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Full user review
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26 out of 28 people found this review helpful
1.5 stars
"Buyers Beware!"
Pros: Does Ogg, FLAC, WMA, etc. the only one on the market that supports as many codecs
Cons: Reliability!
Summary: Okay, so I first got one of these as a logical upgrade from the 256MB Rio Chiba (which was a fantastic solid state memory product). My immediate reaction was "WOW! This a a Chiba on steroids!" The output potential was loud enough that I put away my headphone amp, and the ability to do nearly uncompressed FLAC and Ogg was AWSOME! This guy puts out fantastic audio, even for critical listeners. Additionally the dock that it came with bolsters analog audio RCA's out, and an ethernet connection for streaming audio! Featurewise this little gem pounded the iPod, and made my iPod toting buddy jealous! Then the problems started. The Lock ups occurred after minor impacts and would put the hour glass loading symbol on screen while the hard drive clicked and spun - it would do this until the battery was dead. Not very cool in the middle of a 6 hour nike ride. Well that happened several times in rapid succession until the fourth or fifth time and that time the thing killed itself.
So, thank God for replacement warrenty programs. I exchanged it, same thing happened, only in less time. Exchanged it again, same thing. Again and again. 5 times in total!!!! The last time it locked up I traded in for an iPod. I've transcoded a lot of my music files from Ogg to MP3 - that really sucks. If you check the forums at www.riovolution.com you will see LOADS of stories like mine. I realize they are not endorsed by this site, but it is more buyer feedback.
In summery, this is a great device to hook up to a home stereo. Don't take it with you anywhere, not even in the car - you might ruin it! This is not a solid portable device!
- 3 replies to this review
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The harddrives are known to crash but did you at least try to reset the unit? I have had two rios for years and had 5 crashes. They all were restorable with the reset button. Nothing permenant ever happened. My rios get abused all the time. They fall off my desk, out of my hand, and everywhere. Maybe reconsider your rating. I think its better than those stupid overpriced ipods.
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Yes, it's quite sad that alot of Rio Karmas aren't so durable, but that shouldn't eclipse the great power of the Karma.
My Karma locked up plenty of times for no apparent reason, but nothing a pin and a reset button couldn't fix. I've learned over time, you need to hold onto your Karma while running/walking. I have had no problems since. You have to remember there is a small HD inside which will tend to skip. -
Yes, it's quite sad that alot of Rio Karmas aren't so durable, but that shouldn't eclipse the great power of the Karma.
My Karma locked up plenty of times for no apparent reason, but nothing a pin and a reset button couldn't fix. I've learned over time, you need to hold onto your Karma while running/walking. I have had no problems since. You have to remember there is a small HD inside which will tend to skip.
