Before using the Neuros, you need to leave it plugged in to an electric outlet via an adapter for at least eight hours to enable it to run off of its NiMH batteries, which, in my opinion, beats the hell out of disposable batteries from both a practical and ecological standpoint.

To use the Neuros, you must first install the Neuros Synchronization Manager software and hardware drivers that are included on an 80mm disc. In my case, the CD burner/reader on the computer I intended to install the software the software on just didn't like the little CD. Not a huge problem, since the Sync Manager software is downloadable from the Digital Innovations website. After installing the Sync Manager software, it's time to plug in the Neuros unit via USB to have your computer see it and copy the drivers.

I had to get the drivers off the little CD by copying them onto a disc using another of the available computers here. No big deal. I still haven't taken the time to figure out why my CD player wouldn't read the cute little disc, since I rarely come across them. It might be a good idea for the software to be shipped on a standard 12 cm CD or for the drivers to be accessible from the website. Tweaky little problems like a lack of 80mm CD support tend to befuddle the uninitiated.

Software installation goes smoothly enough and after a reboot, it's time to connect the Neuros hardware via the USB cable. When you start the Neuros Syncronization Manager, you're prompted for various user preferences, as well as being encouraged to register. Currently, it's necessary to update the Neuros firmware, which requires a couple of clicks, as well as the Sync Manager software. It seems that improvements are being made constantly to this relatively new product, so making sure it runs at its best is not much of an irritation.

Software

The Neuros Sync Manager is the app you use to load music onto the Neuros player. You boot it up, use the file menu to have it locate music files on your computer, then transfer MP3 files and playlists from your computer to the Neuros player. The Sync Manager also supports playlists in .asx, .wpl, .m3u, b4s, and pls formats (note that Digital Innovations is now also offering beta firmware that provides Ogg Vorbis support). The software found all of my MP3 files and didn't have any trouble transferring the playlist I selected to the player, but oddly enough, the software isn't set up to rip or play music, so you'll need another app to perform those duties. This isn't really a huge downfall, just kind of a head scratcher. Many users aren't what you'd call "computer savvy" (unlike most of the readers here), and if those folks aren't aware that they'll need MusicMatch or some other means to play MP3s on their machine - and especially to create their own MP3s from CDs - they'll be a tad confused after purchasing the rather expensive "MP3 Audio Computer." Some kind of deal with which users get a demo version of ripping software or are directed where to download it is probably advisable, since the documentation seems to assume that everyone who buys the thing is already in the know about such stuff.