CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 06/18/2002
Large, modern design
The ChromeX isn't nearly as thin as its pricier counterpart. In fact, at 5.4 by 5.8 by 1.2 inches, it's on the large side, but it does have a nice gray-and-black-matte finish and a smooth, round shape. We weren't thrilled that we could slightly jiggle the top of the unit from side to side, and we were disappointed that the battery door exhibits a similar flimsiness. But we should note that these small design flaws didn't cause any problems during our two-week evaluation period.
You get an in-line remote to handle all playback functions, but you'll have to take the ChromeX out of your bag to access more complicated features since the remote lacks its own LCD. As far as the interface goes, it's not quite as intuitive as it should be, even though the unit's display lists lots of song and settings information. We found ourselves wishing that there were a jog dial for navigating the menus, and we weren't crazy about the idea that many of the buttons have two functions depending on the length of time that they're pressed.
Manual is mandatory reading
After a bit of button experimentation and some studying of the manual, we found that it wasn't too difficult to locate songs by directory or playlist, set Shuffle/Repeat modes, change the EQ settings, and program new playlists on the fly. Holding down the Navi/Function button brings up the Settings menu, where you can make all sorts of tweaks, including choosing from 35 languages; activating Resume and Fade-In modes; and selecting among scores of other superfluous options that select users may find useful.
Like the SlimX, the ChromeX offers comprehensive disc and format compatibility, supporting different brands of data CD-Rs and CD-RWs that can be filled with MP3, WMA, and ASF files burned in the Joliet and the ISO 9660 formats. Future formats and file types will be supported through firmware upgrades. Continue reading
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