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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 401 reviews
- See all user reviews
Product summary
The good: Superthin and lightweight; good antiskip protection; excellent remote; FM radio.
The bad: No belt clip; display on remote may be hard for some to read.
The bottom line: This svelte MP3 CD features solid antiskip protection and handy extra features.
Specifications: Device type: CD / MP3 player with radio ; Flash memory installed: No ; Battery: 2 x Nickel metal hydride "chewing gum" battery Rechargeable Standard battery See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 01/24/2002
- Updated on: 12/04/2002
Slim and sturdy
The first thing that you'll notice about the aptly named SlimX iMP-350 is that it is indeed quite slim, with a completely metal top. A few buttons on the side of the unit control most functions, but don't let their scarcity fool you into thinking that the SlimX skimps on features. Each button is actually multifunctional: hold one down instead of pressing it quickly, and it performs an altogether different function.
The SlimX played every test CD we threw at it: audio CDs as well as data CDs filled with folders of MP3s, WMAs, and ASF files. We practically juggled the SlimX, but it never stuttered, thanks to eight minutes of antiskip protection. Serious joggers should probably go with a , but the SlimX would probably be up to athletic endeavors if only the included carrying case had a belt clip. The SlimX also lacks a display, but that didn't bother us. Why? Because the player comes with an excellent remote.
Stunning remote control
The remote won us over instantly, with its backlit graphical display, three multifunction jog dials, and sturdy clip. The small screen has all of the necessary information, helping you navigate through folders on your MP3 CDs and displaying a moving slider when you adjust volume. One jog dial controls volume, EQ, and programming FM presets; the second handles menu navigation, fast forward/rewind, and toggling between FM presets; a third switches between CD and radio and navigates +10 or -10 songs, a great option for dealing with 150-song MP3 CDs. Holding down the Menu button brings up a nifty tabbed interface that might be hard for the farsighted to read, but most people will appreciate the way it lets you choose from General, Display, Timer, Control, Mode, and User EQ in a hassle-free way. Interestingly, the General function offers users a choice of 35 languages--everything from Afrikaans to Ukranian.
As with some other portable audio devices, the SlimX sports an in-line remote, meaning that it's built into the headphone wire. But since the headphones plug into the remote, you can swap in a high-end pair if the unimpressive included ear buds don't do it for you.
Of course, if the SlimX didn't sound good, none of this would matter. Luckily, the audio is clear as a bell and cranks loud enough to rock even the hardiest ears, with punchy bass and crisp-as-MP3-gets highs. And an automatic Resume feature defaults to fading in the music right where you left off. We wish all CD-player manufacturers would include such a perk; after all, why wouldn't you want to start listening right where you left off?
The unit holds two included nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries that give you about 13 hours of life. To extend this to 23 hours, you can pop two AAs into the external battery pod.
This player's lack of a belt clip on its carrying case and the small font size on its remote's display are its only drawbacks, and they're fairly minor. And now that other, newer MP3 CD players are available, the SlimX's price has dropped to bargain levels, down from the original retail price of $200.
User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 401 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
