is not only a full featured MP3/WMA Player with fast USB connectivity, but also records MP3 files using the on board microphone for voice and live recording or directly from any audio source, such as a CD player, through its line-in connector. Create MP3 files without a PC!Amazon.com Product Description
The RipFlash PLUS is a first-of-its-kind Flash-memory-based combination MP3 player, MP3 recorder, and voice recording device that actually turns analog audio into high-quality MP3 data--without the need for a desktop PC. This means it's possible to record directly from any audio device, such as a portable CD player, record player, tape player, or even radio, into the RipFlash's 128 MB internal storage. It has a Smart Media Card slot for additional memory, and you can also upload and download MP3s traditionally, using a desktop PC and USB cable.Quick voice messages are a snap using the recorder's internal microphone. A high-quality stereo microphone (not included) will suffice for recording anything from live music to training seminars. The recordings can be played back through the onboard internal speaker, through the included earbud headphones, or through any home or car audio system using the appropriate cables.
The efficient WMA format provides over 30 hours of voice quality or up to four hours of near-CD-quality music. RipFlash can detect the "gap" between the tracks of a CD when recording, so each song on the CD is saved as an easily identifiable individual MP3 file. The unit is supplied with earbuds, a direct recording (line-in) interconnect, a USB cable, CD software, and an arm band/belt case.
Customer Reviews:
Windows-Only, Faulty Software.......2005-01-25
Outstanding product and unsophisticated interface.......2004-12-29
BUYER BEWARE!!!!!.......2004-08-13
RipFlash Plus: know what you're getting into.......2004-07-03
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It produces decent sound quality, though the recordings have a constant low-level hum in the background.
Two main problems with the unit make it very problematic for capturing recordings:
1) The software provided (and required) to download the sound files to computer over USB is very flakey - sometimes it works, sometimes does not connect, sometimes downloads only part of the sound file but indicates it is "done." This happens on both of the newer Dell computers that I've tried it on. By contrast, all other devices I attach to the USB ports on these same computers exchange files flawlessly.
2) The RipFlash Plus is able to hold a SmartMedia card and record to it. This would seem to be an alternative to downloading through the USB connection - just remove the SmartMedia card, insert it into your computers card reader, and copy off the files. BUT . . . the ejector button on the RipFlash broke the second time I ejected a card, and appears likely to break on any unit. The ejector button pushes the card out with two very tiny brittle plastic tabs. It takes almost nothing to break one (in my case, just ejecting the card did it.) Then, you can't get the card out, or if you do fish it out, you can no longer position it in correctly without the button in place.
Regarding customer support . . . when the unit arrived in the mail, I discovered that they had thrown in a "voice activated TV remote" - at no charge, and without any advance notice - a device they don't sell on their site. I can't imagine anything more useless than that so I tossed it immediately. After obtaining an RMA from them and returning the broken RipFlash, they at first tried to charge me a "restocking" fee for the useless recorder. After I put my credit card company on their case, they finally refunded the full amount. Then, they decided they needed to charge me $40 for the throw-away remote that they had sent unsolicited, so they made a new charge on my card for it.
You might want to consider the options before you decide to try the RipFlash Plus.
Rob
Great sounding, stable, AAA battery-driven gem........2004-05-19
Average customer rating:
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RipFlash 128MB Digital Voice Recorder and MP3 Player/Recorder
Manufacturer: PoGo! Products ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B000066HOH |
Product Description
The RipFlash PLUS is not only a full featured MP3/WMA Player with fast USB connectivity, but also records MP3 files using the on board microphone for voice and live recording or directly from any audio source, such as a CD player, through its line-in connector. Create MP3 files without a PC!Amazon.com Review
Outstanding sound quality and a low price make the RipFlash an excellent flash memory-based MP3 player. However, its ability to record MP3s in real time via the built-in microphone or line-in connection takes this player to the next level. Whether you want to record a lecture or convert your old LPs and tapes to MP3, this versatile little player gets the job done.Smaller than a pack of cards and weighing just 65 grams, the RipFlash looks like an ordinary MP3 player. Installation was simple using the quick-start guide. We just loaded the MP3 Manager software on our PC, then connected the player to our USB port and copied our MP3 and WMA files to the unit.
When we put on the earbud-style headphones to take a listen, we were surprised by what a clear, noise-free, rich sound the RipFlash delivered. The lows were especially robust, giving bass rhythms a visceral feel, and the built-in equalizer let us optimize the sound for classical, rock, pop, or jazz. The unit's small display was easy to read and the buttons on the front and sides were logically laid out and easy to press.
To test the recording capabilities, we simply pressed the record button and started talking. The sensitive, built-in microphone recorded our speech clearly and accurately. The line-in jack on the top of the unit lets you connect it to any audio device, such as a tape player or a CD player, and for us this performed equally well. Using the menu-based interface, you can set the recording-quality bit rate. For instance, you can record voice at a lower quality for up to 30 hours of recording time, or record music at a higher quality for less recording time. Either way, it's simple to copy the MP3 files back onto your PC, so you can send them via e-mail or burn them to CD.
Of course, since the RipFlash uses flash memory and has no moving parts, it's impervious to shocks and jolts. It runs on two AAA batteries, offering about 9 to 10 hours of playback, and comes with a wristband. In addition to its built-in memory, its memory can be expanded via a SmartMedia card.
Low price, excellent sound quality, and, most of all, the ability to record audio directly into MP3 format, make the RipFlash easy to recommend to music aficionados who want to record live audio, students looking to record lectures, or anyone who needs an easy way to record dictation. --Ken Feinstein
Pros:
Customer Reviews:
My Adventures with the Ripflash Player.......2005-08-31
Think twice before buying a RipFlash.......2004-07-03
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Two main problems with the unit make it very problematic for capturing recordings:
1) The software provided (and required) to download the sound files to computer over USB is very flakey - sometimes it works, sometimes does not connect, sometimes downloads only part of the sound file but indicates it is "done." This happens on both of the newer Dell computers that I've tried it on. By contrast, all other devices I attach to the USB ports on these same computers exchange files flawlessly.
2) The RipFlash Plus is able to hold a SmartMedia card and record to it. This would seem to be an alternative to downloading through the USB connection - just remove the SmartMedia card, insert it into your computers card reader, and copy off the files. BUT . . . the ejector button on the RipFlash broke the second time I ejected a card, and appears likely to break on any unit. The ejector button pushes the card out with two very tiny brittle plastic tabs. It takes almost nothing to break one (in my case, just ejecting the card did it.) Then, you can't get the card out, or if you do fish it out, you can no longer position it in correctly without the button in place.
Regarding pogoproducts.com customer support . . . when the unit arrived in the mail, I discovered that they had thrown in a "voice activated TV remote" - at no charge, and without any advance notice - a device they don't sell on their site. I can't imagine anything more useless than that so I tossed it immediately. After obtaining an RMA from them and returning the broken RipFlash, they at first tried to charge me a "restocking" fee for the useless recorder. After I put my credit card company on their case, they finally refunded the full amount. Then, they decided they needed to charge me $40 for the throw-away remote that they had sent unsolicited, so they made a new charge on my card for it.
You might want to consider the options before you decide to try the RipFlash Plus.
Rob
Excellent compact device.......2003-09-30
RipFlash.......2003-07-15
Great performance, Poor ergonomics.......2003-05-16
What I like about the RipFlash:
1) Since receiving the unit about 6 months ago I find myself using it for *SO* many things I never thought it would be good for. For example: The "Line In" allows you to capture sound from ANY audio/video or audio-only source. Big deal, right? Well I happen to subscribe to an Internet real estate service that hosts ALL of the author's lectures in streaming media format. Very inconvenient if you don't want to sit in front of the computer for 40+ hours to listen to all the tapes. Enter the PoGo. I unplugged my PC's speakers, plugged in the PoGo (it comes with a Line-In patch cord) into the back of my PC, pressed the "Record" button on the PoGo, clicked the audio file I wanted to capture, then walked away for 1/2 an hour. After downloading several hour's worth (since it is voice-only capture I picked a lower quality level, which uses less memory) I transferred the files from the PoGo to the PC as MP3 files, then burned the real estate lectures onto several audio CDs. Now I can listen any time - anywhere - to what originally forced me to sit in front of my computer for hours!
That's just one example of an innovative use for this product. There are literally dozens of useful applications - I think of a new one every few weeks!
2) Software for the PC is good, easy to use, and uploads/downloads are pretty darn fast using the provided USB cable.
Now for the things I don't like:
1) Battery life. Uses 2 standard Alkaline batteries. They last about 10 hours. I found the "Ultra" batteries go about 50% longer, but they cost more. There is no way to plug in an external power supply.
2) Documentation is poor. REALLY poor. There are actually CUT OUT pieces of paper with new print on them covering the old print in the manual!!!
3) Menu doesn't work well for deleting specific files. Since this base model doesn't identify songs/entries by title, you only get to reference entries by number. The numbers change (re-number again) as you delete entries. I've found the best way around this is to use the PC software that comes with the unit.
4) No back-lighting for the display. Hard to view in low-light conditions.
(Number 3 and Number 4 are addressed in the RipFlash Plus - spend the few extra bucks - it's worth it!)
5) Ear bud headphones sound great, but you gotta have BIG ear holes to have them fit comfortably. I can't go longer than 1/2 an hour before it hurts.
I'm very happy with my RipFlash over-all, but I'd recommend spending the few extra bucks to get one of the more expensive RipFlash models of this product line.
Average customer rating:
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BoomGear MP-900 256MB MP3 Player/SD Slot/FM Tuner/Voice Recorder
Manufacturer: Boomgear ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics Accessories:
Product Features:
ASIN: B00024608U |
Amazon Product Description
Today, fans of MP3 players have a variety of options from which to choose. Those who prefer super-high capacity players -- some of which are capable of storing over 10,000 songs -- should look into hard drive-based players such as Apple's iPod or Creative Labs' Nomad Jukebox. Those who want removable media will want to investigate MP3 CD players such as Panasonic's SL line. But if budget, size, and durability are a priority, flash memory-based players are the way to go. Substantially smaller and less expensive than most of the alternatives and utilizing shockproof flash memory rather than comparatively fragile hard drives or CDs, flash memory players deliver excellent bang for the buck. The tradeoff is capacity - flash memory players simply can't store as many songs as some of the pricier units. Nevertheless, most can handle several hours of music, more than enough for most music enthusiasts.One such flash memory player is the BoomGear MP-900. At 3.75 by 1.2 by .7 inches and just 1.1 ounce (without battery), it isn't much larger than a cigarette lighter. The unit supports two of today's most popular music file formats -- WMA and MP3 -- with enough storage space for up to eight hours of music (WMA format) and up to four hours of music (MP3 format). Furthermore, the MP-900 features a Secure Digital memory card slot, allowing you to add an extra 512 MB memory to its built-in 256 MB and thus increase the storage capacity threefold. The system accepts one AAA battery for up to eight hours of continuous playback.
But the MP-900 is much more than an MP3/WMA player. With just a couple of button presses, it's an FM tuner too. Or an FM recorder. In fact, you can even record your own voice via its integrated microphone or capture other sources via its line-in jack. Other amenities include a five-way user selectable EQ, automatic FM station scanning, song title/information display and nifty blue LED backlight. The MP-900 connects to your computer via a USB port.
Features
Product Description
The MP-900 high quality, multi format player features a 256MB Memory capacity, with an extra of 512MB possible through the SD slot. It features the Text to Speech ability and the voice recording/ audio recording. You can also use this unit for Hands-free cellular phone use. The elegant MP-900 features a great package of specs and features, making it the most advanced MP3 player in the market.Customer Reviews:
Feature Rich Expandable MP3 and FM player/recorder .......2005-05-18
Deceptive descriptions.......2004-07-30
Terrible Documentation, Inaccurate Feature List.......2004-07-08
Be warned. This product is not very good.
Electronics: