Feature Comparison

06:00 - Wednesday 4 October 2000 by Patrick Schmid
Source: Tom's Hardware – Keywords: mobile, musicians

Feature Comparison

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Feature Jukebox Booster Rio 500
Weight incl. batteries 440 g 324 g 103 g
Batteries 4 AAA 2 AAA 1 AA
Size in mm 127 x 127 x 38 130 x 150 x 34 91 x 46 x 19
Buffer 8 MB DRAM 50 seconds N/a
S/N ratio >90 dB N/a >95 dB
Distortion Factor <0,1 % N/a <0,1 %
Max. Output 100 mW N/a 50 mW
Storage Medium 2.5" HDD CD,CD-R, CD-RW Smart Media
Included External power supply, Backphones, Software, leather holster External power supply, ear phones Ear phones, holster, software
Utilities IR remote control - -
Price ~ $500 $105 ~ $280

Conclusion

The Jukebox represents a new generation of MP3 players, which is neither using CDs nor expensive memory chips. Coming with a hard drive, its weight is quite high, reducing its mobility. The high price doesn't help as well. However, the Jukebox has an impressive storage capacity. From that point of view, it brings the benefits of a CD-changer to the mobile sound segment.

The Booster is suitable for outdoor activities, as its 50 seconds anti-shock memory should keep the music playing in most situations.

The only candidate that can be called a 100% mobile MP3 player is the Rio 500, as it does not have any mechanical component. You should even be able to use it for parachuting. If you don't mind the high price, you can take one hour of music with you almost everywhere.

Choosing a winner amongst those three would neither be fair nor helpful. Each has its specific benefits and flaws. It really depends on your own wishes and requirements. The Jukebox is like a big Cadillac, the Oneboss Booster could be seen as a Ford pickup and the Rio is something like a Lotus Elise.


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