Finis SwiMP3 review

Without a doubt, Finis's SwiMP3 (128MB, $250) is the most unusual MP3 player we've seen to date. While the company doesn't specialize in portable audio devices, its many years of experience making advanced training equipment for swimmers are well implemented in the SwiMP3. And although the player could use a few notable improvements, competitive and casual swimmers alike will certainly see the appeal of the device.

You wear the SwiMP3 in the water, and the player comes attached to Finis's Lane 4 goggles, though you may use your own. The main downfall of this design is that it places the controls, which consist of three buttons (on/off, next/volume up, and previous/volume down), on the back of the head. Because the keys are already stiff and difficult to press, our test swimmer had to remove the player and goggles every time she needed to adjust the volume or change songs. There's no LCD on the player, but this isn't an issue, considering its simplistic interface and minimalist features.

Attached by wires to the control unit are the two custom sound units. These are flat discs that you place against each cheekbone; the Finis SwiMP3 uses bone conduction to produce sound. In other words, sound vibrations are passed through your bones to your inner ear. Be careful not to place the discs directly over your ear, otherwise the above-water sound is so loud and shrill that it may damage your hearing. Finis includes a pair of earplugs, which are useful as an extra precaution.