RCA Pearl (1GB, blue)
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CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Jasmine France
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
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The good: The RCA Pearl offers surprisingly good sound quality and is very inexpensive. It also includes some useful extras, such as audiobook support and microSD card expansion slot, and there's a built-in USB interface.
The bad: The Pearl is a bit of a bear to use, and the bulbous battery compartment can make it take up more than one USB port. It also takes disposable batteries, which will need constant replacing. The headphone jack is awkwardly placed.
The bottom line: If you're looking for a better-sounding alternative to the Sansa Express, the RCA Pearl does the trick--but be prepared to deal with a funky user interface and disposable batteries.
Plug-in-style MP3 players--that is, those with the USB interface built right in--have been enjoying a bit of a renaissance lately, as evidenced by the recent release of the SanDisk Sansa Express. RCA has now joined the trend with the Pearl, one of three players in the company's new Gem Line. Like the Express, the Pearl is also aimed squarely at the budget-conscious, with 1GB and 2GB versions retailing for $39 and $48, respectively. The RCA offers decent sound quality, so it could give the SanDisk a run for its money--if not for the bulbous design, ... Expand full review
Plug-in-style MP3 players--that is, those with the USB interface built right in--have been enjoying a bit of a renaissance lately, as evidenced by the recent release of the SanDisk Sansa Express. RCA has now joined the trend with the Pearl, one of three players in the company's new Gem Line. Like the Express, the Pearl is also aimed squarely at the budget-conscious, with 1GB and 2GB versions retailing for $39 and $48, respectively. The RCA offers decent sound quality, so it could give the SanDisk a run for its money--if not for the bulbous design, funky menu structure, and disposable battery.
The RCA Pearl comes in three shiny color options, depending on capacity: the 1GB player in midnight blue, the 2GB in black, and a 512MB version (apparently not available in the U.S.) in light gray. Embedded into the front of the player is reflective face that's not quite as mirrorlike as that found on the Express. The design isn't ugly, but it won't be winning any fashion awards any time soon. The player measures 3 inches tall by 1 inch wide by 0.8 inch thick, making it reasonably compact but still thick around the middle. A bulbous battery compartment accounts for a quarter-inch of that thickness and takes away from its plug-and-play ease--you may need to free up more than one USB port to accommodate its girth. We'd have preferred a built-in battery. As it stands, the Pearl takes one AAA (included), which is rated for 15 hours.
Upon picking up the Pearl, you'll notice that its smooth feel makes it feel nice in the hand--and the battery compartment even provides a reasonable gripping platform. However, the headphone jack--located on the top right edge of the player--makes right-handed operation of the top controls awkward. It's especially difficult to activate the record button, which is located directly next to the jack. The menu key is to the left of that and is easier to press. There's also a power/hold switch on the top and a microSD card slot for memory expansion--always a nice touch. The bottom of the Pearl houses two rockers--one for track shuttling and one for volume--and a play/pause button. A cap conceals the USB interface is on the left side.
Hide ReviewSince 2003, Jasmine France has worked at CNET covering everything from scanners to keyboards to GPS devices to MP3 players. She currently cohosts the Crave podcast and spends the majority of her time testing headphones, music software, and mobile apps.
User Reviews
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Most recent user reviews
Showing 3 of 8 reviews
"1GB is not enough and hated not having a screen" By ann_rabbit
Pros: Like the built in USB instead of using a cord and had storage for documents
Cons: Runs on a standard battery, doesnt last long, very small buttons, too little a screen, not very tough, hard to use menu
Summary: Overall did not like this mp3 player, it worked as my very first player but i wanted better and moved on, i wanted more battery power, more space, video and picture capability, bigger screen, easier menu, bigger design so i dont loose it
"A mixed review of the product" By bkopicz3
Pros: Plug and Play
Good Price
Small as far a size
Cons: Uses Batteries like crazy
Small as far as GB
Menu is cheesy
Summary: Although there are bad reviews on this, I have had 0 problems with this, with the exception that it goes through batteries like crazy. I have had it for 2 years now.
This MP3 is a plug and play, and no programs are required, although there are optional programs to ... Expand full review
Where to Buy
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Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Digital Storage / Capacity: 1 GB
- Flash memory installed: 1 GB
- Digital player supported digital audio standards: MP3 WMA WAV
