The Imation RipGO! and the Compaq PM-1 are radically different products, positioned to compete in different market segments.

We liked the flexibility of the RipGO! in that it is able to both read and write to the mini CDRs/ CDRWs. In addition to its uses with music, it was a plus that the unit can double as a data storage device. The RipGO! has a short battery life, clocking in at a little over three hours, which isn't what we would consider ideal for a portable music device. With its bulkier design and lack of easy mobility, we think the RipGO! is best for road warriors who perhaps wish to carry it in addition to their laptop computers. At eight ounces, it doesn't add that much weight, and it provides the flexibility to burn a large presentation on a mini CDR and listen to music on the plane. At a suggested retail price of $399, the price is a little steep, but there are applications for which the RipGO! will be just right.

The Compaq PM-1, on the other hand, is a portable music player that focuses on just that application. The PM-1 does lack support for the WMA, which is included with the RipGO!, but additional features, such as the headphone inline remote with display, make up for this omission. The PM-1's suggested retail price of $99 will not break the bank. We found the PM-1 to be more mobile and user-friendly than many of the other devices on the market today. The biggest "down"-side is that you have to burn your mini CDs on your computer's CD writer, but we didn't really see that as a negative in our testing. If you are looking for a low cost mobile solution with ample battery life, the PM-1 is an impressive package that will have a larger audience than the RipGO!

The bottom line on these products is, unless you need the features that the RipGO! has, save your money and go with the PM-1, which we think is probably a better value for most users. The RipGO! will still have its place among some road warriors, but most people will feel satisfied with what the PM-1 offers, especially for the affordable price of $99.