On August 26, CNET launched a substantial redesign of its Web sites. As part of the changes, we've altered the rating system to include numerals (1 through 10 with decimals) and a five-star system, with half stars. Nothing changed regarding how we test products or calculate their ratings. (Read more about this process below.) You can send feedback by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
- Reviewed by:
- Jasmine France
- Reviewed on:
- 02/05/08
- Updated on:
- 04/07/08
- Released on:
- 02/04/08
- Click here to see CNET editors' review for Slacker Portable Player (8GB/40 stations)
- Overall score:
- 6.0
Editors' rating: MP3 players
CNET Electronics editors rate portable MP3 players on a scale of 1 through 10. Any product achieving a score of 8 or better can be considered for an Editors' Choice award. To calculate the rating, different criteria are scored on a 10-point scale. These scores are averaged as detailed below. The overall value of a player, which is based on the original MSRP of the
device unless otherwise noted, is considered as it applies to the design, features, and performance, and plays a part in each of the subratings.
The rating criteria with the weightings by class are:
(33.3 percent of the total rating)
Since people carry portable devices everywhere they go, style is a big consideration in design when picking one out. But we also take a hard look at the player's durability, interface, size, weight, button layout, carrying options, firmware design, and display for this rating.
Features
(33.3 percent of the total rating)
Here we take into account connectivity and playback options, as well as the amount of onboard memory. We also consider voice or audio recording capabilities, radio functions, playlist creation, contact-list management, equalization, expandability, support for file types beyond MP3, included accessories, and other additional features.
Performance
(33.3 percent of the total rating)
This rating deals with how well the MP3 player performs, with a particular emphasis on sound quality, power output, file transfer speed, and battery life.
What the numbers mean
9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.
9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.
8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.
7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.
6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.
5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.
4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.
3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.
2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.
1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.
0 - 0.9 = 0 stars
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